Waterside Coastal
The fourth time of running the event. I wasn't expecting much from it, Christmas stuff and lack of motivation has got in the way of training, so was only expecting to plod round, ignoring the time,
Set off in some light drizzle, but at least it wasn't too cold, the sea front along Southsea can be bitter!
Arriving a little later than normal and therefore had to park further away, still an early morning walk would be fine. Got to the packed HQ - entered via the way out (no signs) and joined the long queue for race number collection. Runners were also milling about and checking in there bags to the baggage area (which this event has never really go right) as they required you to provide your own label - it was in the pre-race instructions - but I've never done this for any other race.
Still race number in had I thought I'd get changed, a quick root about in the bag revealed the fact that my trainer were still sat in the boot of the car - crap. Decided there was just enough time to get back to the car, change, leave the bag in the car and make it to the start line. Rookie
So that is what I did - I did panic that the compression socks that I was using were a struggle to put on and took up valuable time, but once changed I had plenty of time to get to the Start line.
This year the start line had ben moved to avoid the boarded up Southsea Pier. The rest of the runners were also marched down to the start line from Race HQ by a piper.
Without any real announcement at 8:45 we started. Then the guy in front stopped on the line, so he could get a good shot with his GoPro - idiot. Happy for you filming but move out of the way first, or better still if the Start line shot is so important to you, start right at the back - numpty,
Lots of runners again this year and it is borderline whether it is too full, even on the promenade there is lots of street furniture and a did see a few people who just avoid running into things. Later when runners thinned out there course was single file for many sections with no hope of overtaking (or more accurately being overtaken)
A few speckles of rain and few sections of gusty wind but the weather was pretty good.so I was pleased to have chosen to run in long sleeved top and gillet - rather than full jacket as that makes me overheat a little.
Aid stations were regular and well stocked: water, gels, chocolate, jelly beans and my personal favourite dark chocolate Jaffa cakes. It being nearly Christmas the aid stations also had the occasional mulled wine too.
Lots of people also dressed up for the occasion: Santa, Mrs Santa, Snowman and a Christmas Present all made an appearance.
Last two miles were the usual slog, head down into the wind grind it out kinda running.
Goodie bag - cereal bar, peanut butter, Freddo chocolate.
As always good prep for Christmas - making room for Christmas cake and pudding
What I learnt:
When you pack your bag, leave it in the bag and don't leave it in the boot.
