Notes
Well, I made it at the BHAA Trinity Track Races last night. Now the official times are not out yet, but I ran the two races, 1200m and 2000m. It was an absolutely stunning night for running, with 100's of students from Trinity enjoying the sun on the playing fields, not to mention the beer, so we had a great support as well.
My first race was the second of the night, after the womens race, and having not run this sort of distance on a track for donkeys years, I was not sure about pacing, nor did I have a clue as to the abilities of my fellow athletes. Clearly, although these races are meant to be a level playing field, due to the the standards that are set by the BHAA (bit like a golf handicap to give everyone a sporting chance), most of those are based on the normal longer distance road races that the BHAA organise. I set off at what I felt was a respectable pace, following Colin's advice, and my first lap was 91 seconds, but whether it was the sun, or more likely my lack of overall speed, I started to struggle a bit on the second lap, and didn't hear the time, but knew I was treading water, but I dug in, stayed ahead of those behind me, but couldn't close the gap on the four or five guys ahead - Wasn't able to pick up anything for a sprint finish, and managed to finish in around 4:58 - Slighly disappointed, and around 5th of 6th in the race.
The rest of the 1200m races then took place, so after an hour or so, it was time for the 2000m. I was keen to do better in this one, and run as close to even pace as I could. I let the speedsters set off ahead, and tucked in behind one guy, who had beaten me over the shorter race, and we ran the first lap in 1:45, and that was more or less it for the rest of the race. I stuck with him for each lap, just a few metres behind him, hoping he would tire on the last lap - Sadly he didn't and when I went for the Smackdown, I confess to letting the side down, as he was stronger than me, and we crossed the line in a second or two over 9 minutes, with him a good few strides ahead - Mind you, he did have 30 years youth on me!!!
A great night's event, in glorious weather, and to top it off when they came to announce the prizes, I was surprised to win 2nd prize in my age standard for the 2000m, and my work team won 1st prize in our Classification. Managed to come away with some Trinity swag, an umbrella, two tote bags, a travel coffee mug and a pack of Trinity playing cards. Great to chat with Jamie Killeen from here and St Annes parkrun on the night, he had some great races, and it was fun to see him walkinhome with a number of umbrellas at the end.... Thanks to everyone for organising such an event, and the students of Trinity for cheering us on.