Afternoon Harriers
Hope all is well back in Blighty. Some of you will know Harriet and I, are in the Algarve with Mike Gratton’s 2.09’s Spring Training Camp, running near as damn it twice a day, everyday for ten days.
Today was the turn of the Falesia 5km road race where there is not one flat section on the three lap course. Fast downhill start, followed by long uphill, repeat.
You would not have thought such a high quality field would be present in a village 5km. To name a few; Tracy Barlow, Jenny Spink being two of Britain’s top marathon girls. The winning time was sub 16 mins and it was scorching hot at 10am when the gun went off.
Harriet over took me with one lap to go and maintained a 20 metre lead. A few years ago Harriet beat me in a race and I said to myself at the time don’t let that happen again so I duly took back my place with my customary sprint finish to ensure normal service resumed in a seasons best 19.33 with Harriet just behind in a PB and New Club Record in 19.39.
The winner was Tom Thurley of Potsdamer Laufclub in 15.25. First Lady home was Tracy Barlow of Thames Valley Harriers in 16.31. 142 finishers. Interestingly enough this race was won a few years back in sub 15 mins by a Russian who has gone on to be stripped of his titles due to drug related issues!!
I scooped 2nd MV35 but could have finished last and still won a lovely buff as there were only two MV35’s in the entire field!!
See you soon
Tom