Ploddy Hell

Burnham-on-Sea Harriers organise 3 races and all are in the Somerset Series. Wednesday, 17th July was the date of the first, The Pawlett Plod. Kev Clements was race director and he arranged a cracking display of vintage cars to compliment the race which was a fabulous addition.

Road trip: no Gobby PomPompadour due to work commitments, our genial driving host was the smiling Georgina Hainsby accompanied with guests Sarah Smith, Tanya Boobyer, Harold Petheram and myself. The chat was witty as you would expect from such a diverse group during the short journey to Pawlett. We were too late for the car park so had to park in an opposite field. The grass was so long it took us 15 minutes to find Sarah once she stepped out of the car. Oodles of Harriers were taking part, in fact too many to assemble for the obligatory team snapshot due to warm ups and thetoilet queue. Lively ‘youngster’ type music was being played over the p.a and Lauren Summers and myself enjoyed a pre race warm up by virtue of dancing.

The race started after some 10 minutes stroll from the Pawlett Pavilion H.Q. Ready, steady, go and off we plodded. The first half kilometre was severely downhill and we were happy now but we had to climb back up after 9.5 k ish. We then turned off onto the fields that would guide us around the River Perrott and back to the road and finish. The path is flat, as it’s flood plain, and the grazing cows looked bemused at sporting prowess. I was desperately trying to keep up with young superstar, Billie Jo Hopley. Fat chance. I could see Dave Darling further ahead, even fatter chance. That was the major problem/anxiety, back markers can see well in front of themselves along the riverside.

Kelly Sherriff caught up with me and we chatted but after about 2 miles I felt a sharp pain in the left side of my chest (don’t tell Sue). I didn’t want to slow Hells Kells down so I insisted she speed along while I die a lonely death and roll into the river. She said no and would gallantly nurse me through my final moments on this mortal coil. Gradually I started to feel better but with no real pace but Nurse Kelly stayed with me. We started the climb back to H.Q and caught up with fellow Harrier but in disguise, Lewis Perry. He was WALKING. I offered encouragement and he took off like a gazelle being chased by two hungry Harrier cheetahs, one with possible heart attack or stitch. How dare he after our support? Kelly and myself crossed the line together and were glad to receive reviving Rich’s cider as a finishing memento.

The Harriers put in some great performances especially Harold, Billie Jo, Phil Strang and Dave Darling but everyone achieved. Georgie Hainsby was still smiling and my efforts of impersonating Gobby failed miserably. Well done to everyone for organising a great event and I’m assured every participant appreciated it as I did.