‘Racing around Silverstone’
On the plus side, I was a) no longer a first-timer and b) turbo-charged with carbohydrates, having recently clued-up on optimal pre-race nutrition. On the minus side, my training plan was implemented both partially and late as a result of being sidelined for three months following surgery. The result? A hugely relieving one hour fifty minutes.
Relieving in two senses: firstly, that I made it to the end without (I think) doing any damage and, secondly, that my time was only four minutes slower than my first half marathon in September. On the second count, relief may not be the most accurate word for expressing my dominant emotion. In all honesty, happiness or satisfaction is nearer to the mark. My sporting career has, fortunately, been relatively injury free and three months out of action (my longest period to date) induced intense boredom, desperation to do exercise and a fear that my long built-up fitness would slowly ebb away with every ‘bum-on-seat’ day that passed. Therefore, to be released onto the magnificent and imposing Silverstone race track, propelled by a gale-force wind and visions of race cars, was simply terrific. Combine that with a time which disproved my fears about a lengthy return to fitness and I was Lewis Hamilton winning here en route to the Championship in 2008.
As for my experience during the race, it was akin to the recent history of The British Grand Prix: full of ups and downs. I started off with pace and confidence in an attempt to sock one to my inner worries: those were the pre 1990s days when Silverstone was one of the fastest tracks in the F1 calendar. Then, after an uneventful few miles from 3 to 6, I had the Donnington Park stage. When it was announced that the British Grand Prix would be moving to Donnington Park for 10 years from 2010, Silverstone must have had the jitters. Would it be able to continue, should it admit defeat, could it regain its glory? It would, did not and can: now it has a contract to host the Grand Prix for 17 years from 2010. As the fatigue set in, my pace slowed and I doubted my ability to achieve a good time, I thought of Silverstone triumphing in adversity and keeping the faith when the going got tough. It worked. Like a race car, I re-fuelled with Lucozade, Shell for runners, and turned on the acceleration. Late braking around Woodcote and Copse, high throttle up the Farm Straight and I was on cruise control. Sprint finish? You bet. Lap of honour? You must be joking. Free massage: priceless.
In terms of the event itself, the circuit was lined with spectators who were no doubt able to
follow this race more easily than the races to which Silverstone usually plays host. The sounds of droning engines were replaced by the sounds of ‘You can do it!’, ‘Go Joe Bloggs’ and ‘Run like the wind’ as YMCA and the like blared out of the speakers. (In case you were wondering, I was tempted, but making shapes isn’t the best for aero-dynamicity.) It was a superb venue for a half marathon: practical and inspiring. I would love to return, hopefully fitter, faster and better-oiled. For now, I am reflecting on a day which went as well, if not better, than I could have anticipated. Two challenges down, bring on the London Triathlon.
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