Sunday – 22nd January 2017
@10am
On Sunday 22nd January 2017, John and I did the Fred Hughes 10 miler in St. Albans. The weather conditions were very tough in the morning starting with -5oC. It was probably the coldest event I had ever taken part. I was having some breathing problems in the first few miles when I inhaled the freezing cold air. I think my asth
ma was flaring up. I found it difficult to catch my breath no matter how deep I tried to breathe. I was gasping for air. There were a couple of times I had to stop to sort out my breathing.
Then later when the sun came up and the air temperature raised, I could then breathe a lot easier. Before the race, my target was 1 and a half hour. I was a bit disappointed I only managed 1:38’12”. Although John doesn’t have any breathing problem, he was 7 minutes slower than last year finishing in 1:52’54”. He also found it quite challenging to run in freezing cold weather.
The harsh weather conditions were decided by the Mother Nature. There is nothing the organiser could do about it unless they are equipped with the full technology capability of geo-engineering to alter the weather on the race day. Rumour had it rockets were used during the 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony in China and the 2011 Royal Wedding here in London to disperse the clouds so as to ensure clear sky with no rain. With such a small event less than a thousand runners which only charges £16 per head, I don’t think the organiser could afford it!!! Other than that, they did a very good job in organising this event. I pay much respect to the Marshals who were out there in such freezing conditions directing runners. Don’t forget they didn’t get to move about as much as us runners!!!
We are doing the Hemel 12 miler this coming Sunday. If the weather is freezing cold again, I must remember to wear a neck warmer so that I can cover my mouth without inhaling the freezing cold air directly to my lungs.