Race review: #26 Top Run

This was my first Phoenix running event. I had previously entered "years' end" back in December during the xmas holidays, but had been struck down with the lurgy at the time, so I had reluctantly decided not to race. Unfinished business though with the Thames Path.

I liked the look of this race as it was "Top Gun" themed after the movie, which I reckon was an 80s classic, and a favourite of both mine and Mel's.

It was a bit odd to be running on a Friday, but this was my "leaving present" to myself, having worked my last day in my job the previous day.  I now had the Friday off and the following week before starting the new job. I was a bit full of trepidation, as this was my first "double" weekend - the next day I had another marathon to run! I was a bit worried about how on earth I was going to cope.

I made the short drive up the M3 and across to Walton-On-Thames, finding the Elmbridge leisure centre which served as HQ. There was no problem at all with parking (which was free all day), and collecting my number was a total breeze.   I spotted Rik, the race director and also owner of Phoenix running and said hello. He was amusingly dressed in a full US airmans uniform, couldn't miss him!

Paul and Rik

Being in a leisure centre there was a nice cafe which served tea/coffee and breakfast, also plenty of loos etc and somewhere warm to wait for the start. I can imagine if it was cold or raining outside, this would have been a big bonus.

Nokia 3310 reunion ;-)

As I was whiling away the last few minutes and nervously trying not to think of my run coming up, I had a tap on the shoulder. It was my old boss from my Nokia days, John, and it was great to catch up with an old colleague and friend. Small world. 

About 15 mins before the "off" Rik gathered up the runners and gave us a short briefing (and handed out some awards for amazing folks who had done 52 runs in 52 weeks! Bravo!). 

The briefing was Top Gun themed, and very funny. We were told to "buzz the marshals tower" at the half way point, to "help ourselves to provisions from the aircraft carrier", and to ensure we were fully hydrated for the 42.2 clicks! The main point for me to take in was that I had 6 hours to complete 8 laps (full marathon distance). If I went too slow I'd get timed out. I'd still get a medal and an finisher official time, but it would not count towards my 100 goal. So, "the heat was on", and I was on "highway to the danger zone".  I certainly didn't want to "take my breath away". (Enough, enough, groan).

A few of my fellow runners were dressed in Top Gun themed outfits, including a chap wearing an officers dress shirt and cap (must have been sweltering) and a lady called Jo in a US airwomens outfit, must have been hot. I also spotted a "Goose" and a "Maverick" t-shirt. Good effort!

At the start I bumped into Emine who I had run the East Hanningfield and Punchbowl marathons with, we had a great catch up and it was lovely to see a familiar face. She was marshalling and it was lovely to know a friendly face was cheering me on.

Rik lead us over to the start line en-masse, this was a short walk to just outside just the Wier pub on the bank of the Thames. Here was the "aircraft carrier" of goodies, drinks, sweeties etc. There was also a tent which served as baggage drop, but I didn't need to use that. Bang on 9 o'clock Rik counted down the start and we were off!

Selfies with Dee

The route was great. It was 8 out-and-back loops, each just over 3.2 miles, along the Thames Path. This took you past a couple of pubs, a rowing club, underneath Walton bridge and then turned around where a lovely lady called Dee was marshalling us back. There was great views of the Thames, and always something different to see on each lap.

The wonderful Thames Path

So small, so painful

I churned out the first lap without any real problems, there was a slightly annoying bridge to climb up and down (twice!), I did wonder how much that was going to hurt later so I decided it was best to walk up it (any excuse). On getting back to the start, we were given a wrist-band (really a child's hair bobble) which could be used to prove how many laps we'd done. I needed 8 wrist bands to count for the full marathon.  The marshals helpfully held out the wrist bands for us ready to slip on our wrists, so it couldn't have been more easy really!

Becs and Emine

I also met Becs, who I'd been friends with for years on facebook and it was great to finally meet her in the flesh.  She was also marshalling with Emine. The aid station was excellent - jelly babies, jelly beans, fried eggs (sweets, not real fried eggs!), sausage rolls and unlimited freddos! As well as squash, water and water bottles. Perfect.

Dracula in the blood bank

I kept churning the laps out - each time I went past the chap in the dress shirt, we saluted each other which was fairly amusing. I also got lapped twice by John, who high-fived me on each lap. I chatted with lots of my fellow runners, which really helped pass the time.

Sir yes sir

I decided to dig deep and not to do any walking as an experiment, just to keep running. I passed the half way point (4 laps) in around 2 hours 30 mins, so I knew I had plenty of time to finish up. It was just a matter of keeping going. 

I managed to get to 6 laps, just over 20 miles before I had to call it a day. By now my legs were screaming in agony and I had no choice but to walk, as my pace had slowed. Darn it, should have run/walk as per usual. The bridge which was a mile out now felt like climbing Ben Nevis and I was being lapped and overtaken all the time. I didn't mind though as I was enjoying the run very much. The great thing about this race was although it was laps, I didn't get bored at all due to the changing terrain and scenery. The last lap was gruelling though, I was really tired and just wanted to stop. Also in the back of my mind was the thought of running another marathon on the following day, so I didn't want to overcook things.

This barge was called "Chuffed";-)

More accessories than Claire's

Finally I came through the trees for the final time, and the I knew the end was finally upon me. I managed a rather pathetic plod into the finish - I have never walked to a finish yet! Rik shook my hand and gave me my medal, as well as recording my time (no chip timing).

 I was given a bottle of water and invited to raid the aircraft carrier aid-station for the final time.  Job's a good 'un!  The medal was pretty awesome, and also serves as a fridge magnet.  I spent some time at the end chatting to Emine and Becs, also mandatory photos with Rik and Jo!

Kelly McGillis and Tom Cruise (aka Jo and Rik)

I'm already back for another Phoenix run here in November, looking forward to it.