SSAFA Saunter 10k at Holker Hall

Sunday 21st June was not an early start for a change! We left the house at a reasonable 9am and managed to hit two car boot sales before arriving at Holker Hall for 10.30am. We did this run last year and had the most epic picnic afterwards with the Walney Wind Cheetahs. This year they added on a children's run as well so the whole family could get involved. The weather had been looking iffy all week in the run up to the run and picnic so we were pleasantly surprised to find that it was only overcast and the rain stayed away!

The fun run was up first, 2km long, and the organisers kindly moved it to start half an hour before the main race which meant that parents were able to watch before heading off themselves. Andy ran with Sam and since the run was around the grounds of Holker and traffic free, we let William run independently. Both boys did really well, 2 laps round the course and then back to the finish for a medal and a goody bag! William of course finished before Sam did but ran back out to cheer his brother into the finish.

The main run started at 12pm and as usual, I set off too fast. My ankle was sore from running hard for a parkrun PB the day before and I could feel it through every foot fall. After 1km or so I was beginning to think that the 10k was a bad idea and that I'd have to walk the majority but after about 4-5km the ankle really loosened up and I was able run without pain. The route was last year's route in reverse, with a short section through woodland to finish. A few bits of gravelly path here and there, but mostly on paths. Was hoping to spot a dear here or there, but wasn't to be!

I managed to finish with a time of 1.05.01 which for me was quite reasonable, especially with the dodgy ankle! Got a lovely new medal to add to the collection and a goody bag too.

After the runners were all back we had a huge group picnic and we managed to eat a lot of cake as usual!