Monday 6 August 2018

The other 90 percent

Inspired by reading a part of Jonny Muir's book "The Mountains are Calling" where he describes the agonising choice between staying at home to care for a sick child, or depart for a race, I am writing this long overdue post.

What happened next, since my last post when I triumphantly declared myself back to racing, happy, working and loving parenthood? Well, more of the same really. End of post, go and have your tea/go to work/ get off the bus.

The point I actually wanted to make, is that for every photo like this

reunion with family after the Trail Marathon Wales - June 16th 2018

There are 5 like this
Sick child on sofa, winter 2017
And for every Jasmin Paris, there are hundreds of running Mums, Dads and carers who make choices every time they lace up their Mudclaws or throw their kit into a boot recently vacated by a buggy, wellies, nappies and small bikes. Or in my case I drive off to Snowdonia with the buggy still in the boot (sorry, Him Indoors!) 

I am lucky to count Jasmin a friend . Her talent is unique, her physical and mental capacity to race to such a high standard even whilst breastfeeding and tending to the usual night-time antics of a child under the age of 1, is a beacon of hope. Her humility and willigness to be open about her experiences is a boost to mums everywhere. But the mid-pack plodders experience will remain the same, and more power to us for sharing our stories and supporting one another in this big family we call fellrunning

So here is a quick, and probably incomplete list , of my racing or near-racing experiences of this years Spring/Summer season

  • Doctors Gate (start is 10 mins from home): Raced. Did OK and got a T Shirt for being Old 
  • Kinder Downfall: Didn't race due to Storming Cold suffered by Whole Family
  • Old County Tops: Didn't Race due to Minipixie having such a high fever 2 nights before, he had a seizure and had to go to hospital. There was no way I was going to a valley with no mobile coverage even if he had started to get better (he didn't!) 
  • Lantern Pike Dash (replacement for previous race and is also 10 mins from home): Raced and came second female. Nothing like a bit of disappointed rage to propel you up and down a steep climb rapidly. 
  • Trail Marathon Wales (enlisted grandparents as babysitters and formulated family holiday around it) : Raced and did OK
  • Friends Paddy Buckley Round attempt, supporting Leg 5: Had scorching day out in Wales and felt as though I had finally paid back into the Rounds Support account after a long hiatus. PS I am available for BGR duties, night time legs preferred as for some reason I am good at nights
  • All the Summer Evening Races: No Chance. When both parents work 5 days 9-5 these races are a practical impossibility.  *weeps* 
  • Holme Moss AL race Raced. DNF'd due to being generally exhausted and a bit poorly
Take what you want from that, but the theme seems to be 'stay close to home' and if not, plan up to the hilt. Be prepared for DNSs, DNFs and Disappointment. Don't forget to be grateful for every racing day out you get.