Westbrigde 5

This race has a little bit of history and I think I mentioned it in last years post, it is one of my 1st real races and one I originally thought was only a 5k . 

How things have changed, this is a nice little run, in and around Stone and Aston in Staffordshire.  It is shaped a little like and lolly pop, long out along the canal and around Aston and then back along the canal.  I am not sure if it is shaped like a lolly but that is how I think about it.  Due to the nature of the run, there is no room for spectators other than the boats along the canal and those speeding along the A34, so it is really feels like a race.  

I didn’t really have any aims other than do my best, I think I was still on a high from getting a PB at Edinburgh the week before and I had done my first DOUBLE, “DO THE DOUBLE”.  I had ran into work and then ran home, a total of 14 miles, should I get in to the Marathon I feel this is the best way to get my mileage in and save on my fuel bill!

The day itself was rather dull and over cast , fortunately it stayed dry but it was very cold , as the run is along the canal there are very few over taking spots so you have to try and position yourself well at the start.  I felt really comfortable during the race and I was clocking sub 8 minute miles, which I was very impressed with.  There was lady in front of me, who I was determined to keep up with because I thought she was a fellow group “W” and I thought I need to make sure I get those points, however around mile 4 I noticed she was an “M” the next group up! then I just thought knuckle down and hang on in there.  Which I did and managed to knock 2 minutes of my Olympic Park time  at real thumbs up moment!