Lichfield 10k - By Joanne "Gadget" Fairhurst

Well long time since I've wrote my last race report way back in April. In that time I've covered the Great Manchester Run, Mersey Tunnel 10km, Aldridge, Birchwood and today Lichfield in that vain attempt to get the magic hour at the 10km distance. Was a bit apprehensive after Birchwood because I'm struggling to run without getting pins and needles in myleftfoot. Nice leisurly drive down and a stop for coffee at Stafford Serviceson the way. 10/10 for directions to the race for somebody whos a complete stranger to the area. Arrived in plenty of time and very undecided about the weather, do I stick to my shorts or wear my full running tights. Managed to find somebody to natter to as women do lol but managed to calm a few newbie runners nerves. Least my Garmin was working this time so Icould get a better idea of pace. Off I went, sharp left turn just after the start, stuck with the women Id been chatting with for a while, 3km soon flew by and it was out onto the nice open country roads. Past a few nice looking pubs and people out watching teasing us with promise of nice cold drinks, the so and so's lol.

4km soon arrived and the cars disappeared and off we went onto a nice small country lane. But here we go, here comes the uphill part. People started to slow down and stop to catch their breath but managed to keep going and no pins and needles inthe foot YAY.

Past the drinks station and now settled into a decent pace. Whoops here we go, here comes the hill I was expecting and the 6km marker was right at the top. Managed to get up without stopping, dunno how though cause I'd had it. Got to the top and the polar heart rate monitor was telling me I was fit to drop, yeah right, can tell that without the gadget. Hate walking but dropped to a fast walk for about 100yrds just to get back into a manageable heart rate before I'd get scraped off the floor. Change of scenery now, up into a very nice looking housing estate and running along some nice paths. Plenty of support and the downhills,what a relief. Nearly back now and at 9km checked the Garmin. Deffo onfor a PB but what ? Well came in at 1hr 6mins and 5 sec that was 1min53sec better than my previous PB set at the Great Manchester Run Onwards and upwards. If you fancy a trip out to do a 10km a little fartherafield amongst some nice scenery then I'd recommend this one and it was great value too. Well onwards and upwards. I've booked Ormskirk, Southport and even my first foreign 10km in Berlin in October. HopefullyI'll get the magic hour by the end of the year.