Loughborough 3000m

Yesterday (Sunday) was my first 3000m of the season at the Loughborough International and I was really looking forward to it as I think im in shape and was in for a good result. What I didnt know was how hot is was going to be (27 degrees at 6pm). It was horrible and I think many will agree that it was too hot for anything over 1500m really but you cant really say that as everyone on the day had to run in the same heat but it wasnt good for fast times and the times on the day from everyone proved that I think.

I woke up on Sunday at 5.30am and was wide awake. I didnt know what to do with myself so I updated facebook, filled in my training diary and then decided to have a nap for a bit and finally woke back up at 8.30 and went for a little jog to test the legs but also to get myself moving as I wasnt leaving for the track until about 2.30 so didnt want to be sitting around all day doing nothing. After my run and a little trip to tescos I was having to fight the urge to go outside the endurance house in Loughborough and sunbathe so i sat in and watched about an hour n half's worth of Hollyoaks. :

My parents picked me up from the house and we went down to the track at about 2.30/3pm just missing the 800s (Sorry Jenny and Graeme but well done to you both). It was absolutely roasting at the track so I stayed in the HIPAC centre, stretching, drinking and relaxing (Notice my lack of a tan from such a sunny day). At about 10 past 4 I went for jog but only did 10minutes jogging as it was soooo hot and did some long strides outside in the sun to see what it was like and get out of the busy indoor area.

The race itself went well and was pretty quick from the gun as the pace maker was going too fast (supposed to be 72s, but I believe it was quicker than that) and I initially went with it but then I let a few gaps appear and the front group went away from me and they were on for sub 9minutes at some point which was way to quick for me at that moment so I decided that if I just work hard all the way then thats all I could do and it seemed to pay off as people came back to me and I felt really strong over the last 1km or so after my dodgy 5th lap where the gaps appeared. I havent seen/heard the official time yet but I believe it was about 9.35. Which would be a 10second or so PB So I cant complain and im happy but again I believe theres alot more to come next time out on a cooler day.

I would just like to say a massive thank you to John Nuttal for arranging for me to stay at the Endurance House the night before, Becky Lyne for putting me up in the house and supplying breakfast!!! Also to the sprinters.. I very much doubt that your reading this but thank you for helping me in the HIPAC centre to find out where the endurance house actually was in Loughborough. :) aaaaaand Well Done to everyone that competed in the heat at Loughborough and also for the various other events over the weekend.

Next race is Manchester BMC and im making my debut over 5000m on the track, which im nervous and excited about... But whatever I run is going to be a PB soooooo fingers crossed its a good experience!!!

...x