From one beach to another...

Burnham Beeches Half Marathon -

One of the year`s favourite events for me. It`s a championship event, which normally means they have a good route, good facilities (inc use of the venue`s open air swimming pool afterwards), quick results, plenty of parking etc.

I normally use this event as a gauge for the forthcoming Great North Run for example,

BB`09 - 01:52:20 v GNR `09 - 01:48:04

BB`10 - 01:46:39 v GNR `10 - 01:43:15

Seeing as my build up was slightly different to previous visits to BB i.e. holiday break beforehand rather than afterwards - only got back on Tuesday - I knew I would not be `racing` this one - which was a shame really.

I took up Dave (club mate) on his offer to drive, along with hungover Dan, we get there nice and early - especially good as the start is a good 20 mins walk away from the parking (good to ease the legs off afterwards), we get a cup of tea, watch the starting area fill up. I say hello to several familiar faces - some I`ve not seen for a while. We assemble towards the back of the staring area, and wait - I guess there is a problem as the start is delayed for 15 mins or so – lack of toilets leading to massive ques. Anyway we start - and one of the `odd` things about this course is that after 500 metres there is a massive slope you need to `run` up so that slows the pace down but then it`s out unto the surrounding roads.

As it`s Dave`s comeback long run (not really run since the Sam Run back in July) & Dan`s hangover we keep the pace sensible & run together (making sure we don`t block the road). We the plan to sped up towards the end (8 M+) but go round steady, I chat to a few runners along the way. As we move through the miles the runners spread out and we carry on with our pace - still running in a formation - Cove Joggers pack of 3 - which is good. The hills along the course are towards the back end of the lap (4.5 - 6M) which are good fun & catch a few out (inc Dan).

Second lap - It is a good feeling passing people – even when not racing but it does the importance of correct pacing. We keep the pace steady esp at 9, 10 & 11M – knowing that the last bit will a bit tougher. Some good lessons for Dan at towards the end of course. I`m also learning that the Nike Swifts may not the shoe for me – but it could be `a bit of holiday footwear` hangover. We eventually come round the last corner & into the School field – down the slope (which is more fun as the grass is damp). Past the `I`m not a 400 metre runner` sign and come through the finish together.

Nice run & the soak in the pool afterwards was nice.

Splits & Garmin data;

1) - 1m - 10:07(10:07/m) - 128cal
2) - 1m - 8:47(8:47/m) - 132cal
3) - 1m - 9:16(9:16/m) - 132cal
4) - 1m - 8:42(8:42/m) - 131cal
5) - 1m - 8:24(8:24/m) - 129cal
6) - 1m - 9:38(9:38/m) - 135cal
7) - 1m - 8:43(8:43/m) - 132cal
8) - 1m - 9:51(9:51/m) - 135cal
9) - 1m - 9:06(9:06/m) - 133cal
10) - 1m - 9:00(9:00/m) - 130cal
11) - 1m - 9:00(9:00/m) - 132cal
12) - 1m - 10:23(10:23/m) - 132cal
13) - 0.81m - 8:02(9:57/m) - 102cal

(Last year my garmin measured it as as 12.75M & in 20090 it was 13.09M – twists and turns & a lot of the course is under tree cover)

Next up – some long slow runs, a night on the beer, the Club`s (Morris & Jean`s) BBQ & the last (or 1st depending on your viewpoint) Woodland 5 & a bit on Wednesday night, then the Surrey Spitfire 20 at the weekend (a 5 + 5 + 4 + 4 + 2 plan may be on the cards there – unsure yet)

PS Great news already in for next year – Fleet Half Marathon & Reading Half Marathons are not going to clash – Fleet Half is on 25th March & Reading is on the 1st April – just fingers crossed for the Lightning 12hr (but I do have a plan B in place :-) )

Oh if you want to read a true inspiring running blog then read James Adams`s blog - an incredible & awesome run;

http://www.runningandstuff.com/ram/

#TR24 - It`s like a mini Glastonbury * but instead of rain we ran.

Thunder Run 24 - if you don`t know is a 24 hour off-road 10Km relay race in teams 1 - 8, which started at noon on Saturday.

I had been promoted to the "Willy Wonka" team - they had taken 2nd place (with 28 laps) in last year`s event so the pressure was on esp as the standard would un-doubtable be higher this year.

