No Rest for the Wicked 2013
Having missed our Annual trip to the Isle of Man in 2012 to compete in the No Rest for the Wicked running series, I was very excited about this year's event and I'd decided to compete in the half marathon series instead of the marathon as in previous years. It was great to see familiar faces and a record number of entrants for both the full and half marathon.
Race 1 - The Half Marathon (starts and finishes in Ramsey)
It's a tough course with a couple of nasty hills to negotiate. I was really focused on the start line determined to finally beat my half PB. I set off at a good pace for me and made sure I didn't burn out before the first climb. Four miles in I felt strong reaching the top of the short steep hill, I had a gel and water then pushed on. The course then turned left into a strong headwind heading for Andreas (which was all flat now). Knowing that I only had one lap this year was helping me to stay focussed. I increased my pace and never looked back.
Half way in I realised I was overtaking and not being overtaken which spurred me on further. I found a new energy and never let myself slip into comfort mode. Nine miles in and another left turn onto Jurby Road I was on the home straight now heading back to Ramsey. This road seems to go on forever but I was still on target and the thought of the cream cakes at the finish kept me going. I knew the last half mile was downhill so gave it my absolute all and turned into the rugby stadium where big cheers awaited.
I crossed the line with a big smile and setting a new PB of 1:44:05 - yay! Jim unfortunately wasn't there to cheer me in as he was off doing some crazy bike ride. My girls were there to greet me with a quick "Well done mum, lets have a look in your goody bag?' (this consisted of T-shirt, drinks bottle, gels, flapjack, chocolate brownie, juice and banana). The buffet at the finish is amazing with an array of sandwiches, sausage rolls, quiches, homemade cakes and fruit. It's a great race with lovely scenery and excellent value for money at £20.
Race 2 - Peel Hill
This is an out and back sprint just shy of four miles with an ascent of Peel Hill at 700ft. We started at the far end of the prom with an amazing rainbow behind us and the sea spray splashing over onto the footpath. It's a really beautiful setting. Jim was running with his sister in law for moral support who very bravely had chosen this race as her first ever race.
Once again I set off out of my comfort zone and was surrounded already familiar faces from the half marathon. The series is determined by accumulative time over the six days so literally ever second counts. It's a tough climb to the trig and a long run in to the finish but I held it together clocking 31:33 another PB by over 2.5 mins and was surprised to find I'd won a trophy for first visiting female!
Race 3 - Ramsey 10km
This one hurts! Three laps of an undulating course with a strong head wind to boot. I didn't expect much tonight but Jim said he'd run with me if I wanted and shout out my splits if I fancied going for a PB. This really helped, he kept me focused and the mile splits were great. I came home in 46:16 tired but very happy with my new PB. Back to the rugby club for beer and buffet. Champion!
Race 4 - Colden Killer Mile
This is a new addition to the series, one mile straight up through a plantation on a firetrack finishing at the top. We set off in 30 second intervals. As I'd pre-entered I was fourth away at 7:01:30 and reached the top shattered 11m 29s later. I waited at the top for Jim, who'd almost missed his start time of 7:33pm whilst the midgets feasted on me. As it turned out the car was a tad too warm and comfy. He woke up at 7:27 managed to dash up the road just in time to hear the 30 second count down for number 67. From deep sleep to 180 bpms in 6 minutes! He did great though coming 15th overall.
Race 5 - Foxdale 6
This is a fast course with the first two miles on a steady downhill. With all the racing from the previous days this two miles of descent really shreds your legs. You turn at the Eairy crossroads sharp right and straight into a long steep hill. We set off in heavy rain and it persisted all the way round. Jim was my pacemaker again and was encouraging all the way to keep me focused and cross the line in 43:43 another PB. Straight to the pub for a well earned beer and buffet. And surprisingly I'd won another trophy for 1st Lady Vet. Woohoo!
Race 6 - Peel Heritage Trail 7
Finally the last race of the week. A beautiful but tough run on old railway line from Peel to St John's, it then follows the coastal path back to Peel with a short road section in the middle. By this time I knew I was third lady in the half marathon series, but after enjoying PBs all week I didn't want to 'just get round'. I was tired and my legs were heavy but Jim helped me to stay strong and I was pleased to finish in 54:10, yet another PB. The week was rounded off with yet more beer and buffet with the final presentation. I received another trophy for best visitor and promised the organisers we'd to try talk some TACs across next year.
It's a unique event, the only series in the UK that offers you six races in six days. The races are very well organised and run over a wide variety of terrain. Runners from across are made to feel very welcome and the final race on the Friday is bitter-swee: great because Saturday you can leave your trainers in the porch, but on the other hand it's sad because its the end of a really tough but rewarding series. Roll on 2014 NRfrW!
Oh and that bit about leaving trainers in the porch was never gonna happen. The Isle of Man is a beautiful place to run we managed to squeeze in another 30 miles and 11,000 feet of Manx Mountains before sailing home to finish off a fantastic couple of weeks.
