2007 Reports

Last updated: Thursday, 24 May, 2007

Grinding It Out On The Icknield Way

Event: Elan Print Icknield Way Half Marathon 2007
Time: 10:00am
Date: Saturday, 12 May 2007
Venue: Chinnor

It was a bright, early start to get over to Chinnor for this race on the Sunday morning having been coaxed into doing the race by Paul Jégou earlier in the week. This race takes place over a multi–terrain course switching between roads, woods, fields and tracks, not to mention the dastardly hill climb towards the end of each lap of this two–lap course! I only found out about this at the end of the first lap!

After registering at race HQ, getting changed and then going for a short warmup down the road and back I settled down to contemplate what I had let myself in for. “It’s just a half marathon, Dene. Nothing to worry about. Your best half marathon time is over multi–terrain course (Clarendon Way) so it should be a doddle.” That would have been fine if I had had any decent training behind me but that wasn’t the case this time. So I was standing at the start with a great deal of trepidation.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse that’s when the race starter’s microphone blared out to welcome everyone to the race and then hand over to the local vica/priest who proceeded to read out a sermon/blessing. I know the intentions were good but it felt more like the reading of the last rites at that moment to me! I don’t want to be mean–spirited but all I was thinking about at that point was “Please don’t embarass yourself out on the course, Dene!”

Shortly after the blessing and the final instructions to the runners had been given we were suddenly off. Not knowing which way we were supposed to be running I just settled in at the back and followed the crowd. Up the High Street we ran onto a narrow track leading the runners up to the Icknield Way footpath. At this point the runners became bunched and was difficult keep a straight course as runners weaved around negotiating puddles and mud instead of running right through them like we do in cross country.

It must have been at this point that I passed one our own, Gillian Cross, as I headr a shout from behind as Gillian called out a greeting which I returned before setting about getting the long rising slope to the Icknield Way footpath. When I reached the turn at the junction I thought “Great, that’s the climb out of the way!” Wrong! The route then followed the footpath through the woods on what can be best described as a distinctly undulating course, but at least we were in the shade as the sun had broken through and it was feeling distinctly warm.

After the woods we left the track and hit the roads which appeared to be staright as an arrow for miles – a bit tedious that bit but at least you could see where you were and guage whether you were gaining or losing ground. I must admit I do find it easier on the roads in some ways because I feel more confident on an even running surface. The thing is though I get much more satisfaction running off–road particularly in the mountains or over rugged terrain.

Once we had negotiated the long, straight road the runners turned left following a course winding its way along country lanes through the villages of Saunderton and Bledlow. We then got back onto tracks across the fields back towards Chinnor. In the distance I spotted runners ascending what can only be described as a distinctly sharp ascent back up to the Icknield Way footpath. “That looks pleasant”, I thought! By the time I reached the bottom of the climb it didn’t look quite so bad but I thought I’d take it steady all the same.

By the time I had reached top of the climb I realised it was going to be a long and very tiring day! At the top I swung right and was directed down a steep flight of steps cut into the slope in effect descending back down to where I had started from. “Terrific”, I thought! This was followed by a short run along a lane before turning out back across the fields to Chinnor and start. The only thing was that I had to do it all again – how I envied those who had chosen to do the 10 kilometre race as I passed the other side of their finishing funnel!

Now I won’t bore you with the details of the second circuit other than to say that it was a longer loop which included crossing a railway bridge and by which it was getting very hot out there. However, my real problems came at around the nine mile mark. This was when everything fell apart. Up until that point I was coping admirably it must be said but then the wheels fell of big time. Anyone who has run a marathon may well have experienced this sensation themselves.

Believe me, although I’ve run two full (marathons London and Abingdon) plus one forty–miler (Compton) – and I know that isn’t that many, Sheila! – I found this tough. I have experienced “the wall” on each occasion I’ve run a distance of marathon length or over, never on anything this short, but I did at Chinnor that Saturday! While Paul was no doubt putting his feet up wondering what all the fuss was about after his fine performance, I was practically on my knees crawling along with cramp in both legs for the final four and a bit miles! I know my form is not good and I am not training but I thought I could cope with doing a half marathon. Lesson learnt, Grasshopper!

One of the disconcerting things about this race is that it combines both a 10k and half marathon at the same time. This can lead to problems in terms of pacing as you will no doubt appreciate! Paul Jégou seemed to manage reasonably well in finishing in second place behind Trevor Hunter of Handy Cross who repeated his win of last year. Gillian Cross followed up her performances in half marathons earlier in the year with another strong run.

Afterwards, while chatting briefly to one of the race organisers on the way back to race headquarters, Paul Jégou described the course as more inclined towards road than off–road! In shape I was at the end of the race I was more inclined to look for a stretcher! It is amazing how quickly you forget the pain though. As I watched Paul step forward to claim his prize for second place and try to convince the organisers that he should get one of the 10k prizes as well, as he was second or third overall at the end of first lap, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

This was a very well–organised and marshalled event organised and run by a friendly group of people. Everyone was very welcoming and there were plenty of marshalls out on the course making sure people didn’t go astray as well as manning the drinks stations. A big thankyou goes to everyone concerned. This will be a race I will go back and do again – I know I can do better!

Dene Stringfellow