Getting there early on Friday evening was again a good move, even with the M25 the plan was to get there around 5.00pm. I left at 2.00pm and managed the M25 without problems - all was going well until 4.15pm (yes after I let them know my ETA). Got stuck at the M40 / M42 junction - let`s just say I like it`s the M1 & cross country route next year. I arrive at 7.00pm. I say hello to Mick, Simon & poor Shielsy who all arrive around lunch time. Shielsy had already fallen fowl of the uneven ground / tent guy rope & was out of action for the weekend - gutted for her. As is standard they watched as I put up the my tent but decided to help with the newly acquired gazebo (tip - gazebo is a must bring item). We settled in for the evening & watched the campsite fill up - I chatted to a few folks including B-Lass & MXHornet (a soloist).

In the morning I did what I said I would do at 9.00am - instead of going to the nearby parkrun I put my feet up, sat in the early morning sun had breakfast & drank coffee. As more team mates arrived we watched them struggle with their tents. As time moved towards noon you could feel the excitement build. Soon enough we moved to the start / finish area - my goodness there were loads of runners - Patrick (RD) has certainly got his wish for wanted to go bigger than before. Simon used his captain`s card well & decided to run in the 1st leg, I was batting in 5th spot so I would not be out for hours (well 3 hrs 15 mins to be precise). I would be running after Jamie & handed over to Simon. Last year I completed 4 laps - 52:22, 56:30, 55:52 & 53:18 & even thou I was in faster team I expected to run laps in similar times but more laps. Soon enough Jamie arrived back and my weekend had started. I had forgotten how undulating the course was but it was nice to see the small course changes. Soon enough I was on the ridge at 7.5Km, homeward bound, then turning the last corner and into the home stretch & handing the `baton` to Simon. Lap one completed in 52:24 (2 seconds slower - gutted).

I think one of the keys with this type of relay is to use the time well - eat first, then clean up & then rest & then finally get ready for the next lap. As we chatted we saw runners going in & going out - soon enough it was time to get ready again. Lap two was just before 7:30pm. Again the plan was to keep to a similar time - I did feel kind of jealous of the solo runners & from my running in the 12hr Lightning Run I knew how they felt when a speedy runner in 5`s or 8`s went past - total respect to them. I completed lap No. 2 in 53:04 with Simon & his head torch on and waiting - night running now.

One thing I guess you would miss if you ran as a solo or in pairs is the post lap chat - we had good group - Willy Wonks & the Thunder Crackers. Hilary had kindly stepped in to take Shielsy place (end up completing an amazing 3 laps). As the clock move round it was my turn to don the head torch (& rear light) I went out for lap 3 just before midnight. Two things I noticed during the night lap was the amount of dust being kicked up by other runners in the wooded area (kind of like driving though fog & switched the main beam on) and the other was that because you could not see the undualating course it felt flatter. I managed to avoid being caught out by the tree routes in the `technical` area & finished in 57:11 - 18.6 miles that day I wonder what would `Race Day` bring.

I did my normal routine, eat, shower, rest - note I didn`t say sleep as I think at best I got my head down for about 45 mins - sleep must count if over 60 mins. I tried to work out when my lap would be - It was the `good morning` lap where it starts in darkness & by the end the sun is up & the tireness was gone - I handed over to Simon at around 5:30am - lap time of 55:04. Jamie had run well but decided to call it a day - he had put in some quick times and helped the team into a strong position.

It was time for breakfast , a wash & a catch up on who had done what during the night. We were doing well - around 8th to 10th place depending when you looked - Chris had picked up the pace. At his stage of the game it was all about counting down the laps - working out the running order. Soon enough I was heading back out for my 5th Lap - felt tough but seeing the solo runners still out there pushed you on. Once again I was handing over to Simon - lap time 55:45.

We had decided on our final lap was to do a team lap. Simon had completed his lap in a similar time to my lap & we tried to get him to do a double - strangely enough without success so Wendy, Chris & Myself headed out. We walked the incline but even by doing that we picked up Jamie at the 8Km in good time. Around the corner & up the last incline where Simon was - we got into formation and with our flag held high we went through the finish line together - out last (& my 6th) lap was around the 01:07:39 mark. We had completed 26 laps & ended up 10th in the mixed 5`s.

