While everyone was focused on bashing Watford, we were heading up the M1 to Long Eaton, for the National Cross Country Masters (over 35s) Relays...... also held in conjunction with the Midlands Champs.
5 legs of 3km each.
We've had a solid bunch of masters athletes for a couple of years, but this is probably the first race we've gone out with a team nearing full strength..... i thought we might have a chance of a medal, but was also slightly nervous as i'm the slowest on the team and didn't want to let the side down.
I set off on Leg4, in 2nd place, with about 25 seconds lead over 3rd..... went out really hard, as i didn't want to give 3rd any inkling they might be able to catch me..... this threatened to backfire when i looked at my watch and i'd only been going 4 minutes, and my legs were started to feel the strain.
Crossed the line in 10:45...... 7 seconds quicker than last year, although the course was slightly more difficult on one of the trail sections, probably worth about another 10 seconds or so.
I'd extended the gap and our final guy had around 40 seconds start....... it was not over though, as he was being chased down by a guy who was going sub 10-minute pace. With 400mtrs to go the gap was down to about 7 seconds and i thought we were going to be overhauled, but held on desperately for 2nd place by a mere two seconds.
National
1st Salford Harriers
2nd Cov Godiva
3rd Long Eaton (home club)
Midlands
1st Cov Godiva
2nd Long Eaton
3rd Nuneaton Harriers
There were other age category races up to over 65s, and women's races, but due to the fairly short nature and our medal aspirations, i'm afraid i was totally focused on our own team.
Next weekend back up to Mansfield for the Senior National Relays, where i'll be in our B team.