Git Pit 5 - 10th October

I had been a bit nervous about racing at Gin Pit as I had heard about "the dreaded hill" which we had to run up 3 and a half times. It didn‟t sound particularly joyous neither did the thought of running laps enthral me but it was the last race of the Grand Prix and I wanted to give it a go.

In the early hours of Sunday morning I woke up feeling as if I was on the verge of having a heart attack. I had horrendous chest pains and heart burn (I think it was the McDonalds I had for my tea- Yes I know I should be eating pasta and this was my punishment!!!). The indigestion was horrendous and I was violently sick in the kitchen. Feeling sorry for my-self I went back to bed only to be gracing the toilet at frequent intervals throughout the night. My alarm went off about 7am and I really didn't want to race and this was con-firmed when I ran 5 meters out to my car and got the most horrendous stitch.

Anyway Sharen and I set off for the race, we got there early as we had heard there could be problems with parking. We got parked up and collected our numbers. At the registration desk the bloke couldn't find my number (this did seem like another omen that I wasn't meant to run today, illness, stitches and now no number, I should have gone home there and then) but alas he found it and off we went for a recce of the course to see if trainers or trail shoes were needed and to go and see "the dreaded hill."

The fun run was first and I know Kate and Isobel are going to write up this race but a huge well done to Isobel, Patrick, Nathan and Daniel for outstanding performances on a tough course.

The start of our race was part way up "the dreaded hill". There was a long downhill into the wooded area. The footing was quite good and it was nice running away from the roads. There was a small loop for the first lap (going up "the dreaded hill" again) and then two larger loops. The curse of Swinton running club struck again and it was a really warm day for the beginning of October. By the time I got to the three mile point on the last lap I really wanted to throw in the towel. I felt absolutely dreadful and the stitch was getting worse. Over the last half a mile I slowed down considerably and was overtaken by two ladies. The final slog up "the hill" was met with mixed feelings. I was pleased as I was near the end but I had completely ran out of steam and could feel myself starting to cry as I wanted to stop and walk. Carl Price was stood on the sideline shouting words of encour-agement which did spur me on. (thanks Carl).

There were some fantastic performances on the day. Lauren came in 1st L35. Ian Hartley ran it with his backpack on (if there had of been room I would have hid in the bag). Sharen had a terrific race with some people demanding she had drugs test!! It was great to see Ian, Claire and Lisa racing, all of them having a brilliant run. 21 Swinton runners turned up to compete!!! The team results were as follows: Men‟s A team- 6th, B Team- 13th C Team- 20, D Team- 25th. Ladies A team- 5th, B team 9th and C team 14th. Well done to every-one who took part.

Emma

Photograph Slideshow
Full results available on UK Results
Fun Run Results available on UK Results