6 x 10Km in 52:24, 53:04, 57:11, 55:04, 55:45, 1:07:39

(For the record - 1st came in with 33 Laps, 2nd = 33 Laps, 3rd = 32 Laps)

Will I be there next year for the hat-trick? The answer is YES, and yes I do like the idea of `A team of one`

For a better description of the weekend & some fancy music (& thanks to 26.2 RRC)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmeeaC0ia98&feature=player_embedded

Edit - Here`s another -

http://vimeo.com/27573722

Edit (& an important one) - I will never play cards or gamble against MrSJ & Jovi Runner....played the `injured` card so well - 6 laps each & well done to Mandie doing a double lap. 

* Thanks to Shielsy for the Glastonbury idea :-) 

Garmin route of our team lap

Oh I manage a little recovery race last night - Yateley 10Km in a reasonable time of.......49:49 - which is the same time as last month`s Yateley 10Km AND Sam`s 10Km Run - what are the chances of hitting the same time in 3 races??

Next up - Is a trip to buy 3 lottery tickets - not really but off for some warm weather training & then the Burnham Beaches Half on the 21st August (so glad my 10Km season has ended)

DNS = Did Not Scribe...

No I haven`t managed to write the race reports for the races prior to this weekend`s Thunder Run 24 hr.

I can say the Woodlands 5 & a bit (42:43) & Yateley 10 KMs (49:49) are as good as ever. The Sam Run is a fantastic event (49:49 yes another 49:49) which should be much bigger than it is (everyone note for next year). The Elstead Marathon is not a marathon but a wonderful village race over mixed surfaces - road, sand, trails & even has a river crossing over 5.4 Miles (43:50) - they don`t like to advertise this race but keep your eyes open for it next year. Going to one of the pubs in the village afterwards was really good too.

If you only did say 3 races next year then I really would say the New Forest 10 (01:22:50 ) must be one of three (plus the Poole parkrun (22:57) the day before :-)) - it is a great race. The whole weekend was just great - camping in the site just behind the race start, running, BBQ afterwards, big club turnout, the loads of faces I knew - just a great weekend. I aimed for 8.00`s but backed off & almost jogged the last two miles - maybe too early for 8:00`s but at least I have a bench mark & no harm was done.

I also managed to take part in this year`s Bounders Relay - an excellent race where teams of 4 all run 2 miles legs of hilly, off-road loop (where the Woodlands 5 is held). Last year Cove entered two teams - this year we entered 4 teams, this included two brand new members - brilliant. Hoping to have 5 teams next year. Great evening`s fun.

Next up the Thunder Run 24 - which is big but next year it`s even bigger. ;-)

Must dash...........

A question.

Is writer`s block - well more precisely blogger`s block` a sports injury?

If so can anyone suggest a suitable treatment as like most injuries they come on at the worst possible moment - as I have 5 race reports to write (inc a whole weekend in the New Forest) & a chat with Ultra Runner Dean Karnazes......

Next event (not to write up about) - The Thunder Run on the 30th July - sigh.

Going off-road

Forest 5 -

One could easily mistake this event as Cross Country event as there are club vests everywhere - Bracknell Forrest Runners, Sandhurst Joggers, Reading Road Runners, Runnymede Runners, Fleet & Crookham AC, Chineham Park, Farnham Runners etc etc - I do say `mistake this` as I`ve never run a proper XC event - that could change this Winter.... there were mountain bikers everywhere but that`s just cheating.

Last year I managed to talk a `non-running` mate into running this event - he must of enjoyed it as he entered again this year So we get there early and go for a warm up (1.3M @ 9.39/m), we get back and meet Dave & Dennis (other Cove Joggers) in the car park & made our way to the start. The start is a bit congested so I held back at the start (see time difference - 17`s) despite the uphill 1st mile & the heavy legs the trail began to clear. I knew the legs would be tired after Sunday`s 10Km so I decided to wear my new Compression Calf sleeves & bouncy shoes but still felt hard work The 2nd mile is down-hill mile so it felt easier - I didn`t know the splits as I`m not looking at the Garmin as I go round.

Just after the 2M beep we turn a sharp-ish corner & go up a incline. I pushed up a bit here but soon the advantage was lost as a couple of the group I was running join up again - damm what a rookie. Then it`s the turn of the hill at around 2.25M - all I am trying to do is keep it steady. I pass a few runners here which is good & see a couple of `vests` in front (no names being mentioned). I had forgotten how lumpy this course was as for some reason I thought it was down hill after the earlier hill (I was in a state of shocked) but pushed on. I was passing more runners than runners passing me so all good there I guess. I still couldn`t catch Jon from Chineham but at least he wasn`t gaining ground either.

