Windmill Wizz and a bit
Posted in RunningThe second in the Valley Striders fell champs was the now infamous Windmill Wizz. Usually a 10km multi-terrain race starting and finishing at Ogden Waters, between Halifax and Haworth. This time the race was going to be considerably longer for a fair few participants.
I set off at a fair pace and tried to get into a rhythm across the moorland section with the thought of pushing on as soon as I hit the road. This tactic was working well as I pushed on into a fairly stiff breeze. I was trying to keep up with another Valley runner and had him in sight (albeit with good eyesight and clear visibility) in the hope that I could pull a bit back later on in the race. As soon as we hit the road section, we followed the race leaders and the markers off to the right and up a steep road section. Up an up we were going for about 3/4 of a mile, all of a sudden people started slowing and scratching heads, shrugging shoulders and then the realisation that there wasn’t any more markers to show the way.
At some point between the organiser putting all the flags out and the runners setting off, some joker thought it would be a great idea to move the flags as the road turning. Unfortunately myself and a fair few others had ran a long way and on turning back many other runners seeing the mistake also turned heels and headed back. This then meant the leading groups were now virtually at the back of the race.
So off we went some at an astonishing pace to try and catch up. Me, well I was more resigned to a bad time and just enjoyed the run, taking in the scenery and a cheery hi as I pass loads of people on the run to the finish.
I have to admit it was good to be passing people right through the second half of the race, instead of hanging on for dear life to keep position. Was also nice to not be stressing about position or the person bearing down on me from behind.This is something I must remember for some future runs as this usually only happens in LDWA events where I run carefree.
Loads of runners stayed for the prize giving, a lighthearted affair with the prizes going to the ones first across the line (as it should be) despite the markers being moved.
Everyone was in good spirits and it was all accepted as just one of those things. I wonder if the same would have happened in a city 10km race? No-one chases a PB in these types of races and people are out there for the enjoyment of the hills and running as opposed to times and pace. This showed at Windmill Wizz.
As always, huge thanks to the organisers and the marshalls.
Final result 59th out of 122.
March 27th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
glad it all ended in smiles despite someones hilarious joke!
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Well said my man, I think I would have to stop if I wasn’t doing it for the enjoyment, the thing I love so much about fell races is that they can vary so much as well, a road race can’t change that much only weather !