Sharon the beginners’ and improvers’ guru escorted Julie Rhodes while Tracy also joined in the Seaton Valley 5 miles.
There had been worry the weather would hamper us because bad weather was forecast, but although it was wet and muddy on the five miler, this was no problem.
Sharon’s disciple Julie enjoyed her race and although she went off like a scalded cat was obedient enough to slow down under her coach’s wing and finished 35th out of 47. The muddy path along the river was picturesque, but did make it harder work than expected. So Julie not only has her first race under belt but also her first multi-terrain race.
Sharon’s aim was to allow her charges race experience, but within a training regime, ie take part in a race environment without the pressure and stress of competition that many of us feel sometimes holds us back in races. I know Sharon herself treats races like a training run in a mind game to avoid the pressure – and it does work, seeing her results!
Coming in just one second in front of the scalded cat was Tracy – not sure if she is a beginner or an improver.
Meanwhile, Chris Andrews and his two dogs Bill and Ben and I did the on-road ten miles. The honorary four-legged members had far more energy than the whole of the Musketeers combined and had to be allowed a run on Seaton beach while Chris rested his weary legs.
Speaking from my experience the ten miles is a tough course with little on the flat, but is scenic and enjoyable in an area of SE Cornwall little explored.
The race is well organised and the results were on the internet the same day – courtesy of Colin Bunting’s (Tamar Trotters) guest help. The café also provided free drinks before the race.
I would recommend it for anyone fancying their first off-road race – not too far and not too tough.
By Guy Boswell