I remembered from last year (due to twists & turns, ups & downs) the course came up short on the Garmin so I was pleased to hear the 4M beep - again taken back up the numbers of ups & downs we still had to go before the finish line but soon enough it was the downhill run-in & through the finish.

Afterwards I sat down & caught up with various folks - got to say hello to emdee which was good.

Race data;

Splits - 08:21, 07:43, 07:57, 08:06, 07:21 (0.9M @ 08:09/m)

Garmin time - 39:28
Gun to tape time - 39:45



Good fun & well worth turning up for - for the racing & catching up with a few folk.

Next up - Elstead `Marathon` (5.4M) via Woodland 5 & a bit

Ok - catch up time......

Opps.....when will I learn??

End of May saw one of my favourite events - the BUPA 10,000.

This event I had marked as an `A` race - I wanted to do well. I had a good `build up` (can I use such terms???) race at Hook 6 so I was feeling good......... Now looking back I guess I was feeling `too` good & I`m thinking because I prefer longer races I needed more than one `build up` race as a marker but anyway....

I got there nice and early via Waterloo. I played the game of "Guess the runners" on the train - always good fun. I had a good look around & dropped my bag in & went for a warm up. This is an area I`m working on esp on these shorter, faster races - how long & how far should a warm up be...???. Anyway I did 2.3M @ 9.33/m pace (At Hook I did 2.19M @ 9.24/m - in similar weather conditions) and made my way in the starting area. I`m sure I put down a realistic finishing time but good Red A - well at least I wasn`t dressed as a Nun this time.... After the introduction were made - Paula Radcliffe, Jo Pavey, Mo Farah - we were off.

I thought I was good pace - maybe a bit fast but ok. The 1Km marker came around blooming quickly - ekkk. My Garmin went off - I looked - maybe I shouldn`t have but I did - 06:57...I wanted 07:30 - too fast & don`t forget I was slowing down too...when will I learn??? My mile 3 I was feeling it - I didn`t like it. I was thinking "Ok half way - miles 5 & 6 are with the support of the crowd". As you turn into Embankment & through the underpass you can see the runners coming at you which is a huge help plus I got a few cheers from the marshals (thanks Muds) & the crowds (I always run to one side or the other for that very reason). Anyway I dug deep in these final miles - hoping Alison from the club wouldn`t pass me....

I saw the pub - `Lord Moon of the mail` - and checked my watch - 00:45:10. so no PB today then. Around the corner...seeing the 400 metre sign...longing for the end. I eventually got there, as I finished I turned around to shake hands with Iwan Thomas who had just finished too - I cannot say I beat him as he started in wave behind PLUS he was the official starter! !! As I was catching my breath I saw Alison finish - another cracking race `when not racing` ....I also saw Jon from Chineham Park (who had beaten me at Maidenhead).

So all in all a disappointing race for me really but I`ll get there - pacing is so the key.........maybe setting an `A race` so early is not a good idea either....

Official stats -

Split Summary
====
1) - 1m - 6:58(6:58/m) - 126cal
2) - 1m - 7:27(7:27/m) - 132cal
3) - 1m - 7:55(7:55/m) - 138cal
4) - 1m - 7:51(7:51/m) - 138cal
5) - 1m - 7:36(7:36/m) - 132cal
6) - 1m - 7:42(7:42/m) - 132cal
7) - 0.29m - 2:10(7:30/m) - 38cal

5 Km = 00:23:19
10 Km = 00:47:36

My times compared to Alison`s over the last two years

Mine - 2010 = 00:46:05 v 2011 = 00:47:36

Alison - 2010 = 00:47:26 v 2011 = 00:45:50

Basically Alison holds a 25 second lead - bring on next year (& yes I`ve already entered)

Walking down past the Mail you realise why this a good race - you cannot help to cheer on the runners who are just finishing and into the Lord Moon for post-race drinks & a very good catch up.



Next up - Is (was) the Yateley 10Km on Wednesday night...................

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So it does make for a better race then......

Yateley 10Km

I will admit that racing a 10Km two days before an undulating 10Km is not the best preparation ever....

