Aster the Port Vale 5k - which I perceive to be a bit short and my 18:03 doesn’t count 🥸 - my focus was to build up again to hit the mid-Cheshire summer 5k in an attempt to dip under 18 min. Frustratingly, my Achilles flared up and I found myself struggling to get quality training sessions done. But I made the start line confident that I could get close to my target. I had some thoughts that if fully fit I could be in better shape. But who knows. You got to deal with what you have and be positive. So this mid-Cheshire race is a known fast course. The event sells out quickly and I entered ages ago. It turned out to be a lovely summer evening late August, just a few days before I turned 60! So if I bagged a sub-18 min it wouldn’t count in the 60 age category - doh 😣
The race went well, with a sub-3:30 first k. It was slightly down hill and I focused on not burning my matches too soon! A slight rise. And back to bite for the second K. Then flat and down hill for 3 and 4. The fifth K was a repeat of the first K and although hanging on I finished in 17:58. 💥 A sub-18. Part of me thought I could go under 17:50. But maybe I’m stretching things too far.
I didn’t feature in any of the official race photos but I did release a YouTube video: https://youtu.be/TaRBqnx1x14?si=406Oq5E4GMTdtrzk
As for the result in my 55-59 (almost 60🥸) age category, I wasn’t fast enough to compete for a podium. This race attracts the fastest in the country and I was 13th. Crazy fast times for old folks! The winner of the race overall was 13:58.
But I’m happy enough with my time. I’m more focused on trying to go sub-18 in 2025 when I’ll be the big six zero. Let’s see what happens!
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