At the meet up today were Ray, Brian, John M and John P (see piccies at end).
We ran along Lower Rivington Reservoir and out at the prep school and then ran up past Yarrow and out onto the road, before dropping down to Anglezarke. By the time we had got to the road, the guys were already way in front of me and I urged them to run on ahead and not wait for me because I was flagging but they insisted that they didn't mind waiting for me.
We ran around Anglezarke, through the woods, coming out at Watermans Cottage.
At this point, a couple with a dog were waiting for me to come through the kissing gate before they could go through and I quietly said to them 'Help, I think they're trying to kill me'. They just laughed though and didn't take me seriously at all for some reason.
On the way through Anglezarke I had been having thoughts about telling the guys that I was going to head back at Watermans Cottage and loop round Healey Nab because I was so tired. I gave myself a good talking to though as I realised that staying with them, no matter how tired I was, was doing me good in the long run (no pun intended).
I carried on heading towards White Coppice and, again, I thought that once we got to White Coppice I might say that I was heading back. Again, I gave myself a talking to and, again, I carried on.
As we headed along to Brinscall, Ray left the group because his leg was playing up a little. I was so tempted to head back with him but I knew that I'd be annoyed with myself later if I didn't complete the run for no other reason than tiredness so I carried on.
I was so relieved when we reached the pond at Brinscall and I knew we were then turning round and heading back. John P was doing really well coaching me along and giving me all sorts of useful advice.
Soon enough we were back at White Coppice then back at Anglezarke. Why does the way back always seem much quicker than the way out?
When we eventually arrived back into Rivington, we bumped back into Ray! He was with Wayne who he is pairing with to do the duathlon next weekend and had taken him for a recce of the run route and I believe I'm right in saying that with Ray's coaching, Wayne actually got a PB today! Shame it was just in training but what great training!
A short while later, the beige mobile in all its glory was within my sights. I was truly knackered and it was a sight for sore eyes.
Thanks yet again for pushing me on guys, you'll make a fast(er) runner out of me yet!
L-R - Ray, me, Brian, John M
Photo taken by John Parker
L-R - John P, me, Brian, John M
Photo taken by Ray McGloin
Total distance - 11.7 miles
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