Multitasking!
An early start for this one being picked up at 6.30 in the dark is not a favourite of mine but the company made it more bearable. Arriving at the car park we saw many other Bats parking and starting to “faff”. Then we walked to the inevitable toilet queue, meeting other Bats at the Media City centre.
The weather was cold, dull and windy(ideal race conditions), lots of discussions were had around how many layers to wear and what time everyone wanted to run, some like me would be happy to just get round.
Photos done, then time for the warm up with the other 2,200 runners.
After finding our various pacers we were walked to the start-line surrounded by lots of spectators and then we were off through the streets of Media City being towered over by the imposing lofty buildings.
As I steadied myself constantly trying to stay calm and not go too fast, I reached mile one when my watch beeped and then went black, completely dead, arrgh! So quickly reached for my phone and started recording Strava, multitasking at its best, not a step was missed! And another reason to not worry about my race time.
The route was reasonably flat ,2 laps, all on closed roads. The terrain similar to Crewe 10K, taking in the sights of the industrial area including gas works and sewerage works!
We passed ITV, BBC and Coronation Street twice. Salford Quays and The Lowry, were a more scenic part of the route. Many sections of the course were out and back, which can be demoralising at times but when you are a runner towards the 2nd half of the pack it’s a really good opportunity to see the more elite runners in action. You don’t usually get to see them actually running, so it was a great pastime to do while keeping my mind busy while pounding the streets, multitasking again.
One spectacular sight is seeing 6-8 bats coming towards you, all running in a group (or colony), looking really professional being led by our Captain, being able to offer support to them and them to us was a truly uplifting feeling.
There were plenty of drinks stations along the route with enthusiastic support at each, which certainly spurred you on to the end.
Another skill of multitasking was spotting the photographer before he saw you so you could prepare your smile in time for the race photo. The finish was where the crowds were, lots of noise and hype from the boisterous crowd willing you to the end, a speedy sprint finish always encouraged by the Bats who you could hear shouting from the other side of the Quay. A great design of medal presented at the end to all, along with water and treats.
After the race and everyone was over the line, good conversations and congratulations were had and individual rundowns of their races, it was still cold and so it was decided that a trip to McDonalds was called for but which one ……….?
Congratulations to all bats who ran especially those who rang the PB bell, there were quite a
few of you!
Sally Hallows