Notes
I am very happy with this race. Best depth and quality field I have run in the UK. I thought the course was flat, but Les was right, there are a few hills. The last one with just over half mile to go is tough because of so late in the race. Th hills are not tough, so I would consider this a relatively fast course.
The weather forecast called for 15 MPH winds, but it was more like 8-10. Some headwind, but not really a factor in the race, so a good day to run.
Not having any endurance running since the half marathon 2 months ago, and with my back not 100%, I decided to hold back a bit and run somewhat conservative. No real time goal, but a sub 1:07:30 would be great.
I felt good the whole race and ran fairly even splits.The 2nd half is a bit tougher so 22 seconds slower 2nd half is ok with me. The thing I didn't like is the finish. After the uphill there is a 200 meter downhill and then crossing a bridge for 100 meters with a sharp left turn with 20 meters to the finish. Les suggested that if I am racing anyone to the finish, to make the move before the bridge because it's narrow and hard to pass and even more difficult to pass after that sharp turn with 30 meters to go.
I was gaining on a guy and felt I could go by him, but the bridge came up quicker than I expected and with spectators on the bridge, I really couldn't kick it in and finished 2 seconds behind with 1:07:22. 4th in 60-64. OveralI was 158th out of 677.
The winner in my division (Ian Brown) is out of my league, He ran 1:04:59.
Next time I run this, i will make my move on the uphill and try to hang on as gaining speed on the downhill.bridge/sharp time is not easy.
Back started to hurt a little at mile 7, but it didn't affect my running. A bit stiff after the race.