Race Date: 12th august 2018

When I booked this race i was hoping for a PB. The course has that road racer’s favourite tag, fast & flat. Unusually for a flat road race it is reasonably pretty, taking in Holme Pierrepoint Country park and national water sports centre. Only one other Strider – Jordan Moat – was present.

By the time the race started it was clear I was not going to get my PB – the previous 6 weeks training had been interrupted by a dodgy knee. However, conditions were cooler than they had been of late, and I was determined to do the best I could. It was the first race I’d done with a mass warm-up and i’m not sure I’m a fan. Not really space for star jumps. The mayor of Rushcliffe said a few words and we were off.

Out of the rugby ground we wound through a few well-heeled streets and headed out for Holme Pierrepoint. I tried to hang on to the 50 minute pacer, and managed for the first 4km. At around half way we rounded the man-made lake into a headwind. At this point I could feel myself slipping back. Big shout out to the pacers who must have struggled in the wind but managed to keep chatting to those around them and keep on pace.

Support around the course, from marshals and locals, was great. So encouraging to see people sticking around and applauding. It certainly helped me get round. I may not have got my PB on the day, but I believe Jordan Moat did, with an impressive top 50 finish. I’d like to give a special mention to Megan, my sister – and honorary Strider for the day – who completed the race having only recently finished couch to 5K. This is a well organised event and, as it’s just down the road, I would strongly recommend it for next year.