Last year, I enjoyed the Ridgeway Run so much I decided to do it again this year; it's the only time I've run a race more than once. Last year my time was 1 hr 18mins, or thereabouts. Position 118 out of 474 runners. This year I managed to beat that and came in at 1hr 17 mins which I was really pleased with.
The race itself was good humoured, well organised and had a fairly small, local feel which I really liked.
The route went from the edge of Tring along a lane, over a road to the edge of the Ashridge Estate. A mostly gentle climb took us past the golf club and eventually out to the Bridgewater monument which was probably the highest point. I remember smiling as I approached the monument as there was a bunch of young kids banging away on all kind of pots and pans - that was a lovely encouragement!
I was determined not to make the same mistake as I did last year. Towards the end of the race I figured I was getting fairly close to the finish line and then made a real dash for it - only to find the start line was NOT the finish line. The finish line (obvious when I thought about it) was back at the Cricket Club, maybe half a mile further on! It served me right, all those people I overtook as I made my dashed, then cruised pass me as I panted away. So, no, I didn't make the same mistake, especially as someone had thoughtfully put up a "One Mile to Go" sign.
After the race, no time to linger beyond getting my goody bag as Rachel and I were hosting a Sunday lunch at Church - so a quick drive home, shower and jog into Church - just in the nick of time. I really was on yet another Runners High and so I decided to wear the tee-shirt - a naff green with 10.10.10.10.10 printed on it, denoting the 10.10am start on the 10th of the 10th month, 2010. Nobody noticed or commented on it, shame I though but served me right!
I really liked the race overall, nice distance, beautiful scenery and fair weather. Perhaps one thing that sticks in my mind: as much as I feel pleased with myself, lets keep it in perspective. Don't gloat. Besides, there was a man, clearly older than myself who ran the last few miles either just in front or behind. He got across the finish line before me - and according to the results, he's in his 60s. Wow, that is impressive!
http://www.tringrunningclub.org.uk/ridgeway.html
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