Chippenham Harriers 83

Primrose Run 2005 Sunday 10 April - a race report by Peter Cusick

It was back in January that I persuaded Dave Stayt to join me in running a 10mile multi-terrain race in Kingsbridge, South Devon. There were various hurdles to overcome but the most difficult was keeping the name of the race a secret from Dave for fear that he would refuse to run in a race that featured the word "primrose". I had to agree that it did not exactly provoke the same reaction as a Terminator or a Grizzly.   There was one other factor that Dave and I agreed from the outset. We were going to cycle the round trip (approx 330miles) in 4 days.

We set off on Friday 8 April. Things went well and via the A359 (Bruton) and the A303/A30 (Honiton) we arrived in Exeter in the late afternoon. We averaged just over 15mph. We both had 2 full panniers except that Dave's were considerably fuller and heavier than mine. Must have been the tools, locks, maps etc.............We had a curry and some beers which seemed appropriate fuelling for the next day.  

Sat 9th - Dave had a great idea for the trip Exeter-Kingsbridge - let's take the coastal road. It was certainly scenic but it turned into a succession of descents into towns like Dawlish, Brixham and Dartmouth followed by very steep climbs coming out of the towns that seemed to go on for ever. The average speed of 12.4mph tells its own story. We had an Italian meal (what else?!) in preparation for the next day's run. The beer and wine perhaps a mistake.  

Sun 10th - The race was at 2pm so we had an easy morning reading the papers etc before wandering up to the Rugby club where the race was starting. We were vaguely bemused by the sight of the surrounding hills one of which they called the "sting in the tail"........sounds familiar.   The race was reasonably well attended. A couple of local clubs were using it as a club championship event and were well represented. The sun came out just before the race. We were clearly attracting attention in our harriers vests and of course we had to tell them we had cycled down which elicited various replies. Dave had a problem with his calf and said he was going to start cautiously. I actually believed him.  

The starter gave the instructions and off we went. I felt reasonably good and after about half a mile we starting going uphill. I was well within the top 10 when a familiar face appeared alongside. I was about to remind Dave about his cautious start when I decided my energy would be better spent getting up the hill in front of us. I was misdirected after about 5 miles which was slightly annoying. It was about this time that I realised I had started too quickly and I had to get my breathing back under control. I had not packed my hrm - a bad mistake. I slowed down and a couple of people went past me.   I was feeling increasingly dehydrated when at about 7 miles we hit a serious hill. Everyone started walking. I was about half way up the hill when I heard a terrible noise that caused immediate panic. It was a cough that I knew could only come from one person. I looked round and yes - there was Dave some 50 yds behind me. Ah. Houston we have a problem.   I struggled up the bank/wall/hill and most regrettably this was followed almost immediately by another "walking" hill. I struggled on. I heard another cough. I looked back and Dave was still behind me. We then had some descents. I ran as fast as I could through a field of oilseed and, of course, the primroses. I had a cramping pain in my calf which I thought might seize up at any point but somehow it held out. I even managed to pick up a place.  

In the final analysis I came 15th in 1.12.48. Dave came 19th in 1.14.05. 146 finished - over 20 people started but dropped out.  A tough race.   We then immediately set about cycling back to Exeter - some 60miles away. We had a limited amount of daylight so needed to push on. Unfortunately a combination of (surprise surprise) a very long steep hill coming out of Kingsbridge and post race dehydration meant that we had to revert to plan B which was to stop at Newton Abbott and then take 2 days to get home. We only managed 25miles cycling at 12mph although I managed to get to 40mph (what goes up must come down...........). A chinese meal with, of course, some wine and beer helped.  

Mon 11 April - to cut a long story short we decided during the morning that we could get home in one day. 112miles. Avge speed a respectable (in the circumstances) 14.8mph. Highlight was a hill close to Exeter where I managed 48mph. A tough day.   Overall a great trip and a great race. Anyone interested in a repeat performance next year..........................?        

Page updated May 14, 2005