Mow Cop Killer Mile win(*)
(* in the M50 category)
So.
On the Bad Boy running podcast they mentioned a 1 mile run called the "Killer Mile" running up Mow Cop in Staffordshire, a famous hill that hits a 25% incline in places.
They had been given a place, did anyone want to do it? Well, duh, obviously! That's my kind of thing!
The place was offered on the condition that there was some fancy dress element involved - details to be decided later. Hah. Costume? I can do costume...
As it turned out the podcast were as useless and disorganised, as always, and didn't actually come up with any suggestions, so I used my imagination... and went for... Caffeine Bandit.
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| Caffeine Bandit |
Only later did I actually figure out this event was happening on a Thursday evening, OK, that's a long way to go for just a mile race! So I came up with a plan, go up with Hugo, do the mile, head over into the Peak District, then we could spend the weekend running around, up the Pennine way etc, then head back to Surrey.
After driving up and locating the start it was a relief to see one or two other costumes milling about, albeit they were in the Fun Run category. I was in the "Elite" race. 😆 So I felt slightly self-conscious, being the only person left standing around in a superhero cape and mask. but. well. fuck it.
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| Noticeable lack of other costumes |
It was an absolutely charming event and superb atmosphere. I chatted to a handful of runners who were a
little bemused why some absolute doughnut was standing amongst them in
their club vests, in fancy dress, but I was determined to put in a
decent show.
I reckoned I could aim for a sub 10 minute up that hill in my current condition (and age).
Shortly after the 'fun run' wave set off we all moved along up to the start line and the race briefing was given.... including a possibly somewhat sarcastic shout out from the race director: "OK welcome, this is the elite wave, as you can tell by person in the cape and facemask" 🤣
The start is/was a little weird being just over a railway crossing, so every few minutes the barriers came down as an Intercity train blasted through.
After the sarcastic race briefing and brief intro, I was all ready
with 5 minutes to go... and so was just a trifle surprised when the race director finished talking,
shouted "go" and everyone started running since I hadn't had time to
start my watch. 🤦♂️
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| This isn't so bad |
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| Bit steep! |
Somewhat steep! Note the angle of the 'upright' telegraph pole! 😱
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| Not too shabby |
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| Summit! (after a short period of recovery.) |
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| Podium! |
