The Eastleigh 19-minute barrier

Over the last few weeks I've become increasingly focused on running the Eastleigh parkrun course in under 19 minutes.  It's an interesting 5k course with lots of turns and some respectable slopes.  I've recently completed it in 19:04 and then 19:03, which made the challenge inevitable.

I managed to fumble the stopwatch again on Saturday morning which meant I hadn't a clue how I was doing time-wise.  However, it was a fascinating race.  I very soon found myself head-to-head with Dave Maule from Eastleigh RC.  Dave, distinctive with his tattooed arms and Vibram footwear, has beaten me twice in the Hursley 10k.  At the end of lap 1 (of 3) we were dead level.  I was hoping that he would pace me to a sub-19.

However, soon afterwards I became aware of runners catching from behind.  Soon after I could hear runners talking... yes, talking!  At the same point that Dave slipped back, I was overtaken by a young boy, accompanied by a guy who was coaching through the race.  They both slipped past me, shortly before the end of lap 2, with the older guy saying 'that's it, now you can start to open up'.  Soon after this another runner overtook me, and I tried by best to keep the pressure up, now in fourth place.

An un eventful third lap, but I really had to labour over the hill and it was a proper lie-down-and-gasp job at the finish.  I went to congratulate the winner; he's Archie Ives, aged just 12.  A real privilege to run with such a talented athlete.

I had to wait till the afternoon to see the results... and I finished in 18:59.  I was thrilled - it had been a terrific race.