Lordshill 10k
I won't moan about the heat (too much) as I need to get to used to running in tropical conditions but seriously for a low key 10k the conditions could have been a lot more favourable! Luckily St Johns were supplying Sun cream at the start!
The Lordshill 10k race started at 10.30am and my family's guess work suggested there was around 400 runners who participated. The first 5k was nice and flat, few bends and I had a nice pace going and was through the half way mark in 16minutes 40 seconds so well on course for a PB. I also had the very classy and experienced Mark Hargreaves of Bournemouth running alongside me so I knew if I could keep with him I would have a strong and consistent race. We both knew by 1k however that we wouldn't win with the first 3runners in another league - the winner finishing in around 32minutes!
Mark and I kept a strong pace going but the 6th and 7th kilometres were tough going as both had inclines and included agility work through some forestry. Come 8km our pace picked up and in the final km I managed to put in a good finish down the main road before turning into the finish. I kicked to come 4th beating Mark and beat my original course record by over 2 and a half minutes. Many thanks to Mark if he reads this, quality run despite the heat!
So no PB but with the tough 2nd half of the course and hot conditions I was pleased to finish in 34minutes 19seconds. Full race results available on http://www.lordshillroadrunners.org.uk/10k%20results.htm
I now have to face my tutor group with the news that I won't get my SMART Target 10k time this season but as I will tell them, SMART targets are not always achieved.....but I've had fun trying, saved myself a fortune in beer money and I can blame injury for ruling me out of the Eastleigh 10k!
For Graham, Andy, Nick etc etc, I am now going to enjoy myself again.....cheers lads!
By Lewis Chalk.