Pontypridd (Bedlinog) Reverse 10 race, Bedlinog. A mix of tarmac and muddy shale track from climbing centre down to Trelewis and back, with a hilly loop from about mile 4 to 6, where the 'intermediate' soles on Air Pegs proved a wise choice over my Asics 'slicks'. Went off a bit too fast, reaching 3 miles in 5k race pace, but soon settled with runners of similar pace and got to 5 miles in 32.59, despite slowing down quite sharply on the ascent to the halfway marker. Felt very comfortable from mile 6 to 8, but pace fell off a little in last two miles due to unsettled guts and the unnerving experience of having no runners visible in front of me due to schoolboy navigational error by much of the elite pack. Did return 5 miles in 32.31, and overall pace of 6.32 and a pb for 10 miles distance, though it seems this is not an official pb race for the distance. Finished in a lofty 12th place and first 50 year old duffer over the line, so pleased with result, coming at end of week in which logged over 40 miles training, and night after wine, chocs, cakes, peanuts and monopoly city at latest cdmw! More cake please...
5.58, 6.17, 6.32, 6.43, 7.31, 6.23, 6.19, 6.28, 6.35, 6.38
Good