OK, I know, my blog is all about time trialling now......However, I am in the final throes of completing my transition from triathlete to full time tester. First to go was the swimming, and now this weekend saw my final run until what I think will be post season in October. Knowing the running was to come to an end, I chose one last race to finish on for the year and would you know it, I chose 'The Ripper'.
The Ripper is a race I know well, having been a finisher on three seperate previous occasions. Last year, I finished as high as 30th, but that was back when I was running at least twice a week, whereas I've recently been down to one steady run per week.
The day was dry and there wasn't too much wind, but by god, the ground was muddy and it was the boggiest I could remember the course. I chose trial shoes again and started half way down the field. As the were set underway, I soon found myself making places by running strongly up the first little incline before we made our way onto the main road. My pace was better than expected though and I wondered if I would be able to hold it. I calmed my breathing and turned into the boggiest section of the course. I picked my line through the mud OK and didn't lose too many places. By the end of the second mile I had relaxed on top of my breathing and effort and spent the reaminder of the run holding a sub 8 pace, and closing down on some runners in front of me. The miles ticked away quickly and I was still running well into the last mile, where lo and behold, I managed a strong finish to hold off a charge, something I have rarely managed.
So, that was it, the latest edition of the Ripper done and dusted and the curtain for now has been pulled down over my running career.
Next stop, the Sunthorpe RC 10 on 11/3.
