Race 2/5
So previous pb from only other outing 1.31.43 in 2015. Current training and form would suggest something under 1.30 on the cards.
Woke up with sore throat a couple of days before, this got progressively worse on race day and with 20mph winds forecast, anything under pb would be revised goal.
It’s a lumpy course and hard to pace. Total elevation gain 116m although feels more. It’s pretty much uphill for first 5.5 miles, downhill for next 5.5, then a short steep hill and last mile down to the finish.
First three miles 6.52, 6.45 and 6.55. Feeling like hard work and given that it’s a steady incline I decide to ease back a tad. Next three including peak of middle hill on the course 7.12, 7.07, 7.28. Even taking into account the hill the 7.28 is a pb killer! Not much to be done, just try to pace the rest and try to hold onto positions. The filed is well spread by this point and few passings.
7.01, 6.55, 7.01, 7.00. Ok but mostly downhill and had hoped to pull a bit more time back than that. Still, distance of a parkrun left so nearly done.
7.22 which included the steep hill and then Home stretch.
At this point I am not fussed about time, it’s all about the people around me. I have been reeling a guy in for three or four miles and he is now only 30m ahead. I can hear some puffing and blowing behind, perhaps also 30m. 7.17 for next mile, 1.1 to go, I know I still have a drop in the tank so decide to tuck in for protection from wind and try to get past on the run in.
Pace picks up markedly on entrance to the grounds and two people come steaming past....bugger that wasn’t the plan.
6.50 for that mile.
Full on effort, for about 200m, nipping past all just before finish chute, struggle over line and collapse.
1.32.25
66/500
8/58 ag
Some disappointment, but was windy and woke Day after to a stinking cold so not surprising it was all a bit of a struggle.
Onwards and upwards