Simply Malta

YTRRC Hit Malta

A few months back it was decided to run the Malta Marathon and the planning started. They did a Half Marathon as well so others could also come along that did not fancy the full. Team Malta was formed and Paul Meadows, Paul And Jane Allen, Lauren May Price, Fiona and Sean Gaffeny, Mike and Lynne Thumpstone and Guy Williams set off for Malta. A minibus was booked to take us to Gatwick but as we got to Longburton it became obvious that we needed a van just for Lauren's suitcase.

Most of the team went from Gatwick with Lynne and Mike going from Birmingham, those going from Gatwick went by BA and some hit the lounges to start carping up.

After the three hour flight we arrived at Malta and made our way to the Hotel. The plan was to get off to the Registration as soon as possible and then some food on the way back. At the registration we met a few other Brits and the queue for race numbers, what seemed like an easy job to hand out race numbers took ages but soon we had out numbers and Vodafone bag with the event T-Shirt and a small information booklet with how to register your number on Facebook so the photographs taken could be posted online live as you were running, a very good system that worked very well. Although some of the photographs will or would need serious Photoshopping unless you didn't have time to delete them before someone downloaded them but more on that later.

Just waiting for the kitty to get the beer

Having eaten and drunk some local wine it was back to the Hotel for an early night and to get ready for the next days activity. It was decided by Paul Allen that the Sightseeing Bus Tour was the way ahead to see the Island at its best. South or North was a  hard choice but North it was and as it was so hot it was up to the Top Deck. We even managed to talk Brain Mills to join us, something he might live to regret.

The Heat was getting too much at first

We set off and the Sun just seemed to disappear and lovely grey clouds appeared and the rain started, as true Brits we stayed top deck and weathered the storm as the rest of the people headed down stairs. Then the wind started and for some this was an issue with the hours spent with a heated brush before we left the Hotel.

The Tour took in all the lovely sites that Malta had to offer and for some this was just to much. The Go-Pro was in full swing as not to miss anything and will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray soon. 

By now the Tour was in full swing and the excitement for some was too much to bear so we decided to get off and get some food and a comfort break.

Jane sorting out the Loo's, no not in the redbox

Once fed and a few beers the excitement was clear to see while we were waiting to rejoin the Tour of the Island.

The people in the middle were confused.

 

For the second half of the trip the sites included some very interesting Road Works and some really old building sites that people from all over the world come to see.

The weather took a turn for the worse and as true Brits we held out and we all got a bit excited as we were the only ones left on the top deck.

The wildlife was worth waiting for as well.

The views were getting better and better.

By now we just wanted to get back with the last sighting of the Royal Couple heading down to the beach.

There was even the old weirdo stood in a field like you do in the rain in the middle of nowhere.

I think the last carpark was the final straw even though there was 5 lovely tents to look at, enough was enough we just wanted get us back to the Hotel the Sauna was calling.

Anyone wishing to do the Bus Tour can click on the link here.

Race day approached and this meant an early start for those doing the Marathon as we had to get a  coach to the start and the race started at 7:30. So we had a half hour walk in the dark to the bus stop. This point was also the Finish Line.

Once the coach arrived at the start we had over an hour to wait till the off so we made full use of the portaloos, the weather at this stage was not to bad with a slight breeze. The band started and soon we were on the start line waiting for the count down. Lauren was eying up the competition and any lady near her age group got the evil eyes.

At the Start waiting for the Gun to go off.

The route was a nice downhill at the start where it was easy to get a bit to quick but as professional runners we would not fall into this trap (yeah right). As the Gun went Paul Allen and Lauren sprinted off into the distance with Pete and I taking it nice and easy at 7:05 pace, Paul Meadows and Lynne did i the correct way and paced it down the hill. The weather was just about right for the run at the moment, not to hot, slight wind if you were going in the right direction but soon this would change. As we got into the 5-6 miles point Sean and Fiona were just getting out of bed for their bus ride to the start making sure they did to make too much noise as Jane was still asleep somewhere in the Hotel. 

The Half had around 4000 in it so was very congested at the start compared to the Full that had around 645. The Half took nearly the same route as the Full but we had a few twists and turns near the start before we started to head for the Finish. Pete and I were still going to fast for us and could see Lauren and Paul upfront and then decided to catch them up, I can't remember what mile we finally caught Lauren but I think it was around the 7 mile point. We decided to stay with her for a bit and we had three Green and White vests in a row running along the route.

The Lovely Route

Watches not working it says 7:20

I decided to crack on with a goal of getting a sub 3:20 for GFA to get into London and Lauren was after a 3:15 with Paul Allen trying to help her achieve this, Pete was after a win in his age Group and Paul Meadows just wanted to get round as he has been out injured for a while, Lynne training for her first Double with Sean was aiming for a sub 2 hour and Fiona was also after a BP and also training for London. So we all had goals to try and aim for.

For myself I thought the early fast miles would catch up with me and I would soon start slowing down and was waiting for Paul and Lauren to overtake me but some how I managed to keep going and stay around the 7:40 pace for the rest of the race and when I got to 3 hrs and 2 mins with 2 miles to go I knew I had it in the bag and just thought YES I have done it as I crossed the line.

Where is Jane with the Beer??

Once I crossed the line I made my way to a wall where I could see the the finish line and as soon as I sat down I saw Paul and Lauren come over the line, I was so pleased to see Lauren with Paul as this meant she had achieved yet another PB an outstanding run by Lauren and she nearly burst out laughing as she crossed the line.

One thing to note was the Rain that came down for about 10 minutes, it was a torrential downpour that you felt hitting your head with the wind blowing the rain right in your face. You went from being a bit hot to soaked all the way through, the really downside to this race that did slow you down.

Always carry Red Lippy in your Pocket 

Lauren and Paul joined me on the wall and then Jane appeared with the much needed beer.

Good running all round

Then it was Pete's turn to cross the line and although he might not be happy with his result he did a fantastic run and did manage to get 2nd in his age group. Well done dad.

Pete sprinting over the line

The it was Sean to come over the line next followed by Fiona, good running by both of them.

We then watched out for Paul and Lynne to come over the line, we were getting worried about Lynne as she had 26.2 miles of Paul and his Glasto stories. But they came over the line together full of smiles.

It's in Pilton

Field in a tent, smoking and drinking blar blar 

Yes I even saw Ed Sheeran there 

So we all finished and had a beer and then the stories of the Rain and the step by step of the race, but without any Red Lippy Lauren was not happy but after she was given the little red balloon she was soon smiling.

Nice Bling

Team Malta

After the race the choice was to walk the 30 minutes back to the Hotel or get a Taxi. We decided to walk to help the stiff legs but Lauren needed to get back to get her Lippy so the Taxi was used.

Then there is the only thing to do after a good day's racing and that is a shower, beer and food with several margaritas. The only choice was which one. 

We had a lovely meal and then made our way to the Prize giving where it got a bit confusing when the first lady in the half was actually a man according to the picture. We then stood through the results waiting for the Vet 65 result and when it finally came Pete was beaten by a Polish Plumber into second place. But still an outstanding result for Pete.

 

2nd Place Vet Mr Pete Jakeman

It was then time for home and to watch Lauren sprinting up the stairs to get to the VIP lounge, soon it was two Reds.

Then four.

It was a great weekend had by all and the company was also great, the results are now out and the Half Marathon can be seen here and the Full Marathon here. See the Facebook page for the next few trips, but Palma and Malaga are coming up in Oct and Dec.

Thanks to all that took part in this trip and look forward to the Sightseeing Tour of Lower Odcombe coming soon.