My 50k race at the friendliest pace
In the past eight years since I have been running multiple ultra marathon races, I have got to know loads of people around the world, many becoming good friends.
I have a big race coming up in Cambodia later this year so I managed to persuade my running friend Andy to join me for the North Chilterns 50k race, primarily as a training session for me.
Unfortunately, Andy got Covid and as he was still testing positive he did the right thing and didn’t come along, forfeiting his entry fee.
Still, I thought that I’d probably meet others I knew out of the 100+ taking part but looking down the entry list there were no names I recognised.
As I was waiting by the start line, two other runners independently came up to me and told me they had read my book, Dead Man Running, and how inspirational it was. They were both faster runners than me, but it gave me a sense of pride that my book had that effect on people who I didn’t know.
Last Sunday was a hot day and as I plodded along in the back half of the race, I got the chance to chat to many others who were of similar pace to me. One of the great things about my level of ultra running is that I run at a speed where I can still talk, so the miles (and hills) slipped by. We’d chat for a few minutes then drift apart as we sped up or slowed down.
By the last third of the race, however, it’s different because by then the people around you are probably going to stay that speed for the remainder. So a group of five of us ran within a few yards of each other to the finish, swapping life and running stories, distracting each other from our now aching feet and legs while keeping the pace up.
Crossing the finish line, while always a relief, reminds me of what can still be achieved even though I have terminal cancer. And it’s followed by handshakes all round with those who I ran with along the way.
I hope that when the opportunity comes to team up with others to help each other through a challenge, you grab the chance. It will make a positive difference for you and them and increase your mutual chance of success.
‘‘ I run at a speed where I can still talk, so the miles and hills slip by