Kilburn 7 mile road race.

It turned out to be much warmer for this afternoons race at Kilburn compared to this mornings weather forecast. The Kilburn 7 is a bit of an undulating course and can be real hard course if you are in full race mode. I have had some hellish tough races here in the past and finished in some right old states and I have even been found in the stream one year trying to get cooled down after the race.
  The race started and I found myself at the head of the field  with fellow team mate Steph Tomaszewski, my plan was not to try too hard for the first few miles but I found myself pulling away even though I felt quite comfortable, I found it to be a bit warm to say the least but not overly hot. By the time I passed the first mile marker I was more than pleased with how things seemed to be panning out. I was well below race speed which is what I wanted, I had a good lead and most importantly I was thoroughly enjoying it. I put in a few hard bursts of efforts here and there on some of the uphill sections but other than that I was operating at just above a good tempo training speed. Forty minutes and forty seven seconds to take the win, two minutes slower than what I would expect myself to do in full race mode, but today I could of gone round again and matched my time so overall an excellent day for me in the running world.

I thought Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers might of won the team prize with myself, Dan Holdsworth and Steph but Hartlepool were the best today.
  Harrogate town centre 10k next week for me, part two of race enjoyment. There will be no surprise win next week that's for sure but another enjoyable days racing would be highly appreciated. Then onwards to the Darlington 10k unless I manage to squeeze in one of my favourite races in at the end of the month the James Herriot Trail Race. Nine miles of totally awesome country side, and for added bonus there's a bit of a tough long climb of a few miles to get you warmed up at the start.

Photos thanks to Jo and Pete Richardson.