I’ll do a weekly round up of Team Orange in a second post but just wanted to share my own experiences of the BBB10K on Sunday morning.

A race I last completed in 2019 in a time of 56 minutes. Having recently achieved my PB at this distance (have I mentioned that yet?) a few weeks back, in a time of 40:52, I was well aware the hills around Battle were going to result in a much slower time.

Setting a goal or target time therefore can be tricky. I decided to take a different approach. A week earlier I was munching on a delicious Beyond Meat burger in a sweet potato wrap, with lettuce, plant based cheese and hummus, discussing the race with Hastings Runners legend Martin Noakes.

I questioned what time he was hoping to run and he mentioned his time of 42:50 (not actually correct, he ran 42:10, I checked this morning) from last year. This was around about the time I had predicted for myself, so from that point onwards my race goal was simply to beat Martin!

Fast forward 7 days and I was tucked right in behind Martin at the 2km mark. Problem being my watch showed a time of 7:40. Granted the first section of the Battle 10km is downhill and I wanted to bank some time for later in the race, but this pace was madness, I don’t even run 1k reps at that speed.

Km 3 was similar and that’s when I decided that my goal wasn’t going to happen. For what it’s worth Mr Noakes went on to run 41:15, an amazing time from a super runner. I had no chance.

Having an understanding of the route and my own level right now I knew at that point I was screwed and I would pay the price later in the race.

As my legs wobbled as I passed the Squirrel Inn the threat of death was my main concern. As we ran head first into the busy North Trade Road traffic my primary focus was to avoid tripping and getting squashed by an oncoming vehicle.

Luckily I survived and when Todd (now running for the dark side) eased passed in front of Claverham School I tried to dig deep. But Martin Noake’ ridiculous early surge had ensured my legs simply couldn’t go any faster.

It was only the magnificent site of the Abbey at the foot of the hill and the street lined with supporters that spurred me on to produce a strong finish. I raised my arm, clenched my fist and cried “Lets Go” to which the crowd responded (try it, they love it).

In the end I got round in 43:25. Not that far off my target but a long way behind Mr Noakes.

I’ve learned a few lessons from this one. Always run your own race, unless you have someone pacing you, ignore what others are doing around you.

Also a reminder that races are far more enjoyable if you get your pacing right, don’t set off too hard and save some energy for the end. I got that wrong on this occasion, not for the first time this year. It’s not easy to get it right in truth, especially when you have a generous downhill start like this one.

I want to add that Martin and Chris Brandt who I ran alongside for 5km are two runners I really look up to. At my age they were smashing out much quicker times and the fact they continue to run at such a high standard is inspiring stuff. I hope I can still be running well in my late 50s.

Oh and the last time I ran this race I wasn’t overly complimentary about the medals. This year they were awesome!