For those who don`t know this is the 1st in a great little series of 3 monthly 10 Km always on the 1st Wednesday night of the month and is full of local club & parkrun runners. I decided to drive thus saving my legs a bit, park up & grab my number and off for a warm up (1.2M @ 8.33/m). So the plan & knowing the undulating first few Kms was to keep it steady with picking up the pace if the legs were ok- simple as that.

Moved into the starting area with the other Covies - good turnout by the club too - and off we went. I got in my normal position - on the left hand side of the road. I do this as the Cove Joggers support crew is normally found at the Pub !!! To be fair we do past this pub twice so it`s a good waiting point. Anyway off I went testing out the legs as I go. Past the 1st mile in just under 8.00/m - all good. I pass Nick from Windle - quick wave & hello and push up the hill - good steady 2nd mile.some of which was downhill. Just before the water station at 5 Km I see Tim (V50 sub 17min 5 Km runner) walking & pulling up. I past the water - not slowing down pinching a few places. down the hill & unto my favourite part of the course - Reading Road. This is a straight road for a mile at the 3.5 M to 4.5 M stage.

Just before this bit I pick up a `stalker` - boy is he drafting. I push the pace a little and he is still there... I finally manage to `drop him` when at the next water station he slows down to grab a cup. Round a couple of turns and a final push up the hill at 9 Km - giving it a bit for the club-mates waiting & watching from the pub (9.5 Km)....and they were not there - ohh a long sprint finish then :-) Sprinted in catching a few runners in the last few metres and through the line.

Split Summary -

1) - 1m - 7:56(7:56/m) - 130cal
2) - 1m - 7:47(7:47/m) - 131cal
3) - 1m - 7:28(7:28/m) - 131cal
4) - 1m - 7:31(7:31/m) - 132cal
5) - 1m - 7:43(7:43/m) - 132cal
6) - 1m - 7:47(7:47/m) - 130cal
7) - 0.25m - 1:34(6:18/m) - 31cal

10Km - 00:47:44

So the 2nd 10Km in two days and only 6 seconds slower on a much undulating course - I`m happy with that. So pacing does help then :-).



Next up - Wargrave 10Km - a new event to me.

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Getting there................

Wargrave 10 Km

A new event for me - nice when that happens.

A (Berkshire) Championship race so must be good then. We get there early (4 from Cove - Dave, Dan & Dennis) as numbers need to be collected on the day & manage to find shelter from the drizzle & grab a coffee. A short warm up (0.78M @ 9:24/m) we assembled at the start in the approx finish times area (normally a good event when I see this) and after a bit of generally chit chat with John (Ex Cove now Sandhurst), Jon (Chineham Park), Dave & Dan we were off. The plan here was to not look at the garmin but run to how I felt. I didn`t know too much about the course - a small loop then a hill & then back around coming in the same way as went out with little flat - undulating throughout.

Dave disappeared off into the distance - well as far as you can around a loop of the park, with John following & Dan a little ahead of me. Out of the park and along the local roads - here I met Darth Vader - well it sounded like him - thankfully it only last a mile or so. Jon past me around about here too. I resisted the urge to chase down. No-one said anything about the times as the various bleeps from the garmins went out at the Kms & mile points which was good - I didn`t want to know. I still felt good as we pushed up the hill just before 3M - it was nice to do a new event and not knowing the course and what was around the corner. I chased down the various club vests - a lot were out on display.

At the half way stage - I remember the Hook race where I pushed the pace so I did same which was roughly where I lost my group of runners I had seemed to have settled in with - each taking turns the front. Again I didn`t take any water at the water stations - seeing as it was still drizzling there wasn`t a need. I took a few more places here. I saw Dan in front being chased down by Jon. The next time I saw them Jon was in front. We were now at the 7 Km stage of the race so time to push harder - one mile to go, 8 Km mark & then the final mile then I saw the 9 Km mark. I joined up with a big group of runners then I managed to surge ahead - half expecting them to all chase me down in the final 200 metres or so but they didn`t - well a couple of youngsters did - big cheer from Dave. and through the line. I didn`t chase down Jon in the end. Saw Dennis come in - who took 1st place in his age group - V75 - 01:11:04

Split Summary
====
1) - 1m - 7:24(7:24/m) - 128cal
2) - 1m - 7:33(7:33/m) - 131cal
3) - 1m - 8:06(8:06/m) - 132cal
4) - 1m - 7:29(7:29/m) - 131cal
5) - 1m - 7:18(7:18/m) - 131cal
6) - 1m - 7:12(7:12/m) - 130cal
7) - 0.24m - 1:38(6:50/m) - 30cal

10Km - 00:46:38 - ok still 85 seconds away from my PB but a seasons best over a lumpy course with a little too much downhill for my liking (more of an uphill man) but happy with that - promising you could say.

