Otley 10 mile the Hard way

I knew from last years Otley 10 mile race that it's best not to set off too fast, as you need all your energy for the back end of the race. Last year i was forced into chasing Ian Fisher of Otley and by the time i got to the 6 mile mark i was well and truly knackered and lost a lot of time over the last 4 miles. This time i had the knowledge and experience not set off to fast. The starters gun went and straight away i marked Darran Bilton of Leeds City and down the road we went, the first mile marker was passed in 4 minutes 38 seconds so at this pace we should be going through the first 10k in 28 mins 47 seconds, and the second mile wasn't much slower. All that experience and knowledge where left in tatters on the start line yet again, but at the end of the day i was here to win this race and not run a time trial. At the 2 mile marker Bilton was pulling away and i was already suffering badly and i still had 8 mile to go. At the 3 mile marker i got a stitch and by the four mile it was time for the real hard work to start, in climbing upto the 6 mile point. At 4 miles i was still suffering chasing Bilton hoping i might catch him on the descent, from 5 miles Bilton was out of sight and i could only wish he would be suffering like i was. I started to hammer down the hill and then i started to get cramp so i was forced to easing off slightly. After running down hill for so long it was good to start climbing again for a short while before my lungs started to set on fire. At least the last mile went by quickly and more or less pain free. 55 minutes and 06 seconds for second place. Absolutely gutted, even more so when Darran Bilton had just won in 52 minutes 01 seconds. Bloody hell ! I knew he was quick but not that quick. Post Marathon legs, recovering from a virus or in the middle of a Heavy Training plan are some of the crap excuses i hear from some of our top British runners, but i was beaten fair and square, and well and truly.
Hopefully the severe workout i endured will make me a bit stronger for the next up and coming races, it's been quite a while since i have had to suffer like that.
It was good to see Ian Fisher and Jamil Parapia of Otley, some more rivals, but unfortunately they are both recovering from injuries. Just remember it is easier to get back where you were, than for someone to get where they haven't been.
I'LL BE BACK.