Jan Younger Neyland 10k

8th May 2010

Race report by Karen Munn

I had not done a 10k run for at least 6 months so supposedly being a hardened triathlete (more an aged triathlete), thought I better show willing, have a go and represent the club.  Considering I’d get a point for getting round as its part of the Interclub Championships – and having an 11am start time did influence me somewhat!  I did however draw the line at cycling down from Haverfordwest like Richards T and B, Val, Ellie and Nicola.  I knew I was probably going to have to take some stick off them for being a bit of a wimp so highlighted the benefits of having a support vehicle and offered to take their kit down in the car – worked a treat.

The weather was good which is always a bonus and there was good representation from the Tri Club at the race which is great, as it does motivate being with others although all with varying abilities – the majority being in the younger, fitter and faster category.  The Harriers were hosting this Neyland event which has been re-named the Jan Younger 10k since the tragic death of Jan, one of their members in a motorbike accident.  I regularly ran in races with Jan and did think of her on the day.  Again the event was well organised and a very friendly affair, seeing lot of familiar faces.

The route starts off flat up the cycle path from Neyland marina for the first few K, but then there’s a nasty hill once you reach the road.  The first time I ran this race, I think it was in 2002, this hill took me by surprise and I remember walking up it feeling absolutely exhausted, thinking “why am I doing this? However I managed to get the better of the hill today and ran up it quite comfortably, mind you I did have Rowland behind me dressed in Lycra breathing down my neck, which I can assure you is a pretty good incentive to keep running.

After the initial downhill it’s a bit of a drag all the way through the village of Rosemarket until finally reaching the left turn back onto the cycle path.  This was a relief as I felt I was eventually going in the right direction.    Once picking up the cycle path it’s flat all the way and I managed to maintain a steady pace back to the marina.  At the finish in the car park just past the statue of Brunel, I was welcomed back and met with applause from the other club members, which always helps to ease the pain.  Once I’d recovered I felt elated with a sense of achievement and glad I’d done it.  This is not what I’m usually thinking and feeling the night before any race.  I’m usually thinking “why on earth am I doing this as I’d rather be tucking into a takeaway with a glass (or two) of wine, stay up late and watch a film?”.  However, would I be happy doing that? – well there’s always next weekend.

There was good representation from the club at this Interclub Championship race with Oliver Simon (36.39) coming 2nd in the Male Open just behind Robert Dyde (36.16) the overall winner.  Similarly Ellie was 2nd Female Open (41.51) against Kat Steed (41.04) who was first in Female Open category and overall female winner. 

David Langford had a brilliant race taking 2nd Male 50 (43.24) behind Paul Edwards (43.00).  Thanks to Nicola and others for all your support – no pressure Nic, we’ll let you off this year for sitting in the sun outside Neyland Café with a latte, but hope to see you representing the club at this event next year – points make prizes!

Results for Club members below