National 12 Stage

Going into the 12 stage the team had aspirations of a medal as we were pretty strong. I was put on leg 5, a long leg (around 5.5miles). 

Our first 4 runners were quite strong and Nigel Stirk handed over to me in 5th position after a good short leg, I set off in pursuit of the teams in front of me and set off up the hill. I tried to go a little easier up the hill so I didn't suffer in the latter stages having not ran a long leg at the relays before. I made good progress in the early stages catching 2 athletes and moving Tipton into 3rd. I could see at the top of the hill way in the distance the vests of Newham and Shettlestone. I worked hard all the way to the gate where the u-turn is but that is one hell of a long way on your own! 

I made some progress into the lead as I heard someone say the leaders were about 75 seconds infront at the beginning and then one of the Tipton lads say we were only 35seconds behind the leaders at the top of the hill on the way back to the finish. I was stuggling a little with the undulations along the top of the course but I was ok. I felt quite tired on the way back to the finish but I kept working as hard as I could trying to hold it together.

I came home in 3rd place and a time of 26:19 as I handed over to Mike on 6th leg. I hadn't set myself any targets before the race as I knew I wasn't that fit after missing some time before I went to Portugal so I was happy just to be racing again!

Next up is Font Romeu which will lead into the track season.