A record breaking squad of Musketeers exceeded their expectations and further enhanced the club’s growing reputation.
An amazing 13 runners completed the 13-mile route along the river and canal on a route which has a reputation for having the potential to yield fast times.
Most of us lived up that reputation and took up the challenge on perfect running conditions.
Personal bests were achieved by many and if they were not always career best, they were at least the fastest for many years for some veteran runners.
For those used to plodding round Plymouth, the course was relatively flat for the first half, with only gentle slopes set in picturesque landscape high above the meandering river. The second half was more or less flat along the canal water with only cyclists and other runners to tangle with.
For the first time I have known, there was no freezing head-wind when you cross an iron bridge some where on the final few miles, which can be more strength-sapping than you realise until you stop and wonder why you were not faster or why you are so tired.
Of particular note were Annette and Caroline on their first half marathons. Annette was rightly overjoyed at her time being under two hours one hour 57. Her and Michael and Ian ran in company and helped each other in true Musketeer style. Caroline came in at 2hours 22min which, I think, was better than she expected.
Rodney belied his years and finished in one hour 35 211th out of about 1,200 – pretty impressive. He has not achieved that for several years.
Neil continued his determined improvement with a storming 1h 38 in 272. Sharon S in 1h 49, Kev 1h 50, Sarah 1h 52, set a PB, and Ian’s first half was completed in a great 1h 57, Michael, 1h 57, achieved a brilliant PB, Louise 1h 58 – again everyone is very pleased and so is she with being under 2 hours, the last time was a few years ago! Mr King helped (I think) with his encouraging and selfless presence. Darren continues to improve with 1h 39, between training others.
There must be something in our tea on club night to account for the impressive performances. Or it could be the team spirit, positive thinking (thank you Chris) and training.
Long may it continue.
By Guy