The Great South Run

The Great South Run Mini

Before the big day, the 5k, junior, and mini races were on. And my 2 little superstars nailed their first little race (more like a fun run really).

Xavier complained all the way to the start line that he did not want to run the race. We managed to convince him to pin his bib on. I was going to be his grown-up and David was Maya’s.

Then it was Go! Xavier went off, sprinting in full-gas Tom Cruise fashion (full arm swing and all). I had lost him! He was too fast and weaved through the crowd. I lost him for about two minutes. Then spotted him walking as he tired out, as expected. He was high-fiving a turtle and a bell. I called him and said Xavier Go! Off he went again. Maya’s friend’s dad was then behind and kept saying Go Xavie! And then another walk. At first, David and Maya were far behind us but eventually caught up due to the walking. Xavier then grabbed David’s hand and we swapped. I took Maya from half way to the end. All the while, Maya kept saying ‘Mummy, I haven’t stopped and I don’t have a stitch!’ And she carried on chatting whilst running. When we got to the last 200 metres marker, I said ‘Maya, there’s the Finish Line, go fast!’ And her little legs went double time.

Xavier’s erratic running on the first half, Maya’s nice and steady run on the second half.

Maya and I crossed the Finish Line together and Xavier with David crossed about 20 seconds later. They both finished their first race and we were so proud of them!

And of course… there was ice cream!

Plan A: Finish. Achieved.

After last year’s cancellation, the Great South Run is back in full force. The weather was just a little short of last year’s Storm Ashley. On the previous day, the weather report predicted 95% rain from 11 am to 6 pm, covering the whole duration of the race (how generous). On the day, 95% became 100% predicted. Spitting rain came when we got to the Start Line. Oh it will be alright if it was like this the whole time, we thought. Then what were spits turned into a garden hose watering us little seedlings (who have no soil for protection), thinking perhaps that we would grow more confidence and our pace would blossom with each mile. (Not for me). There was wind from the south but this was really just full-frontal when we turned on to a little bend between the 7th and 8th mile, towards the sea. Then it was not so bad once heading west as it was only blowing from the left, for the last 2 miles of the race.

Note: The extra skill I have learned since I started running is appreciating the weather report, paying close attention to wind speed and direction and how these elements will affect parts of my run. It really helps with mental preparation (no surprises).

Last year was the big year when almost 20 of us in the Oncology Department (+ some other halves) trained to run the Great South Run, but alas, cancelled by Storm Ashley. This year, half of us were still up for it. And this time, rain or shine, we were there. Some were running for the first time and some were running superstars.

During races, there are runners who would have Plan A (personal best), Plan B (baseline), and Plan C (just finish). On this day, my Plan A was to Finish, Plan B 1:45 (10:30 per mile pace), Plan C was PB (under 1:39). With only a single 8 mile run 2 weeks ago as my training, Plan C in the rain was not happening, EVER. Plan B was a fingers crossed if I made it to 7 mile holding a 10:30 pace (again, having almost no training). So Plan A was the most likely bet.

I started off with under 10 minute miles for the first 2 miles then about 10:27 for the next few then slowed down to about 11:00. Now just relying on stamina from a bygone era, pulling out old muscle fibres from any cobweb-laden cupboard, and zen-like thinking – mind over matter, be one with the rain. I crossed the Finish Line at 1:54:45, David was already waiting for me for 20 minutes, fully soaked. The rest of our team had great results. Some accomplished Personal Bests (David, consistent at 1:46 now managed a 1:45) whilst some of us (me) simply crossed the Finished Line with set expectations met.

The Great South Run (part of the Great Run enterprise) is so well-organised and so well set up in Southsea. Best 10-miler in the world. The route showcased the best things of the city… Old Portsmouth and its historic ships, the university, the street art, and of course, the seafront (which some cities dare I say would be envious of). Rain or shine, spectators lined the streets all throughout. The only stretch that was protected was the historic dockyard, but the Race Marshalls were there to cheer us on. There was music almost every mile and even a stretch where residents has set up club-like speakers blasting ‘I wanna dance with somebody’ by Whitney Houston. Our little waterfront city delivered a great race to over 25,000 runners this year (and every year). Til next year!