Three Minutes Slower

After a good night’s sleep, my headache from the night before had gone and I was ready for today’s walk.

I got away early arriving at work before nine. I parked the car, checked that I had everything and walked the mile and a bit into Birmingham City Centre to catch the tram to Wolverhampton.

Originally, I had intended to go by train but there were a number of replacement bus services and I didn’t want to take the chance so opted for the rattler instead.

The first stretch was along the local canal just to get in the mood for a few hours of cut-side strolling later.

About a quarter of an hour later I arrived at the tram stop in Bull Street and to my surprise, someone I knew was sat there waiting.

I think that Andy got quite a surprise, sitting there minding his own business, when I announced my presence. “Off to Wolverhampton for a run?” I enquired.

This was to be Andy’s first participation in the Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon (BBCHM) so I told him of my experiences from last year.

The tram was even subject to some delay as a section of track was being replaced and they were running on only one track so we had to wait for the tram coming the other way before we could proceed.

As we were chatting, Andy was worried that he’s miss his allocated start time but as the event was going to be chip timed he could always start later.

I, on the other hand, wanted to start a bit earlier. I was down to start in wave J at 11:30 but managed to sneak into to a group that went off at 11:00.

Before my unofficial start, I sought out the bag drop to deposit some bits and pieces that I didn’t want to carry and hopefully we’d be reunited at the finish.

Whilst waiting, I also bumped into someone else (Ursula) that I knew from my days in Centurion Running Club.

As the eleven o’clock wave were called through, I mingled as nonchalantly as I could and was through – there were no checks.

We had the obligatory safety talk and were asked, politely, not to fall into the canal.

There were a couple of diversions – the first was the same as last year from the new up to the old main lines near Smethwick and then, with about a mile to go, we would not switch banks but would stay on the, easier, left hand side to finish near the LEGO centre.

After the safety talk, we were led, through a gate, onto the towpath. The Race Director pointed to a couple of blue mats across the towpath. “See those mats?” he asked, “That’s the start – see you later” and we were left to get on with it.

I was walking whereas all the others were running so I let them all go before starting myself.

I crossed the blue mats and heard a bleep meaning that my chip had been read. It also acted as a reminder to start my watch !

I soon settled into a rhythm as I made my way out of Wolverhampton passing the Wyrley & Essington canal after half a mile.

As it got a little less urban, the Bradley Arm was passed just after the three mile mark and the first water station.

The next feature was the three hundred and sixty metre long Coseley Tunnel emerging back into the sunlight in a deep cutting.

At around six miles, a marshal welcomed me to Tipton. “Bostin’!” I replied which caused a giggle.

Tipton and Dudley Port railway stations were passed before switching banks at the Netherton Tunnel branch.

A few years ago I completed a challenge walk called the Sandwell Six Towns which went through the two thousand, seven hundred and sixty eight metre long Netherton Tunnel.

As I crossed over the canal, I spied a small crowd so geed them up with a “Kev can’t hear you!” which had the desired effect. With the cheers still ringing in my ears, I continued with half of the distance covered.

The next time that I switched sides, I surprised the camera man and even though I stopped and struck a pose for him he couldn’t have had time to get ready as there’s no official photo of me at the bridge.

After crossing under the M5 ( for the first time) we came to the first diversion which involved a steep but short ascent to the Old Main Line. This was the line of the original canal but involved three locks at each end of this section before the New Main line was opened in 1827.

The higher route was also a bit muddier than the one we’d been diverted from and involved another short tunnel (Summit Tunnel).

At the ten mile mark (marked by a yellow card stating that “yo con see Brummagem from ‘ere, keep it gooin” we descended back to the original route.

At nearly twelve miles, one end of the Soho Loop was passed followed by the other three quarters of a mile later.

With just over half a mile to go, I experienced the only rain of the day and that didn’t really amount to much more than a bit of drizzle. Weatherwise, the conditions were almost perfect – overcast with the occasional sunny spell.

I was aware that my pace was slowing (slightly) and did my best to pull it back a little and crossed the line in 2:57:27 – three minutes slower than last year !

Just after the finishing line, I was presented with a bottle of water and my finisher’s medal. I was also informed that the goody bags and bag collection were at the nearby Malthouse pub.

I made my way to the, very busy, pub and joined a long queue for the bags. There were a number of runners in the queue with pints so I’m guessing the pub made a killing on Saturday!

Eventually, I was reunited with my stash, goody bag and very bright yellow race tee. I pulled on a pair of trousers and swapped my sweaty top for the race T-shirt before making my way back to the LEGO shop to fill my Pick a Brick Wall tub (see box).

With my cup full, I took a slow walk back to the car and on to home for a shower and a relaxing soak in the hot tub.

By the way, the goody bag held …

• Packet of Crisps
• Bottle of Water
• Stick of BBCHM Rock
• Refresher Chew
• Bag of sweeties