Loughborough International 3000m

This was my first test after altitude training throughout April and May and one I was really looking forward too. All week I had that exciting feeling of wanting to race but as soon as I woke up Sunday I was beginning to worry about what was to come! It's not often a get a fear of failure but after last years disaster when I began my summer season I thought it may go wrong again. I reassured myself when out on my morning jog that training had gone well since I got back and i'd listened to my body a lot more and that I was ready to open up my track campaign.

The race was to be paced at 64 seconds per lap for between 1500m and 2000m depending on how Andy Vernon felt as he'd raced a 1500 90minutes earlier. John and my dad told me to forget about times and just concentrate on crossing the line first and if we follow the pace then a decent time will come of it.

I set off in a line behind Skinner and Moralee who followed the pace. After 600m a slight gap began to open which I sensed, moved round the athletes and tucked in behind Andy. Shaun followed me and we both relaxed in behind Vernon.

The first km felt good, I think I went through bang on 2:40 and felt nice and relaxed just bouncing along. We went through 1500m in round about 4minutes but there wasn't a clock about. Andy pulled out after 4 1/2 laps and gave me 3 laps to do on my own with Shaun hot on my tail. As I went round I remember thinking, 'right, a k to go, i'm going to make him work!'

I just kept pushing each 100m trying to open up a gap and with 500m to go I senses Shaun beginning to drop off, as I went through the bell a gap started to open and I glanced at his shadow as I went round the first bend and seen some light between us so I just held my form to make sure I didn't look like I was tiring and kept trying to work away. In the end I did enough and as I was running down the home straight I seen the clock ticking 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 but as I reached the line it just went over. I was pretty frustrated as I finished wishing I'd chased the time on the last lap but I went out and did what I had to do on the day.

Shaun ran a great race and his pb beforehand was 8:39 so that was a big chunk off for him! He's been training well and did some cracking sessions in Font Romeu so I knew he would be a danger and had me worried all the way!

All in all it was good first race for me, and an outdoor personal best so I can't complain. Next up is Sport City BMC next week where i'm doing the 5000 so hopefully another personal best to come.