Derwentwater 10 miler

The Derwentwater 10 mile race is a race I have done several times now.  Not because I like racing 10 miles because if so I would fine a flatter course, but because it starts and finishes in the best town I have been to.  Keswick!  I like going to the Lake District and it's not a million miles away.  Just a 2 hour drive up the M6 and you are there.  Plus the M6 has the best service station ever in Tebay Services!  

The race starts in the town centre near the Moat House and finishes at Keswick High School.  It runs round the Derwentwater Lake.  The first five miles are ok, a little undulating along the Barrowdale Road but nothing major.  Then at five miles you are heading down the other side of the lake and along the road under Cat Bells.  Lets say it's steep in places and slows the pace down.  Or that's what I am saying anyway!  On arrival at the race I spotted a lean and mean looking African runner.  They kind of stand out in Keswick but was pleasing to see.  Especially when his mate asked me what time I was going for and would I being him to the course record.  Maybe on another year I might be able to but not this year, I am only just starting full training again after Berlin.  I told them that they would need to get out quick in order to attack the CR.  I ran within 15 seconds of the CR a few years ago but not been near it since.  

Sunday was a perfect day for the record to go.  Cool, still and dry.  Yared Hagos of Bradford Airedale set of with intent of running fast.  We hit the first mile in about 4.40 minutes and then Yared took off!!!!  He was sure intent of running within the CR.  That was the last I saw of him and I ran around in second taking in the views.  I don't get to the Lakes as much I used to when I was free and single.  So if I get the opportunity to visit the lakes I make the most of it.  Yared did break the CR (just) which was very impressive.  I do wonder what the previous CR holder Kenny Stuart makes of Yared'd run.  

I ended up running round in 51 mins which is a true reflection of the shape I am in.  What Yared would run on a flat 10 mile at the moment I could only guess.

To warm down I headed up Latrigg.  Being surrounded by all the hills of the lakes and not run up one would have been a crime so did a nice steady 4 mile warm down on them.

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