Trafford 10k

This was the first time I had run the Trafford 10k since they have changed the course.  Knowing the area I knew the race would be pancake flat but wasn't expecting the narrow start and the pushing!  But it's all good fun.
Going in to the race I wasn't too sure what I would do but would have been pleased with 30.20ish.  As it happens I ran 30.49 and finished 15th.  This was also a week I had eased off the running.  Not just because of the 10k but because I had done a big month of running and needed an easier week before hitting my final stage of training for the VLM.
The race started and it felt strange to be running in a group of 20+ runners.  The lanes were narrow to start with and the morning rain had left puddles in the pot holes and at the edges of the road.  The first couple of km were steady but as usual several runners had gone off way to hard and by 5km the race had started to sort itself out.  I went through 5km just over 15 minutes and was happy with this.  Just had to get back in the next 5km just as quick.  Easier said then done!
I felt strong as I got to the end stages of the race but had no speed.  My lack of specific speed work was showing and I wasn't able to go with Dave Proctor as he pushed on at 8 and a bit km.
Overall I am pleased with the race even though a few seconds quicker would have been nice.