2nd Race - Rother Valley

Finally got that second race done! Over the summer I will probably be running 2/month most months in preparation for any other potential delays.

Anyway, the race. I ran a 52:39. I'm pleased with it because it is an improvement but considering how hard I have trained I know I am capable of much better. I think I was too relaxed on the day, and that combined with a week of poor diet due to me being on holiday, and weetos as my pre-race breakfast. Meltham proved that pre race nerves help you to race better.

It was an odd day for a race, very misty, and the race field was twice the size of Meltham. The route its self was very flat, probably another reason I was too relaxed, and a pretty fantastic route around. A complete variation on Meltham which was cold with enchanting sites of the country side, this one had the smells of spring, people practising wakeboarding in the lake and an enjoyable route through and through which was more centered around a local community, rather than the remoteness of Meltham.

I also picked up some minor injuries due to worn out running shoes. Pain in my left big toe tendon, as well as pain in the arch of my right foot. They're pretty much better now, and i've replaced those running shoes with a brand new pair! After doing some maths on the mileage I now clock up i've realised i'm going to be going through a pair of running shoes every 2-3 months. Expensive!

New training - More strength training, more speed training.
New diet - Addition of higher iron foods and whey protein
New lifestyle - Still working on my ever so erratic sleeping pattern

I've ordered a few books to give me some inspiration, as I could definitely do with it right now, I need a bit of a push at the moment, especially with the sudden rise in heat making running a somewhat more torrid affair. And some sunglasses, because i'm not a fan of running and squinting.

I'm on a slow week to recover from the race this week, running 20 miles in total, split into 5 x 4 mile sessions. Then next week I will be back on it, once I know what my next race is, and I will be training according to it.

John