South of Thames 5 Mile XC + Running Club meal = Sore Head

I ran my first proper cross country this weekend. The race was the South of Thames 5 Miles at Sparrow's Den in West Wickham in Kent. It took forever to get there (tube, train, train, tram and train), but it was worth it, even if I did have to run in normal running running shoes.

Running cross country without spikes isn't easy. I had hoped to buy some shoes before the race, but to cut a long story short, I didn't get any. So I had to run in the mud, slipping about all over the place. Luckily I managed to not fall over once :-). Didn't quite win tho. LOL.

Then back home and out to the club formal. Lots of speeches and things. Lots of beer too:-) It was good fun, but Sunday was a washout. I ached like a fiend, legs and head. Ugh... My usual Sunday run was out of the question. And it rained too, so I stayed in bed.

Silver Comet Half Marathon - 13.1 miles of rain

Back to the USA, this time to run the Silver Comet Half Marathon in Mableton, Georgia. This was easily my wettest race yet, but without doubt, the best half marathon route I've run to date.

We arrived at the start area at the Mable House Cultural Arts Centre. We received our race numbers and waited. It was pretty to cold so, with over an hour until the start, we warmed up. Luckily the weather warmed up too as the race approached.

We were off! 1.5 miles to the Silver Comet Trail then the remaining 11.6 out and back. It should have been fairly straightforward. Then, the skies opened. From being a lovely autumn morning, the weather instantly turned, a hideous downpour drenching everyone. Nobody was about to give up at this early stage so we carried on.

Then we reached the trail. I'm not a huge fan of out-and-back races, but this was an exception. The trail was flat. A PB was not out of the question. It was pleasant too: tree-lined with autumn leaves colouring the scene, crossing over rivers and streams as we ran. And, the rain having stopped, it turned into a really enjoyable race.

I didn't quite manage a PB. However I finished with a time 1.43 and placed 188th out of about 1800 runners. A respectable result, helped by an enthusiastic crowd and encouraging fellow runners. All in all a lot of fun a great experience.

If you have the chance, run this race. Even with the rain it was a whole lots of fun.

Richmond Riverside 10K - Sibling Rivalry Decided

I ran my fastest 10K this year. 45:41 is not too shabby by anyone's standards, and I'm feeling ready for the half marathon in two weeks time. But was it enough to beat my little brother, Fraser?

No! I've been training loads recently. 3 times a week plus races. So I was hoping it'd be enough to give me an edge. Not so. Having led for almost all the race I was beaten, when, in the closing seconds, Fraser sprinted past to beat me. F....! Fraser wins 2 races to my 1:(

BTW, the race was pretty good, if a little expensive. I recommend.

Streatham Common 6 mile cross country - a killer race

My second cross country race, on Streatham Common, was just 6 days after the first. I didn't expect it to be easy, cross country never is, but I was shattered!

Streatham Common is basically one big hill. The race wasnt ALL up and down, but most of it was. And not being the biggest fan of hills, I struggled just a bit. The race started, heading down, down and down. That was good while it lasted. But then there was pay-back - uphill. And this went on for 6.3 miles.

I made it to the end! How, I barely remember. The time was just over 49 minutes, which is not too shabby, and it was great practice for the 17th (10K against my brother).

Then, after-race beers:)

Croydon Switchback 5 - My inaugural cross country race

Today was my first cross country race. The event was the Croydon Switchback 5 - a 5 mile race through Croydon's Lloyd Park and surrounding hills.

As I found out, it was tough. Having thought it was going to be more of 5 mile race round the park I wasn't prepared for the hills 2 miles into the race. We seemed to be running up and down constantly. I was almost getting dizzy. Fortunately they didn't last too long, and then it was back to a flatter course.

The last 2-3 miles was more forgiving and I made up a few places. The final result was 44th out of 103 with a time of 38:31, a nice sub-8-minute per mile. Sweet!

The club did well too, taking 5 awards, including second placed runner and first place women's team. Not too shabby.

Next, Streatham Common cross country 6 miler? I think so.

Richmond Riverside 10K - Sibling Rivalry Decider

The battle of the brothers is to be decided in Richmond. After the Richmond Riverside 10K we will know who is the better runner.

After a recent equaliser, sibling rivalry required that a third and deciding 10K be run. The venue will be Richmond and the race is the The Fix UK Richmond Riverside 10K. Who will win is open to question, but by rights it should be me. I am the eldest and have been running for a bit longer. Saying that Fraser plays football avidly so is no slouch, and has been training like a maddie. Whoever wins, it'll be a close one.

Then we intend to get absolutely lagered:))

Silver Comet Half Marathon - Back to Atlanta

I've gone and signed up for my next race - the Silver Comet Half Marathon.

I know what you're thinking. I'd never heard of too until Beth pointed it to me, and that it coincides with my next trip to Atlanta. I'll be away from near the end of October to early November, and this race takes place on October 31 - a nice start to Halloween:)

From what I hear it quite a scenic route. The race heads out along the site of an old deserted railtrack, once the route of the Silver Comet train. It's supposed to be quite flat, so I'm hoping for a good time. PB??