Welsh 5k Championships

This is the second year for the Bridgend city centre 5k race and a great effort by everyone is involved with the race as it is improving and a race a like. It's a 5 ½ lap course around the town centre and although it's quite twisty it's nice for a change to 'race' rather than just trying to get a pb. The crowds seemed bigger this year and the front end of the field was certainly better with both three guys going below last years course record (I think, not sure what Bitchell ran but think he was under 14.49). Thanks to all the volunteers who I know spent a lot of time in the day putting out barriers etc, and then staying behind to take it all down......and James Thie wasn't bad on the microphone either.

So on the start line and co-commentator Mick McGeogh was asked for his favourite to win, he replied saying "I think Steve....um, Simon Jones" and Steve gave me a little smile and then I thought I hope I didn't just get the commentators curse! Then a quick shuffle to the line and we were off, I settled in about 10^th or so and the plan was to ease around the first half lap and then start pushing the pace. The plan changed quickly when Dewi and Afan shot off after about 150m and as I was in the pack I had to make my way out and get after them as they are both decent runners and I could use them to maybe get away from the 'sprinters'. I went into it knowing Steve was the guy to get rid of and Adam Bitchell in good form would have to be watched if he made a move so I wanted the pace to stay hard but when I got to the two guys they had already seemed to slow up so I just went straight past and decided to crack on.

As we came round to start the first full lap I was in front and went through a K in 2.51 which was probably a bit quick with the wind and sharp turns on the lap but I really wanted to get rid of Steve before 3k because I knew he would then smell the finish and be able to hang on for a sprint. I kept pushing at the front but each turn was breaking my stride and felt like I had to keep starting over and couldn't get a rhythm. I could feel people dropping off but both Stevie D and Bitchell were still there. We came up to 3k and I changed the plan knowing I wasn't shifting them at this pace which was knocking around 3minutes now, so I slowed up to get a breather and was then going to hit a hard last K. It took a while to get behind the two guys who quite rightly didn't care how fast it went because they have a decent kick and as I was behind them it felt really easy getting out of the wind although my long legs were still struggling with the bends!

As we came around for the last lap I hit the front again and pushed on, then I lost ground on the next bend so me and Steve were neck and neck going up the far side and it was going a fair bit quicker. Again at the next bend I lost ground again but managed to get back on to him but I when I looked at the bend Bitchell had gone.....one more bend and in to the finish straight and I knew I was in trouble but kept working hard hoping Steve was struggling too. Just before the sharp bend he kicked and again I lost a few meters along with the bend breaking my stride, I then worked my legs off trying to get him on the last 150m but just couldn't make the gap back up.

Lew rang me up after and asked if I would change anything I did and I honestly don't think I would. I had to try and get rid of Steve and maybe I pushed a bit to hard in the first K but I gave it everything I had and Steve had all the answers for my questions so he was just better than me on the day and I have to hold my hands up. I really hope they keep the Welsh champs here every year though and keep building on a very good event. My best mate Aaron and his girlfriend did make an effort to come and watch me which was nice and to chat after. I did win all the lap prizes for being at the front so at least I got some kit! haha

Steve Davies unofficially ran 14.36 and I was 14.38.

Simx