Lightning Bolt 10k, 2023

This was my first race in a few weeks. I hadn't done a heap of training, but enjoying being injury-free. So, low expectations of a strong result. And I wasn't in the best frame of mind when we arrived at the carpark in a field outside Chippenham - I had to sprint across the field in a squall of rain to get my number.

After this the rain eased, and by the time I was at the start line it was pleasantly cool conditions. I set off at a sensible pace, lifted it a bit in the second km and just kept going. This was also a Wiltshire championship race so there was a very strong field. In the later stages I found myself among some fast ladies. Going into the final stretch I had to dig deep to pursue a couple of ladies who accelerated brilliantly. I couldn't hold them, but it gave me a push just when I needed it.

I crossed the line in a chip time of 37:11, my best 10k result since Stubbington in 2020. I was delighted how it had come together. Here are my stats.

PS I tried this bicarb trick before leaving home. It was disgusting. Did it help? No idea!