Good event and I`ll be back for more



Am I `enjoying` these shorter faster races? Well that would be saying ;-)

Next up - Forest 5 - this Wednesday night & time to go off road.

Not bad for a marker......

Hook 6 (& if you are big enough - Hook 10) race report.

As `village fete` events goes this is one of the best - set in school grounds in the nice Hampshire village of Hook with BBQ going and all. I do enjoy this event – for the last two years I`ve favoured the 10 Mile race but this year I was back to the 6 mile and see if I could beat my 6M PB set in 2008 of...............51:12 (ok I was fairly confident of a PB)......

A bit of a late start (11.12) & I didn`t want to repeat the disaster of Maidenhead and warming up too close to the start so I got there early. I set off basically for one lap of the village as a warm up (just over 2M @ 9.20/m pace). Back to the car and after a bit of flaffing around I met up with Jock, Claire, Richard, Debby, Marie, Ray & not forgetting Luke from the club (who had the cheek to win the 6M race last year – yes a Cove Jogger winner)...and you wonder where the time goes before kick-off?? Dropped my bag in - nearly forgetting to change into my club vest...another warm up with Claire (0.5M @ 9.30/m) and made my way into start area. The 10 Milers went off 10 minutes or so before us. With a last minute chat to Luke on who he should look for we were off.

My race brief was simple - `Do not blow up` - I need to run these shorter distance event much better - Pacing is the key. I had written my 7:50 on my number to act as a guide. Plus this is the first of many short races for me. Also I wanted to make sure I kept a fairly short stride as I was wearing my racers. As we ran out of the school and onto the surrounding roads I was surprised on how many runners I was passing. My just after the mile I had sneaked up behind Claire. I gained a few places by not slowing down at the 1st water station – I had tried something new – basically I had a soaked sweatband on my wrist and used that to cool down esp. my lips as I was running – it seemed to work as it was quite refreshing. Anyway I try to pull Claire with my as we ran up the rise around 1.5M. I found the wind quite strong as we heading out of Hook & along the A30 (around the 2.5M point) – passed another water station – again gained a few places. Still taking it fairly steady – I was trying to shorten my stride and not land on my heels as I wearing my racers.

Just after mile 3 marker I was behind the 2nd lady & a fella, one of the many marshals said we were looking strong. The guy almost panted “Don`t feel like it” – I thought well I do, in fact I feel like a lion (!!!) and with that I kicked past them both looking for my next target in front. As we turned the corner I couldn`t understand why all of the runners in front ran along the left side of the road – I didn`t and I`m sure gained a few easy yards on the guy in front. I guess I could get him but I couldn`t see who was in front of him – I pushed the pace. Just after the 4M marker the lead car of the 10M went past (clock was showing 41.XX) – impressive. Back to my race we passed the water station – I grabbed out a hand – I wanted to throw it down the back of neck. I wanted to push hard up the rise at 5M – I was neck and neck with this guy....then I hit `traffic` – the back fun runners of 2.5M event. Through the narrow pavements of Hook – Matt King (10M) went past - another top 3 finish. Turned left and back towards the school – the guy in front had pulled away despite my going as fast as I could !!! Round the corner and into the finish straight and across the line. Hearing your name crossing the line is always good.

As I grabbed water I saw Luke and after I caught my breath back (after 5 mins) I told him that`s why I don`t these short races..however I was pleased with this one and as they say in darts – Good marker – bring on the BUPA 10,000 at the end of the month.



Yes near on a 5 minute PB & certainly a race of two halves (or halfs).

Caught up with Jock – who had won the 6M & claimed his 1st career win with an impressive time & course record (but I`m sure he will not have mentioned it) and Debby & Marie who both by admission didn`t have good 10M races – maybe this shorter stuff is the way to go................nah who am I kidding :)

Next up – well no surprise is the BUPA 10,000 on Bank Holiday Monday & the trip to the Lord Moon of the Mail .