My first real life event since February

At the end on February 2020 I headed off to the Brecon Beacons with some friends to take part in a 26 mile trail run. Steve and I had won a soft top BMW for the weekend, we had a wonderful little cottage right on the beach at Ogmore-by-sea and had a fantastic weekend of running and eating. We were aware that a virus was starting to take hold across the world but it still seemed a distant threat.

On March the 23rd the country went into lockdown and life as we knew it changed. All events were cancelled and keeping motivated through these difficult times was tough. I signed up for various virtual events and set myself regular little challenges. As we've slowly stumbled our way out of lockdown things have started to return to a strange sort of normal. We wear masks to shop, we check in to places for track and trace, we avoid crowds, we nervously bob past people in the streets and heaven forbid if you cough whilst you're out. My clinic opened for business and I settled into a new routine.

The one thing missing though was running events. I've always been competitive and love the build up to an event. I like feeling the butterflies in your tummy, the nervous chatting beforehand and the feeling of accomplishment of finishing a tough event.

Thankfully my wait was over. On the 16th of August I took part in the Belper Rover. A 17 mile trail run through the country side of Belper. I did this last year and its a super little event. Small number of runners, butties at the end and a great team of marshals. I was a bit sceptical at first when they announced the event would be going ahead and I wasn't completely sure I felt ready to take part in an event. However they sent out really comprehensive details leading up to the event which put my mind at ease. There was a form to fill in that we had to print and take to the registration area, face masks had to be worn in this area and there were plenty of hand sanitizers.

We had to arrive alone or with our running buddy and once you had your race number you could walk to the start and then set off within the time window of your predicted finish time. It was strange setting off alone and I did feel a little unsettled as I am notorious for getting lost. The route was well signposted and it felt good to be running with a number on. There were 2 water stations which had bottled water only that you collected yourself if needed. As always the marshals were fantastic and a huge thank you goes to them for giving up their time to enable the event to go ahead. I'm sure its been a real headache for the race organisers to get all the COVID safety precautions in place. At the finish we picked up our own medals and buff then had to leave the finish area. Non of the club facilities were available so there was no chat, coffee, hugs, high fives. I did miss part as its one of the reasons I love running.

As we face the COVID future I fear restrictions are going to be in place for a long time to come. I am glad that events are starting to put safety measures in place that allow them to go ahead but for a long time things aren't going to be the same. There are some larger events scheduled for October but again, I am unsure how you can keep 1500 runners socially distanced. I have my eye on Thoresby 10, which is a fantastic event in a great location. If the measures in place reassure me that I'll be safe then I'll definitely be there. Its a fine line between being safe and not feeling over policed and The Belper Rover got this just right. So, here's to my first real life event since Feb 29th. Thank you Belper Rover team and definitely see you next year :-)