Sunday 28th January 2007

Race - Not the Roman 1X (Stratford Upon Avon) - 12km race
7.44 miles in 54.18
7.18 mins p/m pace

Summary of week 3 - 25.8 miles

Interesting week. Mileage OK and enjoyed Sunday's race - good to be working at around 7 - 7.30 min mile pace after so many slower training runs. Definately feeling like the stamina is being built up, which I guess is the key in January, and no real aches and pains. Time to tackle now some longer runs in Feb


Race

Last year it was thick fog, this year a breezy, dull winter's day for the Not the Roman 1X. Very friendly race, well marshalled by Stratford Upon Avon Athletic Club with a particularly enthusiastic emcee. Seemed a decent turnout from Bourneville, possibly a dozen or so of us. Once the initial fields had been navigated through I had forgotten how the first few miles of the run, a very unusual distance of 12km, were based on a gradual incline, into the wind. Managing to slipstream a couple of runners seemed the best policy to save energy. One hill to test about 3 miles into the race and then it was left to pass through a couple of small picturesque villages, taking in a couple of treachorous downhill hairpin bends. It's funny the things you think about when on these runs. I was taking in some decent views and a little rare winter sun at about the 5 mile mark, when it finally dawned on me why I will never run particularly quickly. Apart from the obvious lack of a gazelle like build, I suspect I don't try hard enough in races! Giving blood and guts performance takes real motivation and if it deters from taking in views and talking to those around you, it seems to be just that little bit too serious! Anyhow, this little pyschological nugget induced a final spurt for the past couple of miles and I managed to up the work rate and gain a few places. Finished in pretty much the same time as last year and the race was a welcome change from the marathon training long runs. In talking to other runners this seems to be an annual event for many, definately recommended