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Tail Runner = Trail Runner #DT40
DT40 trail marathon didn’t go to plan. It was a run of 2 parts.
My last race before this was the #UGB200 miler a month before recovery had gone well and my energy levels were starting to get back to normal, but not quite there yet when it comes to the climbing and any efforts on elevation, but I really wanted to do this race even though I am missing out on the ‘Slam’ medal as I had to miss the #DT30 race due to injury. It is not everyday you will do a marathon distance race and not get a medal.
Part 1: 8miles 10.2/mile 1243ft going well… twisted ankle.
The DT40 route is different to the other races, there is less technical trail running, but it has its own challenges, for me this year was the packed trail descents and areas of limestone paving that protrudes from the ground. I enjoyed the start of this race, it climbs steeply on the road, not anything like the DT20 and Fremington Edge but in it own way as tough…pacing is crucial.
I hesitated, slipped and twisted my left ankle.
There was around 50mins where I gave up then walked/hobbled back towards a CP to find it only the sweepers coming and I had to go the other way. I was pleasantly surprised how many other runners asked how I was and even stopped to check if I was ok, so thanks to everyone who asked how I was #3. I had taken off my number and screwed it up and stuffed it in my pocket… however the ‘Tail Runner’ David got me going again, chatting ,walking and talking. So by the time I got back to the point where I had stopped I got going again…back in the race. My number was pinned back on and watch switched back on.
I really didn’t want a DNF and wanted the T-shirt, I’ve had a DNF this year and just didn’t want another, I couldn’t be doing with those after race thoughts of having not finished. I thought of my friend at my running club Steve Rhodes (Hyde Park Harriers) battling through TDS a few weeks earlier and imagined what he would have told me… better get on with it. I was with the Tail runner and the course route markings were disappearing in front of my eyes, way at the back so I tentatively got slowly running again.