Griffithstown LCL – Late-Comer’s Lamet - Tue 26th May

This was my first Griffithstown LCL and one I’ll probably not forget! We got to the Oasis club ok and in plenty of time. A good Harriers turn out, despite it being half term, and a lovely evening for a race. But that’s where it all went a bit astray.

I warmed up with three team-mates (who shall remain nameless in case there‘s the slightest chance word hasn’t got round absolutely everyone yet!!) through the park, in the opposite direction to the race. But, with 5 minutes to go, we suddenly realised we were some way from the start. By 7.30 we were careering along at 6-minute pace and, turning a bend, found the race, led of course by Mark, coming the other way!! Ooops! No point in hiding our faces – four Chepstow vests kind of gave it away!

So, having already run 2 miles at a good pace, we had to run past the pack, back to the start, and with no time to set my watch, turn and start chasing. It was like a mass club handicap, except we were the only ones that had been held back. It proved hard work chasing the tail, but once among the main body of runners, I was able to maintain a good pace and steadily move through the field.

Running through the park (the second time for us!), Chris Rees reminded me of the hill round the next corner. Thanks Chris, because it was a long and tough one (for me). I tried to keep a steady, short pace all the way, but really started flagging in the last 50 yards. Helen was running well – I’d been 10 or 15 yards behind her before the hill, but I couldn’t make up any ground until we rounded the corner at the top.

I now had Andy O in front, but try as I might, I was losing ground on him. Coming round the bend by the Oasis, we had a welcome cheer from the Chepstow support (thanks). By now I’d not passed another runner for some time and concentrated on maintaining my position. Not knowing how far we had to go, I tried to dig deep and keep going. I finally managed to catch Andy, but only because he was suffering with his hamstring(?) and had to pull up for a few seconds.

We ran back through the park (for the third time!) and I managed to move up a couple more places. With the end in sight, I watched Dave Somersall first get passed by two other runners, but then change down a gear to take back the lead and fend them off at the finish – well done Dave. I came in 10 seconds or so later.

I guess all four of us scored, but with no results out yet, we don’t whether the lost time counted. I’m looking forward to the Risca race, but I think I’ll warm up running on the spot on the starting line!

Results now available:

Race Results

Road Series results

Combined results for 08,09 XC Road Season, after 7 out of 10 races

This entry was posted on 02/06/2009 at 08:14 am and is filed under Leisure Centre League, Races. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.