This weekend was the famous Broughton burn, and it sure did live up to its name. Not only did we feel the burn from the hills but also from the bright sunshine and tropical temperatures! Burn route is renowned for being tough and the weather added to the challenging route.
Team BR were out in full force with some extra special guests- the 5-10k group. The 5-10k training plan was a 10 week plan and included entry into Broughton Burn. We’d done long runs, hill training, intervals and fartlek. We’d done strength work and thought about what to eat before the race (overnight oats won the vote). We’d hydrated properly the night before (except Kathryn who of course had a gin…). We were good to go!
It was fabulous to see team BR as we all gathered on the field together, sharing our nerves, worries and excitement. There were lots of different goals from simply wanting to enjoy it, to wanting a personal best.
Before we knew it we were walking down to the start line. I almost felt a little sad as it was lovely having a catch up with everyone, however, it was time to get it done and let our training do the talking for us.
Everyone agreed that the first 3-4kms were great- mainly down hill and lots of support from the lovely people of Broughton. In fact I believe Emily even got a 5km pb! Well done! By the time we got to Broughton Bridge the sun was hotting up even more and as the course began to incline, it became a lot tougher.
I was very thankful for the water at the bridge and took a moment to drink it whilst walking across the bridge and down the pesky steps! The field was as challenging as ever, but it felt a lot better now Steve and Trev had trimmed all the nettles away-my legs were very thankful!
The slog up to the farm was as long as alway and although Matty described it as a “slight slope” I think we would all whole heartedly disagree with him! However, Matty redeemed himself by providing us with much needed water, and I hear he also had the pleasure of lobbing many cups of water over hot runners too (don’t pretend you didn’t enjoy that Matty!!!).
Poor Ann Wood was the Marshall encouraging us to “FEEL THE BURN!” at the bottom of “burn hill”. She swiftly got a V from me…sorry Ann…we love you really haha! I feel like I probably wasn’t the only one to give Ann such a friendly salute though.
Before we knew it we were approaching the finish line and Emma and Bex were loudly cheering us in with what seemed to be a whole child’s instrument set (tambourines, bells…you name it!). Lucky us were also treated to 2 hunks waiting topless at the finish line to encourage us on…
Of course Steve and his gang were there to shout us in and give us our well earned medals and T-shirts.
I spent some time cheering everyone over the line and it was lovely to see everyone smiling as they finished. The atmosphere at the end of the race was incredible and we all certainly deserved a well needed (35 pence!!!) ice pop.
It is without hesitation that I can say that each and everyone of the 5-10k group today did fantastically and I’m sure they must be incredibly proud of themselves. It has been an absolute pleasure meeting you all and I hope to run with you all again very soon. I’m not sure I’ve ever written a post on here that hasn’t been sentimental so I’m certainly not going to stop today! Pete, Lauren, Sam, Emily, Sarah and Sarah, congratulations…5-10k complete! Half marathon training next anyone????
And of course a huge well done to each and everyone in Team BR. Days like today remind me why Team BR is the best. We’re not the biggest running club but I can guarantee that we all know each others names, will cheer each other on no matter where we place and will share one another’s successes. Team Br aren’t just friends, we’re family! ❤️❤️❤️
Lastly I want to give a huge thank you to the man who makes it all happen. The man we love to hate, who pushes us to achieve our best and created our amazing running club….Steve ❤️
