A defeat of sorts, but a great race

14M - incl Run to the Beat half marathon in 71.30 (5.27min/M; 4th position; PB)

A defeat, yes, but it felt like a victory - I was the first non-Kenyan! I ran without my watch and just tried my plan of sticking with the first bunch of non-Kenyans. It probably meant I was faster than if I'd been clock watching, but I also think I could have pushed on a bit more in the second half had I had to chase someone hard. Ron was rightly a bit disappointed that I didn't collapse over the line. I do have the tendency to save a bit if I'm racing for position. I was a little cautious pace-wise after I got a mini-break on my pack at half distance, partly because of this tendency and partly because my belly was aching (Ron suggests I switch from breakfast on race morning to a shake and eat lower-bulk food in the couple of days before).

I think the Cardiff Half will be good for me if I get to race it in anger - it'll be full of people faster than me to really find my limit. Failing that (Cardiff is on the same weekend as a big cross-country race I'd like to run in) I'll find some good alternatives one or other side of Christmas. I still hope to crack 70mins this year. I feel I have it in me already. I also feel I've got a good deal of sharpness to gain even in the short term. Some cross-country racing should help that. Can't wait.