I hadn't been running much (okay, at all) in the run-up to this. The running club party followed by a dose of something that made me want to throw up the main reasons. Even today I do not feel great. The other great issue is what footwear. In the end I decide to go with my recently adjusted trail shoes.I start off well. On the climb there is a muddy puddle. I have shoes and waterproof socks. I plough through it soaking those around me. It soon becomes apparent the shoes choice was a good one. It's not to muddy, but muddy enough to appreciate the extra grip.
The first lap I keep it steady. Most of the way I am battling with a teeny, tinny female running. I pass her on the hills, she passes me on the downhills. I take a few risks on the downhills and by being more fleet-of-foot than some other runners I pass them all for no extra effort.
The other day I noticed that when I run, my left leg seems to be coming along for the ride. For the want of nothing better to think about, I concentrate on running with my left leg. This seems to work. Perhaps something to work on.
As I approach the final couple of hills, I spot Steve B. I gradually start to catch him. I hope he doesn't spot me and maybe I can sprint him at the finish. On the hill he stops. I pass him and he tells me his Calf has gone. The last two hills also kill off the strong female runner. I push down the hill.
In the final straight, I see Martin. He says
"Come on Andy"
then a few seconds later
"Come on Steve"
I then know he is there. I dare not turn and look and start running like my life depends on it.
He doesn't catch me.
I nicely paced the race and didn't blow. So I am slightly disappointed by the time. 2 years a go I had run it 1:49 faster. Compared to other years, didn't get any where near Charlie. Maybe it was the illness but it felt like I was running well so surprised
5.8 Miles 45:49
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