Armagh 5k

14.28....a good time and to be honest it was a surprise. I must say first of all that it was perfect weather for a 5k with not a breath of wind and personally I felt the temperature was great, yes a little chilly but not enough to worry or affect you running but cold enough that you didn't have to worry about over heating (think it was 7 degrees). Although with running sub 15 on my own the previous Saturday at 9am I was aiming for around 14.40 but thought it would be really hard work.

I wasn't feeling any pressure as the race got closer as I know I have no form and with the great field of runners it wasn't going to be challenging so had nothing to lose. In the warm up I felt alright and was looking forward to getting started, when the gun went a mass of sub 15 runners pushed away and I was around the middle of the field hanging back knowing the leaders would be going under 2.50 for the first kilometre at least. It felt liked I jogged the first 'K' hiding in a massive group with dad stating he couldn't even see me I was that far back!

As we got into the second lap I started to move through the field and make my way into a good group, I saw Chris Parr, Jonny Mellor and a few others so moved up to them passing a few of the Welsh boys I train with (this is when Mellor went like a rocket and ran off!) I didn't really sit there for long and tried to keep pace (2.55 then 5.47 through 1 and 2 kilometres). I was still feeling good but unwilling to push hard as I haven't run at this pace for a while.

I ended up at the front of a huge pack though but was happy there as there wasn't any wind and the legs felt good. I went through 3k in 8.42 and then 4k at 11.37. On the last lap Chris Parr made the first move but as in sessions on the track if I try to up the pace it's like I am over striding so couldn't go with it. I'm sure this will come with a few more weeks.

So round the last bend and the big group came out of hiding and went for the line. I managed to run fast rather than an all out sprint to catch a few guys and was surprised to cross the line in 14.28, but happy of course, If not that Sharp crossed the line before I did meaning I will have to take his digs for a while.

A great race and it has definitely improved with the now cut off time of sub 17 minutes entry. Good crowd and well done to all the guys who ran. There is always a great atmosphere with this race and hope to back next year.