I'd heard some good things about Phoenix running and the events they put on, so decided that I had better go and find out for myself if it was true. A cheeky Sunday marathon it was going to have to be, and, from the write up on their website, their next event looked like a good one, possibly one of the most unique events around, the Remembrance day marathon. This is billed as a marathon built around the 2 minutes silence (not a marathon that just happens to have a quiet bit in the middle) and I wasn't to be disappointed. The route follows the River Thames footpath, from Walton on Thames up to Molesly Lock and back again, with 4 loops for marathon distance and 2 for the sensible people who only opted for the 1/2. The Pre-race briefing covered the normal bits and bobs and explained that at 11:00 the marshal's would give a long blast on an air horn, followed by 3 short blasts at 11:02 and these 2 minutes would then be deducted from your time at the end of the race, although not a mandatory stop, it went without saying, that it would be pretty bad form to not show your respects. And so at 09:30 sharp, to the sound of a 1st world war whistle (that alone is enough to set the hairs on the back of your neck alight) we were off. There isn't much to say about the course, except it's quite narrow in parts, was full of big muddy puddles from the ongoing monsoon and is pretty much pancake flat, so we'll cut straight to the chase. 11:00 sharp and the sound of the air horn rang out loud and clear, followed seconds later by the retort from the cannon at Hampton Court palace being fired. I'd just passed Sunbury at this point and I don't know why, but something deep within, said I should turn and face the church visible on the far bank to pay my respects. The most striking thing though, was that from my position I could clearly see back along the route for quite a long way and every person, runner, cyclist, families out enjoying the Autumn sunshine, et al, was not only stood totally still, but had also subconsciously turned to face the church! The silence was as breathtaking as it always is, on this, the most special of days, but for me, on this occasion, made even more so by the way every person had turned, without heed, too face the same direction and every single person in my line of sight, rich man, poor man, Englishman, European, Man, Woman and Child had stopped what they were doing to pay their respects. Two minutes later and a further blast on the air horn and we were off again. One of the most wonderful things I've ever seen and something that's bringing tears to my eyes, just trying to put it into words! The other thing that stands out from today is that I've had the chance to see a part of the race I don't normally get to see. Somehow, I seem to be able to run quite well, so tend to be towards the middle to front of most runs, stuck in among the good club runners, where everyone knows what they are doing, can hold their own and has their own goals their focusing on. I never get to see the back end, I've gone home before most people are finishing, having done what I came to do, without looking back. Today was a bit different though, being 4 loops out and back, I got to see the people at the back, struggling along and fighting their own battles to get round. Now I don't want to diminish anyone's efforts, but if your ever going to spectate at a run, don't bother cheering the people at the front, save your energy for those at the back, they are the ones that really deserve your applause. When you've been lapped by the racing snakes and are reduced to walking, before you've even got 5 miles under your belt, you must know that your in for a tough day. To see those same racing snakes come past 3 more times, making it look effortless, whilst you struggle on must take real courage and determination. Yes, it hurts for everyone, but I've got to get through less than 4 hours of suffering on a good day. Today's cut off was 7 hours, that's double the time I had to work for and even then some people might not get in under that. To borrow a cycling term chapeau to them I say! There seems to be a different vibe further back too. The further you get towards the front the greater the sense of competition, every man's out for themselves and there's not much love lost if your in the wrong place at the wrong time. Don't get me wrong it's not a cut throat affair, but it's more of an individual effort, your not going to drag your direct competitor around the course. I'll hold a gate for you if your close enough, but I'm not going to let you shelter out of the wind behind me for 26 miles whilst I do all the graft and they come past at the line. It's all seems a bit slower and more pleasant further back though, friends out for a run together, supporting each other, words of encouragement for each other, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Maybe it's time I took a leaf out of my own book and slowed down a bit? There's not much else to report from this weekend, rain stopped play Saturday. Although the day dawned cold and clear and I managed a couple of hours on the Allotment cutting back the hedge in the morning in a effort to try and gain a bit more space for the fruit cage plan, it was back to tipping it down by lunchtime, so I braved up and scampered off home quick!
Christmas cake making took up the afternoon, although I've no idea what it will turn out like as we didn't have half to stuff and what we did have was out of date. Currents swapped for Raisins, Cinnamon that went out of date in 2010, shove it all in a big pan and stir it up. This is my sort of baking, none of that careful measuring or gently folding in egg whites, just a big spoon and a strong wrist. I guess we'll have to wait until Christmas to find out how it tastes, but once it's had a good dowsing with home made Blackberry Brandy I'm sure it will be fine.
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Paul PerrattOld enough to know better, young enough to still feel invincible, stupid enough to keep on trying the same thing again and again. Cyclist, Gardener, Runner, Hiker, Cook, Woodworker, Engineer, Jack of all trades and master of none, Anti social old git and all round miserable bugger. Archives
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