Woodstock 12 Report by Jacky Pinnock
Woodstock 12 (The Golden Loo Heist)
A lovely sunny September morning as we set off from Eynsham to Woodstock.
Kate had suggested cycling over but although our legs would have been warmed up for the race, the thought of cycling back after 3 laps of the “Hill” might have been too much for the journey back, so we took the easy option by car. Luckily for us as the original plan was to enter via Bladon Gate, but as we drove past it was taped off with Police Vehicles present, unbeknown to us it was the result of the “Golden Loo Heist”.
When we arrived a few hardy Eynsham runners were already warming up and getting in those extra miles in preparation for their various Marathon challenges later in the year, Kate and I had a short jog deciding to use the first lap as a warm up rather than set off too fast and then struggle on the next two laps.
Kate and I chatted our way round the first lap taking in the views and enjoying the lovely surroundings.
On the 2nd lap Kate had dropped back a little and I was feeling good so pushed on and overtook a few runners only to be caught by Simon Taylor (lead bike) and James Bolton finishing his race on the final stretch. It was quite interesting to see James finishing for a change, he certainly didn’t seem to be feeling the effects of 3 undulating laps but then he probably trains there all the time.
The third lap started well but by the time I reached the Combe Gate Hill I could feel my legs tiring. I guess it will be more Hill Training at Botley this winter for me.
There was good support from Eynsham spectators around the course and the Woodstock marshals which helped to keep me going.
We were rewarded with an Acorn (now planted in pot) and another fabulous Mythakulon T-Shirt for the collection (thanks Benedict).
It was another successful day for Eynsham Roadrunners with Kate Allred winning the ladies race, Robert Storey was 2nd Male 50 and Kate Williamson and I winning our respective age categories.
All round a very pleasant race.
