Basel 10k

Looking out at the snow I can appreciate how lucky we have been with the weather regards racing these last few weeks.  Basel on Saturday was good conditions.  About 13 degrees with only a slight wind. 

I mentioned last week about how well organised some races are compared to races in the UK.  This was no exception.  They kindly put me up in the Hilton for after the race and so we headed over Saturday morning.  The races here tend to have the same format.  The town centre is closed all day and they run age group and various different races all day.  In total around 9000 competed this weekend, with the Elite race being last to go at 8.20pm.  The good thing is that there was only about 50 in the field so it is pretty easy to have a hassle free run.  Everybody hangs around and the place was buzzing.  There were a good few thousand people out watching and the atmosphere was cracking.  The race itself was over 4 and a bit laps which although included downhill sections, it meant also we had 4 long drag climbs back up to the start of the loop.  The race started ok for me and through the first lap the whole group was tightly packed before at the start of the second loop some of the Africans put in a surge which split the field.  That was ok for me as I found myself in a group of about 5 guys that I have raced against the last two weekends.  On both occasions I was comfortable at the pace we were going until about 7 k when I was able to find a second wind and push on.  In Bulle last week I was able to take about 20 seconds out of these guys over the last 2k.  This time was different.  As we got to about 7k I started to get a stitch and was really struggling for breath.  At the same time a training partner who I have beat the last two weeks was pushing the pace on.  I was now at the back of this pack and doing all I could just to hold on.  Pulling out crossed my mind but I tried to convince myself that if I could hold on I might be able to out kick them on the downhill to the finish.  This is pretty much what happened and with about 400 to go I was able to come away and finish in 13th place in 29.56.  One of my training partners just behind in 29.57.  

Before the race I told myself that I would be happy with sub 30 at this time of year.  My pb (29.45) is from a race in the spring having done 4 weeks altitude training.  So to go sub 30 in November for me is a real step up in general fitness terms.  However I left feeling disappointed with myself.  I have no idea if I could have run any quicker had I not got the stitch but I know I was really uncomfortable for the last 3k.  A guy I beat last week by about 15 seconds came in one place in front in 29.51 so I am sure I am in shape to run mid 29 minutes.  Not sure if I will get another chance this side of Christmas, not with the snow falling, but I am pleased with my progress.

After the race they had a full on banquet at the hotel and I would argue you will not find a better post race meal anywhere in Europe.  It really feels as an athlete you are respected and looked after.  Controversial I know, but back home in the UK (unless you have the right coach or move in the right circles) it feels the athletes are there to serve the administration and fuel the egos of those who work within the federation!!

Sp8y