Dorking 10
I entered this one purely as a training run for the North Devon Marathon. I ran this before so I knew what was in store – hills, nice countryside & a few more hills.
(Race profile - http://www.runsaturday.com/Map/Create/Course/19 )
As I drove down the A25 & looked left I saw Box Hill – I did laugh & thought mad buggers (for those who don`t know that the start of Midsummer’s Munro – btw guys the rumours are false - they have not install a cable cars.)
Anyway, great venue & car-parking at Dorking – huge field to park then a short walk to the start.
I`m glad I wasn`t `racing` it as it was blooming hot – which I didn`t mind as Devon in June could be hot. Also decided to wear a camel-pak just in case I wear that in Devon too.
I had a plan to keep the pace very constant regardless of the course, which meant I worked harder up the hills!!
After a quick race briefing from Dr Rob, we moved into our estimated finishing positions & then off.
Did feel a bit of a fraud by not having the `racing head` on but everyone has their own agenda anyway.
Felt a bit relaxed into the first mile – noticed the mile split and quicken the pace slightly, then came the first hill. Just after the second mile Dr Rob came bouncing past – despite the hill I was pleased when I saw the 2nd mile split time. Just after the Mile 3 marker there is a short sharp hill with a hidden 2nd incline – thought I might drop time there but I guess I used the downward section well. You complete the first lap at around Mile 5, which does mean you run that `double hill` twice. Pleased with the first half.
At mile 6 I knew if I could keep this pace steady – maybe slow down a touch it would be a good run. Had a go at applying sun-cream * on the go – not pretty!!! Sharp incline at 7 & half miles, followed by a downward section. From last year I knew the last couple of miles were are a bit lumpy with not a lot of downward running. Couldn`t believe the runner behind me was moaning that we had to wait for an ambulance to come through some traffic to get to a runner who had collapsed – we only had to stop for a few seconds – ggrrrr. Anyway saw the “I`m not a 400 metre` runner” sign and into the field & through the finish – nice touch when you hear your name & club over the loud speakers.
Great event – well done for hitting the 25th Anniversary run (it says that on the very nice tech T-shirt :-) )
Splits - 9:11, 8:53, 8:56, 8:57, 9:04, 8:46, 8:48, 9:10, 9:27, 8:52
Garmin time - 1:30:04
After getting back to the car & updating my race time I had notice I was meant to running at a slightly slower pace – opps so nearly perfect then.
*http://www.trekwear.co.uk/sun_lotion_sachets_box_of_1000/p-1422.html (Thanks RachE & Gobi – very useful gift)
Next event – BUPA 10,000 Bank Holiday Monday, then the Yateley 10Km on the Wednesday.......ok that`s more practice for the Thunder Run then :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment