Sunday 18th March 2007

Summary of week 10: 44.25 miles (and 18 miles on the bike)

Unexpectedly, today's race has been a real highlight. Done a PB and enjoyed whatever the weather could throw at us and the undulating nature of the rural course. I guess all the training is paying off and enjoyed the biggest weekly mileage yet (and probably the biggest until the marathon). Also enjoyed getting back on the bike and varying the workouts.


Race: Ashby 20m Road Race, Leicestershire
20.08 miles - 2 hrs 36 mins (PB) @ 7.46 mins per mile

The race of all seasons! Sleet, 20+ miles per hr side wind and bright spring sunshine - we had it all! Delighted with the race and often it's those races with the least expectation that turn out to be the best. Not feeling great when I woke up and when Harvey picked me up just after 8am, I really wasn't sure what to expect today. Got to Ashby in about an hour, a sleepy North Leicestershire town, and congregated with what seemed to be a fair number of runners in a field. It was definately glove weather (a dn suitabbly attired) with a cold northerly and as we set off, took it easy for the first couple of miles. After going over the A42, we quickly got into countryside with a punishing side wind for a couple of miles. I started with Harvey, Linda and Stella but with Harvey and Linda getting away quickly, I spent a good few miles chatting with some fellas from Derby in some lovely Spring sunshine, not noticing a decent incline. Was feeling good so then pushed on and passed both Harvey and Linda. Probably shocked Harvey into some positive action (even with a dodgy knee) and he sailed passed not to be seen again in the race! 10 mile split was decent and helped with Outkast on the iPod (although they had again been officially banned for the race - iPod's not Outkast, that is!) and at Packington we went back and did the loop again. In many ways it helped, knowing what was ahead, although there was a really unpleasant section with hairy sidewinds and heavy sleet between about miles 10 and 12. Ran with Linda from about the half marathon point, although she was immersed in Billy Joel, and trying to stick with her was a good incentive to post a decent time as I knew she's typically a good few minutes faster than me. There were loads of water stops (as well as handing out jelly babies and juice) which helped and although the last couple of miles were hard and inclining, they didn't prove too difficult. With about 800 metres to go I ashamedly put on a final burst to pass Linda and a few others, and took the tape over 3 minutes quicker than Gloucester. Harvey and Stella also did PB's and there was a great foodtastic Aldi goodybag and a really nice Aldi sweater. Mind you, with the possibilities of getting exposure walking back to the car, the sweater was appreciated! Chilled out at home for the rest of the day with Sian and the boys and, a large blood blister aside on the usual foot, have returned injury free. Knees are a little sore but with no more long races now before the end of April, it all bodes well I think for the marathon.

Splits:

10km: 49.04
10m: 1.17.20
1/2 m: 1.42.08
20m: 2.36.05