National Cross Country Relays

It's not often I go for 9 and a half weeks without having raced so I was well and truly up for this race. I was told by my coach to ease down so I could get a true indication of fitness and also more importantly come away from the race with some confidence. I Went into the race not really knowing what to expect from myself. Having only done 2 sessions, the first was tough and the second was a lot better so I knew I could run fairly decent and at least warrant a spot in the Tipton A team and hopefully be competitive. 

I was asked to run last leg with Nicholls handing onto me. I took over on my 5k leg in 8th position with the medal positions going off around 30 seconds in front of me. I knew I had a massive task on my hands if I was to get in the mix. Before the race my plan was to take the first lap steady then push on for the 2nd lap just to make sure I didn't blow up and die a slow death! This went out the window when I set off with Wicks 2 seconds behind me and I heard someone shout at him he had to attack the first lap. I was now running to make sure he didn't get on my shoulder!

I just got my head down and worked hard round the woods hoping that I'd eventually end up making up the 20second gap Ben Lindsey and Tom Russell started with on me. After I completed the first lap they were only a few seconds ahead and once I got on their shoulders I took a breather for half a minute or so then moved by. Tom followed me and tracked me all the way through the woods and up the hill as we came out. It was now I realised how close the running order was. I was in 5th, Tom was on my shoulder and 4th, 3rd and 2nd were all lined up within 100m ahead of me. The lads in front were all quality athletes though and it would take something special for me to make up that ground over the last half mile as I was absolutely wreaked at this point. 

As we made the turn at the top of the hill Tom went flying off, I attempted to follow and the hope of catching Weir of Derby. This was going to be a right nightmare as Tom was unleashing what was considered the 'sprint finish of the day' and Weir, well, he is just renowned for his specialist finish and as the saying goes, 'you have to fear the Weir'. I certainly did, I didn't get rid of him in the run in towards the finish and as we hit the sharp uphill before the line he got his gap on me which turned out to be enough for Derby to nick 5th place and I had to settle for 6th.

In the end it was so so close from silver to 6th. Bedford ran very well to be clear by 20+ seconds, congratulations to them. Then it went Blackheath on 1hour 1 and 35 seconds, Bristol 1.01:37 seconds, Morpeth 1.01:39 seconds, Derby 1.01:42 seconds and my team Tipton 1.01:44 seconds.

TIme wise individually I ran 15:01.5 which put me 7th fastest on the day out of everyone. Mike Skinner was clear quickest with 14:47, then it was very tight with Overall 14:58, Goose, Stevenson Mccormick and Draper all between 14:58 and 15:01 so it was pretty tight at the front!

Obviously I was very disappointed I couldn't have ran 10 seconds quicker then we could have been on the podium but I guess I just wasn't fit enough for that, maybe next time we'll have our chance. I just want to say a huge well done to the lads in the team, we all gave it 100% on the day, I know one of the lads was very disappointed with his run, he needs to remember how good of an athlete he really is, how much everyone loves his unseasonal tan, and realise everyone has bad days!

All in all I am delighted with how my first race went, I was shocked when I seen the time as I finished so the only thing I can put it down to is aqua jogging. It works!!! So for those who doubt it I'd say it's good enough evidence to show it gets you very fit. Now i'm going to go to the track and work on my sprint finish so I don't fear the Weir as much next time I race.