The Porthkerry 5 mile race. Just after my Cardiff Bay 5 mile race I decided to sign up for another one straight away. No idea why, it seemed like a good idea at the time.
The race is organised by Penarth and Dinas running club and located in Barry.
It wasn’t just me running, some of my fellow Pegasus did too.
Photo bombing by Les Croupier *tuts*
The run was on fields, tarmac, pathways and woodland hills… yes HILLS! 2 big b*stards!
My thoughts exactly!
I eventually got over the shock and the race begin. There were only about 250 of us altogether so my plan was to come in last and anything better than that would be a bonus.
The first hill…
It started just before the 1st mile marker and I was reassured that most people walk up it.
Fake running for the camera!
I’d had a big meal the night before the race (not my best decision!) and it was 50/50 whether it was going to stay down or not.
Says it all really!
Thankfully I didn’t need a pit stop. I finally got to the top of the 1st hill and was pleased that the next mile or 2 was either downhill or flat. Thank god!
Actually running
The next and final hill…
This was bigger… longer… more painful… horrendous
I’m with Wonder Woman… the woman talks sense!
After I’d finished arguing with myself, I walked my tired arse up the hill and could’ve cried when I got to the top.
Soooooo wanted to do this!
4 and 1/2 miles into the race I knew it would be over very, very soon… I just had to keep going. I came around a corner and saw the finish line… oh how I love you finish line!
My finish…
Nearly there!
It’s right here!
I DID IT!
I beat my goal and was something like 6th from last and completed the 5 miles in 56:36 which made me ridiculously happy as it was a hard, hard race.
My Strava activity summary… see, BIG hills!
Pegasus plus others group shot… we’re all still smiling!
I thought I would get really muddy as we’d had a few days of rain before the race but this was it
Oooooo hardly any mud!
The goodies…
My race goody was a bright yellow t-shit which is perfect for training in
But I had been under the impression that I was getting a t-shirt and a medal… I like a medal *glares at John* However my disappointment was short lived as the race entry fee was very cheap and the t-shirt is very good. I think John felt sorry for me and knocked this special medal up for me.
MY MEDAL!!
So to summarise my Porthkerry 5 mile race, it went something like this in my head…
I hate running
Why am I running?
I’m on bloody grass
WTF that’s a mountain not a hill
Thank god, flatness
Yay downhill!
Oh flat again, I could get used to this
OMG why grass again?!
I hate hate hate running!
A hill… you said a hill… that’s more like Everest!
Oh good flat but grass… bleurgh!
More flat
Why am I still running? There’s no-one else around… I could just walk! No, don’t walk… run!
But I hate running.. .this sucks!
Ooooo downhill again. John said left my body relax and my legs just go… this is fun!
More grass… why all the grass?!
Oh look there’s John
What? John just told me to sprint to the finish line!
How am I sprinting? I have no energy left.
OMG I’m so close to the finish line… I can see my Pegasus… must. run. faster.
YAY I FINISHED!!!
Ok breath…
Ooooooo t-shirt and water… feeling spoilt
Must walk over to my Pegasus posse… work legs, work!
After all the yays and hugs I was asked how the race was, this was my response…
I hated every second of it until I got to the end and then it was amazing and I want to do it again!!
Yup!
