Newport Bay 10k - May 2008

Race Report by Karen Corcoran

Newport 10K was held on Saturday 3rd May as part of the 4 day Newport Bay Spring Festival.  I thought it was about time I dug out my racing trainers, since I have entered a couple of triathlons in 2008 and needed some sort of benchmark to work from – basically wondering if I could make it round.  Having done Newport 10K a couple of years ago I vaguely remembered it was a multi terrain course set in a beautiful location with a really relaxed family atmosphere. Terry, Ellie and myself were running with support provided by Dave A and Emily.  The weather was warm but with a strong wind – which, as usual was against us rather than providing that much needed assistance.  There were 50 competitors of a high standard. 

The race started a short way from the Parrog and after a few hundred yards we started the long climb out of Newport.  The gradient was not particularly steep but was a continuous climb which felt like a couple of miles – my lack of training becoming evident after about 10 minutes of climbing, which wasn’t helped by Terry providing his usual running commentary such as “Oh this hill goes on forever” and “I feel terrible!”.  

After the long climb the course levelled off before the decent through the golf course.  The view was spectacular – however I was in such discomfort at that point that I could not enjoy it to the full. I told myself that I would come back following the race to really appreciate the scenery and also wondered why I felt so dreadful at that particular point – I didn’t recall feeling so dreadful the previous time I had done the course and I couldn’t blame it on the age thing as Rowland was alongside me and Terry just behind.

The course took us through the beach car park and then over the sand dunes.  At this point there was no-one in sight ahead as they had all pulled ahead into the distance. My thoughts began to become distracted and forget this was a race, as I found myself thinking of ice cream and other things associated with the beach - that’s what happens – obviously not a real triathlete – shouldn’t be allowed to train with them really.

Oh sorry – distracted again!  Where were we?  Oh yes, on the sand dunes and onto the beach.  Soft sand and into the wind – no not wind, gales or was it a hurricane!  I was running but not moving, my legs felt like jelly and I was sinking into the sand.  I could see the marshall with the bright yellow vest and although I was running in that direction the sand and wind was sapping my strength.  Rowland Sherwood overtook me at this point and shouted something – but I couldn’t hear due to the wind.  I think it was something like “how does my bum look in this lycra or words to that effect?”

I eventually made it off the sand and back onto the path leading to the road to the finish.  Terry passed me just after this point as my lack of run training was becoming even more apparent, obviously Terry was feeling much more positive than I was at this point, with his distance training paying off and more importantly he could see the Finish line looming.   Ellie had a fantastic race and probably had time to shower and change by the time I finished, crossing the line almost 10 minutes earlier!  She was sufficiently considerate to hand around long enough to encourage us over the line – even though she did look very cold by the time I came in.  I must train more I told myself yet again.  All in all I would recommend this race to everyone for next year.  It is a testing but interesting course in a spectacular setting with a wonderful friendly atmosphere. Special thanks to Ian Hipkins for all his hard work in organising the event.

Results:

Ellie 2nd female in 9th position overall with a time of 42.53

Terry 28th position with a time of 51.32

Karen 33rd position with a time of 52.00