Run > Race

Before the start I bumped into Jason. He was aiming for around 48 mins. I would have gratefully accepted anything under an hour. He also recommended doing the Walsall 5k park runs on Saturdays.

I was properly hydrated and had even had a coffee.

I t was hot. I started too quickly, doing the first K in about 4:30, so I was always going to slow from that stage. By halfway, getting back into Aldridge I had slowed to 26 minutes, but was still well on course to beat the hour. It was just a question of whether I could hold it together enough over the second half.

There were some hard miles and long uphill sections (not that steep), but I was really pleased with my stamina. I used my inhaler twice. I pushed really hard. At the two opportunities I had I gulped a little water, but threw most of it over my head to cool me down.

I never thought that I would produce a time as quick as this, given the limited quantity of training I've done in recent months, but I gave every ounce of energy that I'd got. To manage under 9-minute miling in these conditions and circumstances: Fabulous!

Now I've got a medal and entry details for the Lichfield and Walsall events in September. So I just need to build on this & try to keep the weight off...