Today was my penultimate long run before I start tapering for Berlin. I like to try and run my long runs quite hard so figured racing for 10 miles in the middle of a 20 miler should be plenty hard.
I'd managed to blag a lift to Largs with George Taylor in his swanky BMW 4x4 before we boarded the 12.30 ferry to Cumbrae. Once in Millport I picked up my race number, changed into my race kit to began the challenge I had set myself.
The race was due to start at 2pm so I ran for 5 miles at a steady 6:40 pace before arriving back on the start line with 2 minutes to spare. I managed a few nods and good lucks before a horn sounded the start.
After a fast first mile (5:20 pace) the race settled down and myself and Colin Thomas worked together for the next 8 miles slowly reeling in George Taylor, Stuart MacDougall and Chris Upson until we hit a strong headwind at mile 8. I pushed on with what I had left getting within 100m of Steven Reid (Ayr Seaforth) but didn't have enough in the tank to really challenge him so just enjoyed the last kilometer.
I finished 4th, in 57:57 and 1st vet. Colin Thomas finished 5th, Stuart MacDougall 6th, Chris Upson 8th and George Taylor 10th.
After some water and a quick chat I headed back out with Colin, Stuart and George for another 5 miles to complete my 20 miles. Unfortunately due not fuelling properly and a late race start I hit the wall at mile 19. Harriers vest instantly dripping, focus gone, wobbly. Thankfully I only had a mile to run before enjoying some Cumbrae home bakings, gallons of hot sweet tea and catching the ferry home for dinner.
Update: £20 arrived in post today for 1st vet which Rosie kindly spent on a M&S dine in for two meal deal. I'd have only bought gels and boring socks. Booze and food are much more fun.
The race was due to start at 2pm so I ran for 5 miles at a steady 6:40 pace before arriving back on the start line with 2 minutes to spare. I managed a few nods and good lucks before a horn sounded the start.
After a fast first mile (5:20 pace) the race settled down and myself and Colin Thomas worked together for the next 8 miles slowly reeling in George Taylor, Stuart MacDougall and Chris Upson until we hit a strong headwind at mile 8. I pushed on with what I had left getting within 100m of Steven Reid (Ayr Seaforth) but didn't have enough in the tank to really challenge him so just enjoyed the last kilometer.
After some water and a quick chat I headed back out with Colin, Stuart and George for another 5 miles to complete my 20 miles. Unfortunately due not fuelling properly and a late race start I hit the wall at mile 19. Harriers vest instantly dripping, focus gone, wobbly. Thankfully I only had a mile to run before enjoying some Cumbrae home bakings, gallons of hot sweet tea and catching the ferry home for dinner.
Update: £20 arrived in post today for 1st vet which Rosie kindly spent on a M&S dine in for two meal deal. I'd have only bought gels and boring socks. Booze and food are much more fun.
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| From left: Stuart MacDougall (6th), Colin Thomas (5th), Cris Walsh (4th), George Taylor (9th). |
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