Lliswery 8

Having only raced once since Mansfield XC back in October it still feels a bit wierd racing and I feel a bit rusty which is expected. We eased the training a bit for a few days but both coach and I knew that it was unlikely to fresh dues to the big runs including a hard 21 last Sunday which is unlikely to leave the legs in 7 days, that all said the race feel great on the day we planned to do a 15miler with 8mile time trial.

On my own in the first 2 of these runs I did 42 and 43 minutes but with a session on the Saturday so with a few easier days I was expecting to go a bit faster and we had targeted 39.50 - 40.10 depending on weather and everything being good. I did 3miles before as I usually would starting around 6:30 getting down to 6mins for the 3rd mile, I timed it quite well for 5minutes to do a few drills and then it was time to go. due to the very, VERY cold weather I put on two vests, arm warmers, calf warmers, gloves and hat to try and get the balance of being ready to race without being to cold where my body wouldnt work! I do struggle a bit in the cold as a skinny runner it just seems to freeze my bones, luckily the wind wasnt to bad.

I had a shocking start but within a few hundred meters I was at the front, I was going off feel really and someone jumped on my tail which wasnt a good or bad thing really as I was just doing my own thing. First mile I went through in 4.58 which was about right for the 5min miling we planned. It did seem to be a bit breezing which chilled the old lungs but 2nd mile was fine in 9.59.

On a very nice and quiet road we went around in a big loop but seemed to be going into more of a wind and the next runner started to drop around 3/4 miles. We turned a couple of bends but still no let up on the breeze and was wondering if I would ever get it behind me! I lost a bit of time upto 6miles which I hit in 30:30. So two miles to go I tried to keep focused with not a lot around to be honest someone to chase would of been helpful, but there wasnt so I tried to make up some time I had lost.....I didnt!

I did manage to get back to 5min miling the last two which was a good sign, I think I just lost focus a bit in the middle once I was all alone, I crossed the line in 40.30 outside of what I was looking for but was not to dissapointed. I know I didnt quite hit the target but with it being quite bitter cold wise, bit heavy with training and running alone there are positives to take from it.

In a few weeks I will probably do a 9/10 mile time trial again either in a race if one is around or alone and hopefully hold the same pace.

Well done to everyone who raced and thanks to Edward from Les croupiers who nicely mentioned my blog after the race, he came 3rd in about 43minutes and training for a marathon, so good luck to him and I will probably see you at the Expo at the Saucony stand.

Results

1st Male    40:30 Simon Jones          Belgrave Harriers             
 
2nd Male    41:29 Phillip Matthews     Swansea Harriers              
 
3rd Male    43:41 Edward Donovan       Les Croupiers 
                
 
1st Female  50:39 Charlotte Wells      Brackla Harriers              
 
2nd Female  52:28 Lou Summers          Chepstow Harriers             
 
3rd Female  52:43 Angela Jones         Islwyn R C   

simx