Hursley 10k 2013

It was a remarkably muggy and warm September morning.  The whole area around Hursley School was buzzing with people - this is an event which has become well loved and respected over the few years that it's been taking place.  Matt, Mark A and I trotted around a field for a few minutes (missing the raucous aerobics-style warm-up) and I was a pool of sweat five minutes before the start.

I set off at a fairly brisk pace in the front pack of about 10 runners.  I felt strong and it was enjoyable.  I passed 5k in 18:43, aware that it was my lungs that were the limiting factor - I was right at the top of the aerobic zone, and I had to pant on even modest slopes.

Oomph

 I pulled into 4th position on the main uphill drag around km 7.  The final 2.5k is almost all downhill.  I kept the pressure on, but into the final grassy straight I sensed someone behind me.  It was Huw Davies, who belted past me and I had nothing left.

0 mph

I finished in 37:55, in 5th place.  Annoyingly, Huw had taken the 1st M40 slot by 4 seconds, but otherwise I was chuffed - this was 36 seconds faster than last year (which was admittedly in wetter conditions) and just 17 seconds slower than my 37:37 at the Eastleigh 10k in March, a road event.  Compare these:

2012 Hursley 10k

2013 Hursley 10k

After finishing I ran home via the Monarch's Way and Test Way - another 21k - keeping an eye on my mileage for Clarendon in 2 weeks' time.  It's a gentle taper from here on.