Sometimes it takes a fresh perspective, a different pair of eyes, to appreciate what you have and where you are. Last weekend we ran the Round Sheffield Run for #Sixty4Judy, 11 timed stages over 20 kilometres, taking in some of the city’s best trails and offering amazing views across the hills and down onto the city itself. Tom ran with our friend Dave, and I paired up with Paul. The sun shone as we gathered in Endcliffe Park amidst happy and excited runners and spectators. We didn’t have high expectations, given preparations variously interrupted by illness, injury and fatigue, but spirits were good and we were determined to enjoy this wonderful event.
We set off in a long line of runners and snaked through Bingham Park before heading upwards through Porter Valley. It’s a tough section heading towards Ringinglow, but the reward is a fantastic downhill stage through Limb Valley towards Whirlow. At times it feels like flying. We hit our first problem on the next stage through Ecclesall Woods as Paul tripped on a tree route – not an unusual occurence in this event – and executed a quite remarkable judo roll, which saved him from major injury. Shaken but not stirred we continued with caution by now having lost contact with Tom and Dave up ahead. The slow climb up through Abbeydale was followed by a speedy dash on tarmac only to be interupted by a further spectacular and painful fall, which resulted in Paul spilling blood from arms and leg. It was beginning to look like war.
How Paul continued I don’t know, as he set aside personal safety and bravely kept going. We’d slowed considerably by now and just hoped to finish. A long haul through Graves Park preceded a jog down through Meersbrook Park, which offered spectacular city-wide views to take our minds off the struggle, before a last arduous ascent along Brincliffe Edge took us back towards Endcliffe Park. A combination sprint and stagger got us to the finish line, a warm welcome from family and friends, and a very welcome beer.
Round Sheffield Run is a joyous event, particularly in the sunshine. I had friends visiting that weekend from Lisbon and they remarked on how beautiful the city was…such a green and friendly place. It really lifted my spirits to look out and see the world through their eyes for a moment. We are lucky to be alive.
Sixty 4 Judy 