Cross Country Racing.

As it was the final Club Championship Race this weekend i decided to make the trip to Middlesbrough for the latest round in the NYSD Cross Country League. I was hoping it was going to be flat but it was just about hilly as it could of been without being a fell race. The course started with a steep climb and that alone was enough of a race in itself never mind the added 6 miles of hilly terrain to sort the field out. I never bothered to check out the course so i ended up with the incorrect length of spike fitted, but i don't think it would of made any difference other than not having foot ache with 15mm spikes trying to push back up into my feet rather than trying to stick into them compacted tracks. Totally my own fault as i know how all the small advantages add up to a large advantage. Anyway back to the race, it was more of a waring down process than an attacking race and with 1/2 a lap to go there was 3 of us at the front of the race and by the end of a long flat section Lewis Rodgers from Loftus bridged the gap to join us at the front, why the hell i didn't shift up a few gears myself along the flat i will never know seeing as i felt it was a really easy pace. I put in a slightly harder effort up one of the climbs and managed to open a gap but Rodgers responded well and together we descended down to the finish, i wasn't as hungry for the win as i should of been but Rodgers was up for it and so beat me to the line for a well deserved win. This seasons Cross Country Races so far have been fantastic, it must be one of the best leagues in the country for venues. They seem to be getting a lot harder as well or maybe it's just me getting older, either way they will certainly make sure your well prepared for the County and Northern Championships that's for sure. It was great to see more of the Thirsk Harriers there for a change.
I'm definitely packing in racing for a while now and getting back to training, i enjoyed the race but really i'm a long way off where i should be. I say packing in but i'm sure i will be able to squeeze the last Cross Country Race of the year in some how.