Sub 20 5k

We did the Beverley 5k Classic last Friday night and I was really up for it. I was keen to break 20 mins and set off ok. I was under 5 mins for the first lap and managed to keep my pace up. I finished in 19m08s which I was delighted with and the only problem was I was lapped as I completed my 3rd lap, (4 laps of 1.25k) The winner did it in 14m18s for a course record and appeared to be flying as he went past me. I really enjoyed the run but not as much as the large curry afterwards! Didn't run with the club this week as there was some confusion over location so we were sat waiting at Hutton le Hole whilst the run started from Lastingham! A week off won't do any harm and we are travelling to Bradford on Sunday for the Idle 10k trail race.

Stillington Handicap

Stillington Handicap turned out to be a real fun race. I was getting a bit disheartened in the first 5k as I did not seem to be gaining on anybody. After that the rain started falling and I think I quickened up a bit. Maybe didn't want to get wet! The finish was fantastic with runners everywhere after the 9k marker. The handicapping must have been pretty good. I managed to run to 1 second of my handicap which equates to 1 second off my PB although there have been mutterings that the course was a touch short. Had a very lethargic club run at Thixendale last night and off to Beverley tonight for my first ever 5k. Guaranteed PB !!!

Burton Leonard

Had a nice run at Burton Leonard on a fairly demanding course. Managed 45m06s which I was happy with. Tracey did 1h1m1s which was a bit slower than normal but she did do Bishop Wilton half marathon 24 hours earlier! Nice course and nice village, that was the last one for us in a thoroughly enjoyable Black Sheep Series.

Club run

Lovely club run tonight at Lockton. One of my favourites. Cross the main road and to the Bridestones then into Dalby forest and a bit of cycle track before heading back. Good turnout. Tracey has gone to do Bishop Wilton Half today but I fire cover was low so I could not book time off from Fire Station. Last race for us in this years Black Sheep Series tomorrow at Burton Leonard so hope conditions are good.

Kilburn 7

Completed the Kilburn 7 yesterday in 51m31s. It was a lovely run in what is some of my favourite countryside anywhere. I was still suffering with a niggly hamstring so took it easy to start with. Picked up my pace for the last 3 miles and was pleased with how it went. Didn't suffer any repurcussions afterwards either. Was in two minds whether to do the race beforehand, especially when I got there and saw Darren Bilton, Gary Dunn and Ian Fisher lining up, I really fancied watching them come back but decided to rely on my dad's report of their finish. A bit of a rest now till the club run on Thursday and then the Burton Leonard 10k which will complete the Black Sheep Series for me as the final race is the same day as our club champs.

It's a PB

Got up this morning and checked the published times for the Wistow 10k and it appears I ran a PB last night. I managed to knock 32 seconds off to record 40m.29s so I have been on a high all day. Good job I didn't get dope tested as I may have proved positive for paracetemol. I have Mike Hetherton to thank for pacing me. Perhaps next year I will try to go sub 40! Dream on...

Just got back from Wistow where I had a good run. Took some painkillers before the race as still feeling the effects of Burn Valley. Managed to stay in front of Mike Hetherton until 6k when he came past me and said we were running at 40m pace. I had my finish time down as 41m30s but not certain so will have to wait for the results to be published. Club handicap on Thursday but I have volunteered to timekeep so will play squash before and then save myself for Kilburn feast 7 miler on Sunday.

Burn Valley Half

Managed to complete the Burn Valley Half yesterday in very hot conditions. I enjoyed the run but found it very tough. It seemed to be relentless hills. I normally thrive on the hilly sections but I really felt it in this race. Finished in a respectable time of 1h38m and managed to stay in front of quite a few who beat me at Rainton the week before. Tracey suprised me finishing in 2h8m which was quicker than I expected and then said she loved the run which was also not expected as she hates hills! Felt a bit of a twinge on my hamstring but hopefully nothing much as it is the 10k at Wistow on Tuesday night. I will test it with a game of squash tonight!

Missed the club run

Just on my way to the club run tonight and my alerter went off so had to stop the car run to the fire station and off to an RTC. Tracey went to the run and came back and told me what a lovely run it was with super views! I was not too upset as I felt fairly tired after a very hot and sticky day day and a hard game of squash. Next run Burn (Death) Valley on Sunday. Mad dogs and Englishmen springs to mind!