Nick Beer 10k- Llandudno Great Orme race

This morning with 400plus others i enjoyed all the wonderful facets of this race.

Seafront start and finish, wonderfully scenic route, refreshing breeze and spray off the see in the final 55m, a comemorative mug for finishers (a nice change from a t shirt) and of course the £4.99 gloves purchased from the Athletes feet stall before the race.
The views of the sea today were fantastic. White water, white foam and spray.
All caused by a wonderful North Wales coast blustery gale.

At least the horizontal driving rain i witnessed while waiting in B&Q before the race had stopped.

The race started on Llandudno prom, the same place as the twin piers start, but facing west. The route then takes an immediate steep incline on Marine drive, around the Orme. The steepness and running jogging uphill was not so bad . But the problem was the WIND! At times difficult to catch my breath, strong wind from the sea or straight into face, then once i got the hang of taking a gulp of air during the strogest gusts, the hardest was near the top- a very strong wind direct into face, difficult to stand up never mind run or walk. But i think my split time at 5k was 28minutes, very pleasing considering. The downhills just afterward were a bit sore in the thights - more stretching needed. Then trying to turn it on at 8k plus, with another small hill in town, then down onto the prom to finish.
Running is fun and addictive , why do so many people do it ?
finish in around 52 mins only 2 mins worse than the relatively flat twin piers- so much better for the spirit?

The official results have been posted
see the results at http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2005/nb05.htm
placed 266 overall in a time of 51:34 (30th male Vet45)