A weekend based at home always starts in the same way these days – by way of a sociable morning at Wythenshawe Park, which was glowing with autumn colours on this occasion.
A shower arrived shortly before the business end of the morning got going. To the right in the picture below, you might just be able to make out (click the image to make it larger or go to the parkrun photostream) old Oliver using Andy Holloway as his ventriloquist’s dummy in order to brief the first timers, whilst the rest of the 247 participants mill around before run director Charlotte delivers her ‘speech’.
I’m still ‘injured’ so as no marshals were required I ambled around near the back of the field, successfully knocking about twenty minutes off my previous week’s time. Here, the tail is wending its way past Oliver.
Over 200 runners stretch into the distance as we leave the soggy grass in favour of the puddled tarmac that’s a feature of the course at this time of year.
I enjoyed chats with Kate H and with Cary, and for the slower runners the sun came out before we reached the funnel, where Syd was on fine form directing shattered runners to collect their tokens.
Sue had finished long before me, urged on by 25 minute pacer Nick to yet another personal best time of 24.19. This is getting boring! Well done Sue!
Meanwhile, several people were taking it easy in preparation for the following day’s Chester Marathon. Well done to Ron Carter, who finished that in 5.14, about the same time as he managed for the Manchester Marathon earlier in the year. Well done also to Jackie C, who yet again broke the 4 hour barrier despite her advanced years, and to husband Frank who got very close to Jackie on this occasion.
Finally, and nothing to do with the rest of this posting, whilst wandering around Timperley recently I noticed this fine specimen of a Ford Mustang with a 1966 registration plate….
2 comments:
Great autumn colours. I like the low down take of the leaves - not so easy for mr to do at the moment. with my knees. Goodness knows how I will get back up from down when I get knee number two done. My assessment appointment with the surgeon is a week today.
The low sun at around 8.30 am at this time of year produces some nice images in the park. It makes for a great start to the weekend.
Good luck with your assessment appointment and I hope you get back into action soon. I may be up your way on Thursday if you're around....
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