New Forest Stinger 2015

This was my first time running the Stinger.  The lovely Mrs S and I were set to go around the 5-mile course together, but she hadn't been well so I was on my own, and the organisers (Totton RC) were very amenable to me upgrading 15 minutes before the start.

There were a few familiar faces around, both from Romsey and OS.  It was a calm, cool day and dry underfoot.  Off we went, on forest paths through a mixture of heath and woodland.  I found myself working a good consistent pace and felt strong. It was a stonker of a race!  The landscape was fabulous, the marshalling was excellent and everything felt good.  Into the last km and I was catching on the guy in front, and I found myself wishing that the course would go on a bit further so that I could take him, but I was very happy to stagger over the line in 1:06:13, four minutes quicker than my estimate. Here are the GPS stats.

This was everything that I hope for in a race:

• Organised by a local club - no silly commercial glitz, and modest entry fees
• Great countryside with rolling hills, and entirely off-road 
• Friendly, capable volunteers in charge

The open flat start...

...and the chase to the finish

This was up there with one of the happiest and most satisfying races that I've ever done. Great job Totton!