Thursday 5th November
Sitting in the office looking out at rain. The thought of running in the rain doesn’t bother me. Riding my motorbike to the event in the rain bothers me. As the day goes on the weather eases. I leave work and go straight to the event. 25mile drive to Castlewellan on off rain and side winds the whole way. As I get to castlewellan I follow the signs for the side entrance to the forest picking my way up a pothole filled road.
I am early again so I have a walk around until registration opens. Registration was just a case of getting my number and chip from the previous race. I got ready in the registration tent and went out for a warm up. The sky had cleared and a beautiful starry filled sky lit up the darkness. Slow jog up and down the banks of the lake. Watching as the car parks filled up and competitors started their stretches and warm ups. As 7:30pm nears everyone shuffled to the start line for a race brief from Rowan. Another good turn out for a cold blustery November night.
Three, Two, One and we’re off. We started on the banks of the lake running on tarmac towards the castle. Thankfully a flat start and already we were into a steady pace. As we leave the tarmac for gravel roads I pick up the pace on the first slight climb. Trying to stay within eyesight of the front group for as long as I can. I was feeling pretty good and the pace seemed to suit me. Staying pretty close to the front we pushed further into the forest. Slight climbs with descents straight away meant I could push without fear of burning out. The gravel roads were very wet and sandy in places puddles everywhere. After just 5 mins you don’t seem to notice the puddles any more. As I got into a rhythm my breathing calmed. Into another climb and although this wasn’t steep it did pull the front group apart. I started to get a stitch but I didn’t ease up. Leaning into the climb and shortening my stride this seemed to really help. I could see I was catching someone in front of me and just made them my target. As we started to descend I picked up the pace again. Head up, chest out, long strides. I felt this style helped as I was taking in much needed air. A few moments on looser gravel but thankfully the ankles held up. As the paths leveled out again I tried to find a rhythm. Fast enough to get me past some of the runners in front but not to fast to let anyone catch me. I was aware of someone behind me but wasn’t sure just how close. You aren’t getting past me was the thoughts in my head. As we turned onto another gravel road I could see the lake. Is this the finish surely not yet. I lift it again and then see a small bridge. Yes this is the finish two people within reach I start into a sprint passing them. Around the corner at the bridge. Where’s the car park? This wasn’t the finish I had mistaken the bridge for a similar one at the finish I had seen when warming up. Now with three people behind me I didn’t want them to catch me. I’m sure it was obvious they could tell I got it wrong. I kept it going pushing hard along the side of the lake. Legs felt good but severe pains in my sides meant breathing was all over the place. Breathe out on the left foot down I had been told previously. This worked for me in training but didn’t seem to help here. I could hear the beeps from the finish line. The end was close and so was someone behind. Finally the bridge and the tarmac. I sprint across the line finishing time 00:35:01 That placed me 29th in a field of 71
Another well organised event with a great course. Thanks to 26 extreme and all the helpers. See you at the next one.
Next Race Rostrevor Saturday 14th November (8.31km)
Race Results and Schedule: http://26extreme.com/winter-race-series/
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