Bermuda Front Street Mile 2010

Well back in Bermuda for a race that has been good to me over the years and that I really like. This year was no exception and certainly had the makings of a classic. The times may not ever be super fast but that is the course, it is very tricky with two tight turns and you have to gauge your effort, throw in island weather and a uneven road surface and it becomes really interesting. The thing I like about coming here apart from the people, who are so friendly and hospitable, is that as a runner you feel appreciated. That's not to say you don't get it other places if you perform, but here they make you feel that what you do is special and you are respected for it. This year was even more so because both myself and James Thie have won this prestigious event two times, nobody in the history has won it three. The papers were saying that immortality beckons and even the customs people at the airport knew who I was when I landed. I may not be the best, I may not be the fastest, but here, although a small race in a small island, it's special to be part of. Lets not forget that some great runners have come through here before including a win for Steve Cram back in 1991!

Anyway, as it happens both James and I were beaten by the better guy on the night. Shadrick Biwot from Kenya took the race by the scruff of the neck at half way and never relinquished the lead. I was ambling at the back as normal waiting for the second u-turn before I made my move. As we approached the turn Shadrick had all but gone and taken a couple of other athletes with him. I managed to bridge the gap by going much earlier than I would normally do, but that meant when I passed James into second spot with about 300 to go I was already at top speed. I seemed to close in on the leader but with about 100 to go, we were both maxed out and the gap of about 10 metres or so didn't change. Fair play to him as he went on to win the 10k the following day in around 29.20 and then the half the day after that in 66. Very impressive, given we don't get out of doping till about midnight and the 10k is brutal with all the hills. He clearly was in awesome shape and good luck to him.

For my part, I was obviously disappointed not to win, but another solid performance here and 5 seconds quicker than my winning time from last year.

Immortality shall just have to wait till next year!