Harewood Forest 10k, 2019

This was always going to be a bit of a leg-stretch after yesterday's half marathon. It's a really charming off-roader in beautiful chalk countryside, part of the Wherwell PTA village fete - a complete contrast to the noise and bustle of Southampton.  And it's also Poppy's chance to show off her canine racing prowess.

We met a bunch of RRR friends at the start and tried to loosen up on tight legs.  The horn sounded, and we headed off around the rec ground and up into the hills.  A couple of guys with big dogs went whooshing forwards from the start, and it was a competitive field from the off.

The course was a lovely mix of bluebell woods, open fields and sheltered tracks.  I caught a few guys up and felt OK.  I finished in 4th place 40:15, almost a minute up on my last outing in 2017.  A super way to spend a May day holiday.

The lovely Mrs S and Poppy push for the finish

Derek and his ladies finish in style