G3 10k - part 1

Coldest. Start. Ever! Not used to 8:30 runs, but when my fingers stopped freezing I could admire the North Downs, ups, downs and ups again.

First of the G3 series of local (Guildford) 10k races.

Generally tough, though not mega-tough (e.g. ground ok to run on, no excessive laundry bill afterwards). Quickly realised that walking was a pretty decent idea on the steep stretches. Hefty walking steps are almost as fast as a pathetic running action after a certain gradient. The downs are a puzzle as well; too fast down and you spend more energy controlling the descent, whereas you really need to be taking a breather for the next climb.

The route, having descended from Newland's Corner, took in St Martha's (approached from the eastern ridge) and over the other side, and then back up again.

I placed about two-thirds down the field, at 1:07 or so. I've got a file of all the times and places, and might do some nerdy stats after next time. The veteran man category was noticeably more competitive than the bulk of the field, which probably says something about how the various age groups use running, not that the 50's and 60's bred a race of supermen.

Look for runner 275 in the photos.