SEAA XC Championships at Parliament Hills
(15K)

29th January 2011

A view from the back

Some weeks ago I responded to a call for volunteers to help make up a team for Parliament Hill Fields XC; and what a great day it turned out to be. At 15K on a hilly course with some very muddy sections, there was very little let up and the hill right at the start very nearly finished me off. However as it is three laps of the same course there was a chance for shouts of support from your fellow runners and for Simon Fawcett to give me an encouraging pat on the back, as he lapped me towards the end of his race!. If you have an aversion to being on level ground then this is a race for you. There was some great running from all the team on a very cold day but this is only part of the story. Being a Bedford Harriers' day out there was bucketloads of encouragement and banter, including the welcome support of Tony and Lesley Barnes. We found The Village Cafe in Gospel Oak that provided hot drinks for seven of us and food for three of us all for the princely sum of £13.40. Another enjoyable aspect of the day was taking part in an event with races for all age groups and witnessing firsthand the speed and determination of them all. Before next year I must work out how to tackle that first hill from cold. A brisk walk would be sensible, and would pay off in the end; but I will be there in a running vest so I probably won't.
 

So, now that all of you who meant to put your name down, and can see what a great time can be had on a picturesque course overlooking the City of London, make a note for January 2012.  SEE YOU THERE.

David Prior

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