the "Only Runner" 50 by 50: Big Cow TriFest 07...Summer Sizzler 10k

How could I not run this 10k race on my home training ground, Emberton Park. It's flat, I know the route and it could be my best 10k clocked time to date......and yet I almost didn't sign up. It was a race that I was going to run with Rach but she pulled out so it was up to me to decide if I would run it on my own. Well infact, it wasn't going to be on my own as I knew other Olney Runners that were running in support of the local event.

So there I was, at the registration tent with entry money in hand. I'm asked if I'm there to sign up for the triathlon (I must look so fit) but I decline and choose the 10k. My name and date of birth are taken, I am issued with a number 268, I'm given a presentation box containing 2 cans of Red Bull and I'm pointed in the direction of the tent to collect my timing chip....thank you I say and proceed to the tent. Having collected all I need to compete I then realise "this is the cheapest race I've entered to date" no one had taken any money from me.......yippeeeee, maybe they already knew I was a Mens Health celebrity.

It's the race start, I'm setting off with Sarah, JC, Duncan, Dave and Mike from Olney Runners.....it's not a big field and I'm a bit wary of just how fast this race will be run. "Don't worry, run your own race and whatever you do, don't rush off with the crowd" those were the words of wisdom in my head, the reality was we're off and I'm racing. The best thing that happened was that Sarah caught me up and I managed to find a good pace running with her.

its early on in the race and I'm happy running with Sarah

The race takes me past my cheering fans, Rach, Oliver and Imogen three times before the final run in. I'm thinking to myself, the course is flat, I know it's hot but could I achieve a 50 minute 10k...bring it on. The last lap and a half I start to pull away from Sarah as I up the pace to achieve the goal. I'm checking my watch and thinking this could be possible but I need a bit more in the tank for the finish......come on, can I do it....think gazelle.

I'm going for it...but there's nothing extra in the tank

It's over, I past the finish line to my name being announced as the representative of Mens Health Magazine (thank's for that Mr Pepper). I ran my heart out and achieved a new personal best of 51.10 minutes, but alas not the 50 minute 10k. What next....well I'm looking for a 10k that is downhill from start to finish, any suggestions?