James Osborn writes about winning the Greener Miles Running Cowshed backyard ultra:
I am very happy I entered the Greener Miles Running cowshed backyard ultra and not the Suffolk one! My little jog out seems a bit insignificant in comparison. But, a week on and recovering well. I wasn’t sure at the time but I think I can now say that it was enjoyable (type 2) and I am already looking forward to doing another one.
I was a bit nervous at the beginning. Wasn’t like any start I had ever been in – no elbows out and just shuffled over the line. Stayed mid-pack for most of the duration, only led the last two laps. This is a bit different for me – my usual mode is to go off like a rocket and then cling on. Almost every lap was between 46 and 48 minutes, only a couple of exceptions at the beginning due to traffic and at the end when I was speeding up to get a bit more time at base. I did ping my knee on Saturday evening so had to manage that for the rest of the event, apart from that energy levels were good and no other problems. 29 yards and not out. Looking forward to seeing how far I can go next time!
Thanks to everyone for their support: All the runners for being a great and friendly bunch of athletes, I look forward to running with many of them again, a special mention to Paul Brunger for pushing on, even if he did lie to me! To the organisers for putting on a great event, even if the course was a bit challenging! And to all the supporters – especially my big sister Emma Benson who stayed up all night to keep my energy and motivation up. I award the Greener Miles Running cowshed backyard ultra 5* – see you next year!
