XC league: Popham airfield

A belated report on the third in the cross-country series.

Popham airfield is probably my least favourite venue on the current league circuit.  It's essentially three-and-a-half times around a big field, and as such not a million miles away from enforced circuits around the school playing field.  There are long uphill drags, and it's hard going -- much more fun to be rushing through trees and navigating roots and twisty turns.

Having said that, I quite enjoyed it!  I felt my pacing was good and I kept overtaking people throughout the 10k route.  It was fun watching the small planes taking off and landing.  There was just one technical bit with a steep slippery slope and I stumbled badly on the first lap... until someone gently pushed me up over the top.  I thanked him a few seconds later.  'I was just hanging on' he demurred... but it was very welcome... thank you, mystery pusher.

I picked up my number tab at the end reasonably hopeful that I had broken 80th place.  Oh dear - I was 100th!  I was 111th in 2011, which was consolation of sorts, but with an extra small lap added this year I couldn't directly compare times.

Next stop Bournemouth on 12 Jan...