Another race which I last did 2011, and being a local race it's one I enjoy doing.  I had structured my training over the last few weeks to get up to nine miles in readiness.

The middle of June, and a 10.30 start could make it a hot run, and the British weather didn’t disappoint. I prepared by drinking plenty of water the day before and prior to the race.

Looking back at my previous four times, I had run between 57.43 and 61.17, and I thought a realistic target for this year would be about 67 minutes, which equates to 7.27 pace.

I started nice and steady with a first mile at 7.06 pace and tried to maintain an even comfortable pace. There’s a few ups and downs but nothing too bad, so running evenly isn’t a major issue.  Everything went well, but at about eight miles the run goes off road round Barston Lakes, so it’s a bit uneven underfoot,  on narrow trails, and you have to avoid the fishermen’s poles !

Exiting the off road part I felt myself getting tired (which reflected in my slowest mile at 7.33 pace) but focussed on the runners in front, just trying to keep up with them and not dropping back. The last mile is uphill and I found myself actually getting passed some who were finding the hill hard going. That was followed by a short downhill which then brings the finish into sight and the opportunity for a final push.

I crossed the line in 64.27 which I was very pleased with.
Another race done and the comeback continues !

This was a new race on the calendar, and the very first race ever to be organised by Spa Striders. The location was Ryton Pools country park, just a few miles from Coventry and Leamington Spa

At only £5 to enter for UKA affilliated runners it was great value, which was more than could be said about the after race refreshments.  Coffee £2 a cup, and burgers £4.50 - I had a coffee !

Anyway, what about the race..... two and a half laps race on flat unsealed paths. Due to recent dry weather and 232 runners the paths kicked up alot of dust at the start, which was not pleasant. It got in you eyes and down your throat. Maybe the organisers could have dampened down the first couple of hundred yards, as once the runners became spaced out it wasn't too bad.

Apart from that a very well organised and marshalled race. For me comming in a couple of minutes ahead of my anticipated time was another good result

At work we say "Shit happens, deal with it" !
Well my friends with less than six weeks to go before Dingle the shit has well and truly happened and I have to find a way to deal with it.

Monday 7th July I did about 8 miles, which was less than my long run of 10.5 the week before. I remember how much I enjoyed that Monday run, a day off work and a run, what could be better.... that was until I got up the following morning and realised that something was not quite right. My achilles and calf was a bit sore. I put my sensible head on and decided to take a week off and fit in a visit to the physio. 

After my self imposed rest it felt good enough to run on, and I ventured out round the Memorial Park, a steady four mile. Again no problem whilst running but the following morning, soreness again. Then, I take 12 days rest, before doing a very slow Park Run. Exactly the same happens. By 5pm that afternoon I could feel the tightness developing. Now I am taking another rest. 

One thing is for sure I dont know how long I can keep this stop start thing going. It really does get me down, ask anyone who has to put up with my bad moods. When i'm running everything in the garden is rosey, but when i'm not give me a wide berth ! 

After another rest of three weeks I started running again, doing a few laps round the common on grass to minimise the inpact. I went every other day and slowly built up getting a last "long" run in of 5 miles a week before Dingle. Ideal preparation !