Epsom 10k

Oh joy - first race for months (I don't really count FLM or the New Year's Day race where I wasn't trying for a time) and I've got some sort of chest infection that is making me make a whirring noise each time I breathe!

Still - it's good to get back into the habit I guess. It's local, I'll see people I know, and already I'm getting the usual pre-race nerves that make me rush to the loo every few minutes. Probably a good thing as I've been pretty bunged up the past few days!

I'll be back later to report on how it went (see below)

Weight's up a pound on the week, which is pretty disappointing given I only had one blow out - hopefully it's just a blip and all will be well by next weekend :o)

Race Report

Riding over on the scooter I realised just how wet it had the potential to get -dark clouds were gathering overhead and the rain was drizzling gently, which would be quite pleasant if it stayed like that. Anyway - here's a Google Earth pic of the race:

The first problem was actually finding the start - there was no clearly marked start like, so I just joined Cookie and WOmble and waited with them. The hooter went, and we were off, although the point at which I started my watch was a bit arbitrary!

I quickly realised I'd started too far back, and had to thread my way past quite a few people. Cookie was doing the same, only better than me, and I quickly lost him. I stayed pretty much with WOmble, and was happy to see my Garmin say that the pace was 7:32 and I was feeling okay on it. That wasn't to last! I went with WOmble for about the first half mile, then moved ahead as I felt comfortable, not with the intention of going miles clear, but judging by the finish I moved gradually forward ahead of her.

I reached the first mile in 8:04 by the Garmin (slightly ove rby the mileposts) and felt pretty pleased with that. I even though briefly that the sub 50 might still be on, although this wasn't too realistic, I was bound to slow a bit.

The next chunk was quite a long slow climb (off as I hadn't noticed a downhill), and then we turned sharp right back into Epsom, with the dreaded hill. I didn't actually find it too bad, and the second mile was chalked up as 8:19. A quick slow down to take a dink, and then into the second lap. This again went well, and I was pleased with how I kept up my pace. I traded places with a woman about three times, and we had a bit of a joke about it. Even including the drink slow down, the third mile took 8:16, and then I started to slow slightly, hitting 8:26. The hills had started to kick back in at this point, and my drink sbelt was working loose. I stopped at the four mile marker, sorted my drinks belt, and took a big swig. A kindly female ginger runner said "are you okay?", I replied "Yes thanks", and set off in pursuit. She provided a good person to chase, and we were joined by a third person (also ginger, but male), and we helped each other along well.

Finally, we crested the hill, and had some nice downhill - although my legs were too weakened to take full advantage of it!Then it was left back into Epsom (from slightly further out this time), a steep downhill (female Ginger shot off at this point, and I left male ginger a bit behind). Then the uphill, which wasn;t as bad as the long drag uphill, and we were then heading into the sprint finish. I knew that sub 50 was out of the question, but as I passed the six mile marker, my watch showed 50:21, so I hoped to get under 52 minutes but thought it was a long shot as it would require a pace of under eight minute miles. I went for it, and surprised myself that I could keep up the pace. A car pulled out, in spite of a marshall, and the marshall directed me behind it (nice - but it would have been better if he'd stopped it in the first palce, as the gap was rather narrow). Then into the finishing straight, keeping pushing, and I could see on the clock I was going to get under 52 minutes.

Just to make matters tricky, a female who'd pssed me at about mile three decided to walk back along the course, right across the finishing shute, which was narrow enough already. I hope other runners show more consideration. I yelled something about "get out of the f**king way" at her. That sort of thing is bad enough from non-runners who perhaps don't appreciate what it's like running, but from runners (who must know what it's like at the end of the race) it's really inconsiderate. I managed to avoid her, but it was one thing I could have done without - grrrrrrr!

Anyhow - bit disappointed not to go sub 50, but I think that even without the cough I probably wouldn't have managed it. Sub 51 probably, but not sub 50. That's going to have to wait for Dysart, and will now be my target. Sub 48 will have to wait for Elmbridge (unless I do surprisingly well at Dysart!).