Running race 37:37 [5] 10.0 km (3:46 / km) +71m 3:38 / km
ahr:174 max:191 shoes: Asics
Lakes 10km
Another top 20 finish and 2nd M45. Time 37.37, with negative split into the wind & rain.
Plenty of wind and rain during warmup, but this cleared for the start which included a brief showing of the sun. I didn't have a specific plan, except definitely not give it 100%. Plenty of races in recent weeks, and hours orienteering yesterday in rough terrain and a slight niggle in right leg which has been present since the half last week meant a common sense approach. This didn't seem to be the case when the first KM clicked by in 3.33, which was a big OOPS!. Eased back and chilled out till 5km which passed in 18.52. A sharp right followed by downhill to cross the Liffey before the hill during the 7th km. I decided to attack this hill and gained about 20 seconds on nearly everyone around me. I kept this momentum up to pass others on the following downhill. The wind and rain really came in strong for the final 2km. The stronger it came, the stronger I ran! I had my sights set on a grey haired chap about 100m ahead, but as I passed the 9km marker, the niggle in my leg made its presence known and I eased my pace a bit, but was still gaining on this chap. He suddenly upped his pace and I thought the game was up until he stopped!!. He had gone too soon and I passed him while he recovered. He did finish shortly after. He had thought the finish was just around the corner when he took off. In the end he was 3rd M45. Mick Clohisey was run away winner in 31:49. Laura Shaughnessy was looking very focused and in good shape before the start and she bettered her time of last year by 30 seconds to clock 34:34. Sarah Mulligan kept with her for a bit, but Laura is in a different class in these races. An enjoyable race, but now looking forward to doing more orienteering