Was a bit worried going into this one, what with the dodgy tum and dizzy spells in the days leading up to it! On the day I felt fairly fit, the day’s rest meant my leg soreness/stiffness had relaxed a little. It was nice having so many of us there, felt like a club race.
I set off a little too quick but soon backed off into a decent manageable pace letting the front runners shoot off (incl. Lambo). Was aiming for ~4:20s on the flat sections where possible which felt comfortable but working. I caught Paul just before East Hoathly as he got stuck behind someone on the single track section, I announced my presence with an encouraging “get on with it then Paul!” and we ran together for a few kms – he thought we were going a tad quick but it felt just about OK to me so kept it up. I lost him and another chap on some downhill fields but he caught me up on the long field uphill, I could hear him slowly reeling me in. When we hit the steep downhills before the halfway(ish) turnaround I left him as bombed off, but again he caught me on the uphills – it was motivating having someone on my heels, we had an Uckfield Runner with us for these sections and almost until the end too which was cool.
It started feeling a bit tough 2/3rds in but Paul was very motivating and kept motoring on so I followed, he stayed just ahead until 3km to go as I wanted to pushed to get it under 1:40. I bombed down those last trail sections like a madman and lost Paul until the final road section, I was really feeling it here but kept pushing hard as didn’t want him to catch me. Was in the 3’s for most of that last km which hurt a bit, but it was worth it – a good strong finish and a great result. Hard work but lots of fun. Good weather and conditions, got a bit clagged up and slipped a few times but mostly it was fine.
Having run this averaging 5:30 per km and working fairly hard towards the end it gives me a much better reflection of just how good sub 1:40 is. It wasn’t easy out there, lots of undulation, the stiles, the steps, the bumpy ground. Hugely impressed and possibly one of your best runs yet. I think highlighted by the fact you beat Paul who until now has probably had a little edge over you. Close to 400 runners and 7th place. You’re pretty good at this right? And I think further evidence that you continue to make small gains which is never that easy. Really pleased you snuck in under the time you wanted and super happy with the outcome. And yeah, the whole thing just had this lovely vibe to it where we were all supporting each other, which was great. 150pts for the week too, not been many of them recently which will help towards the Serpent.
Coach Simon 🍊
