Run > Race

Gloucestershire XC Championships this afternoon. It was again held at Rendcomb College - an boarding school that is essentially its own village. Stunning Cotswold buildings and scenery. Last year the course went up and down the valley beneath the college and through the river six times. Absolutely savage. Upon arrival, it was clear why this had been changed: the entire bottom section was completely flooded. I enjoyed hearing one dramatic description of ‘risk of drowning for the U11s’ 😆. I thought, therefore, it would be much flatter and essentially around the sports fields. I couldn’t have been more wrong: three laps, each starting with a massive climb. The flat was then enjoyable with beautiful views, before some proper XC descents: twisty, rooty, muddy. I rarely get to do XC as it clashes with coaching/refereeing, but I really do love it. Ridiculously cheap, great atmosphere and a huge range of ages and paces. If I could only do one form of racing for the rest of my running days, this would be it, even though I tend to finish far lower down than lost local road races. Kept the effort steady on the first climb, although there was never any massive surge from there on. Really pleased to finish 26th and 14th SM, finishing just ahead of a trio that usually beat me in road races. 41:00 for the 10k at 6:43 pace. 3M WU and 2M WD made it a great afternoon of running. Left lower back still and bit sore on starting and during the cool down, but not noticeable during the race. Now enjoying some well deserved wine.

Split Summary
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1) 1m - 6:59(6:59/m) 90/90bpm
2) 1m - 6:19(6:19/m) 149/173bpm
3) 1m - 7:13(7:13/m) 180/194bpm
4) 1m - 6:25(6:25/m) 199/201bpm
5) 1m - 7:17(7:17/m) 200/200bpm
6) 1m - 6:17(6:17/m) 200/203bpm
7) 0.09m - 30(5:53/m) 204/206bpm