Rothay Parkrun is slowly becoming my home event. I found myself back in Ambleside for a stag do but of course I had to get a quick run in. So, slightly hungover and with only a cup of tea in my belly I set out with Mark. The heavens were well and truly open for business, turning the roads into a torrent ankle deep. It was no surprise to see a row of parkrun ready runners stood in a line under the cover of the mighty oaks.
A respite in the rain during the brief allowed me to take of my waterproof. Despite my poor condition I wanted to go for an effort. A bit of ‘speed work’ was in order as it had been a while since I’d put pedal to the metal. The lead pack of six shot off. There was no point in trying to match their pace, I was just trying not to die. Although the Rothay route is twisty, it is very well sign posted. Well, the second turn was completely ignored by the lead pack. They blew on through like a taxi-driver at a recently turned red light, followed by my calling of its this way as I briefly took 1st place. I was then quickly overtaken by everyone and returned to 7th.
The first lap I was feeling alright. There was no desperate need for water like my previous visit, my shins felt good, and my stride was even. Unfortunately, I may have felt good, but it was by no means as fast as I thought, and each lap was a gradual decline. Rain hammered down seemingly at random and flashes lit the sky followed by a rolling boom through the valleys. It was all very atmospheric.
Through the final sprint I gained a few metres on the runner in front, but not enough, and finished in 8th place in 20:34.