This year was my first
Wimborne 10 as a ‘WACer’ ………. last year I was lucky enough to be at the
drink station at the finish with my husband, Mark!! I am of course being
slightly sarcastic as I am sure you all remember last year was a
dreadful day and we were both soaked to the skin along with everyone
else………. I was told that day that if I ‘volunteer’ my husband in my
place, I can run the race…..great! Wish I had known that before, so this
year this is what I did! Mark did in fact end up cycling the route as
the sweeper and he did enjoy this: he cycled from home first, via
Blandford and thereabouts, so that by the time he got home, he had
clocked up 40 miles.
Anyway, back to me. It was
a lovely morning and I drove to Pamphill with the roof down on my car
and thought what a change from last year. I delivered my two cakes up to
the tent where everything was in control and the cakes were being
labelled ready for the finish. I know that other clubs think that our
race is one of the best races due to the prospect of tea and cakes at
the finish! I understand that as the race has grown it does get to be
more daunting each year; however I hope we can continue this tradition.
I saw lots of people yesterday and spent most of the hour before the
start chatting and catching up! So much so that I nearly missed the
start and was told I’d better get a move on by a marshal …. or else!
I lined up with everyone
else and still jumped out of my skin when the gun went off. It does not
matter how much I prepare for it, it is so loud ….. and again a fab
tradition of the Wimborne 10.
So, off we went. I started
with one of my ‘running partners’ from Lytchett who fell over a dog on
Friday was so slightly bruised and not feeling too good! Yes, how do you
fall over a dog I hear you ask! Only Linda could do this……..we stayed
together for a couple of miles and then I pushed on as I did not want to
get left at the back with that sweeper….ha ha!!
The marshals were fab all
the way round, very supportive. Most of them did not have a clue who I
was I’m sure, however as I was wearing my Wimborne vest they gave me a
few kind words …… except someone at White Mill who encouraged the two
Bournemouth Joggers who were trying to get past me going uphill! You
will be pleased to know that I finished ahead of them after we all
climbed up the last hill together…….
I finished in around 1.44,
I never really worry about my time as I always try my best and have
never been a ‘hare’ ….. I just enjoy taking part, always have a few
words with other runners, take in the views and generally have fun! I do
keep an eye on my ‘competition’ and even at the back there are
individual efforts going on. I don’t like anyone to beat me if I know I
can normally finish before them.
Thanks to everyone for
making yesterday such a success. I even finished in time for a slice of
cake and the cup of tea was spot on after 10 miles! I genuinely think
that the Wimborne 10 is one of the best races in the running calendar,
well I would say that now I am a ‘WACer’, however, I thought that before
I became one so it must be true…….
Julie Gosling
