Race Report - Centurion Grand Prix 5-Miler Series - Race 3

It was a chilly but bright sunny day in 'North Solihull' today. We arrived early, Joe, Gillan, Jim and I, so we had time to chat to familiar friendly faces before girding our loins and heading down to Babbs Mill Recreation Ground and the start area.

Having washed my ears out this morning, I was just about able to hear the pre-race instructions, including the little joke about MP3-wearers not being able to hear the instruction not to wear MP3 players... (well, I did say 'little').

I started just slightly further forward than usual in these races, and found that I had more space and fewer elbows in my ribs, and slotted in among runners of a similar pace, so I guess I got it about right for once.

I managed my pacing quite well, and the race went pretty much to plan, but I just didn't have the strength in my legs (or perhaps in my mind) to push on in the last couple of miles, and lost a few places. I did manage to pick it up after the car park, with about two thirds of a mile to go, but then got blocked shortly before the mill. A couple of young girls were struggling to control their dogs on long leads. The chap in front of me came off worse than me, and must have said something unsavoury either to them or to their father, as he was chastised (quite rightly) for swearing in front of the kids. Runners sometimes need reminding that just because we're in a race we don't have right of way.

I finished 34th of 130, in 34:50, fourth MV50. That's 1:03 outside my PB, and strangely, 21 seconds slower than last week, yet I'm sure I performed much better. My guts certainly did!

I've volunteered to do the timing at Cannon Hill parkrun next weekend, and was asked today if I'd like to learn how to use the parkrun results system. I think I may be being 'groomed' as a potential Race Director, ready for when Phil moves on to start Sutton parkrun. We'll have to see about that!

The plan for the week ahead includes 20 training miles, including some hills, plus the 12km 'Not The Roman IX' race next Sunday near Stratford-upon-Avon.