I would like to say a huge “Thank you” to CRY and especially to Phil Houlton for his good wishes prior to me taking part in the Ludlow 10k and also for all his help and support with enabling me to represent CRY at the Ludlow Race.
This year, my 60th birthday year, I am taking part in six races – one for every 10 years of my life – in memory of all of those less fortunate than myself who haven’t had the privilege to reach 60 years of age. Ludlow 10k was to be my fourth 10k race.
I was very excited to be taking part in the Ludlow 10k race as it was a new race for this year and is also one of my favourite local towns. Representing CRY and wearing their vest made this an extra special race and was in memory of my sister in laws nephew who passed away with sudden adult death at a young age. As I am very familiar with Ludlow I was well aware that the race route would involve many steep hills and some cross country but was looking forward to the challenge. Unfortunately, during training, 3 weeks before the race I suffered a knee injury and had to rest and postpone my training schedule. Therefore, waiting at the start, I felt at a disadvantage and rather unprepared for the tough race ahead. The route started at the market place, in the middle of town, down the hill to the river, along the river for a short distance and then a very tough hilly section up through the woods and across a common, then continuing through a wooded up and down hill section eventually dropping back down a steep set of steps, called the Lactic Ladder, to the river. The run then followed the road around the base of the castle out of town and turning back up a steep hill back to the market. To complete the 10k it was to be twice around this route.
I started the race feeling ok and with a good pace downhill, across the river and then along the river. I still felt fairly strong up the first hill section and across the common. Another runner ran alongside me and as she had seen my vest asked me about the CRY charity. I was pleased she had noticed my vest and was happy to be able to promote CRY. Running down hill was rather nerve racking as many elite runners were racing past at high speed on very narrow sections. Luckily no one was injured. I reached the bridge and the river and was told by a Marshall to do the woods and common loop again. I was rather confused but as others were being told the same I continued to do the loop again. I thought they had changed the route to get the tough parts out the way early on in the race so they could clear that area. I felt pleased I was getting the tough parts out the way while I was still feeling ok and could then just concentrate on two loops of the town. I struggled on the up hill sections due to the heat and did have to resort to walking, something I have never had to do in all my previous 10k races but I was determined to keep going. I was glad to get back down to the river and continue around the route finally reaching the long steep hill back up into town. At this point there was a much needed water station which got me through to finish the first lap. I looked at my watch 7k, not 5k, but decided without the woods and common this should make 10k as it would be a shorter 2nd lap. I geared myself up for the last lap and ran down to the river and across the bridge. A marshall directed me and other runners toward the woods and common again for a 3rd time, something didn’t seem right but everyone was being told the same. I really struggled up hill and my motivation was at a low point. All the runners had now spread out and at one point through the woods I was running on my own and with no marshalls in sight. I had no mobile phone and suddenly felt vulnerable and apprehensive when dealing with the very steep, dusty, narrow sections in the woods. I slowed my pace to ensure I didn’t slip. At last I was back down at the river and running the final stretch back into town. The long steep hill back into town was a killer and I again had to walk, at the top of the hill an ambulance was dealing with one poor runner who had collapsed. I then knew I’d done the right thing in slowing to a walk when I was struggling. As I saw the finish line I put on a short spurt and raced to the finish…I’d done it. I looked at my watch…12k not 10.
An apology was announced that the marshalls had made a mistake by sending us three times through the woods. I can honestly say its the toughest run I’ve taken part in but proud I’ve completed it and proud to have worn the CRY vest. Will I do this race again next year? I think the answer has to be NO but what an experience!!!
Julie Applebey
