Sotos 10k by Paul Basnett

On Sunday morning 3 A&T members made their way upto Fleetwood for the Sotos 10k. The weather was very warm but at the start of the race I didn't begin to think how warm it would get. Up until about 3.5 miles I was travelling well and went through the first 5k in about 23 minutes. I could also see Nasser at this stage about 2-300 metres ahead of me. It was on the turn for the way back to the finish that things really started to hot up. I thought the Salford 10k was hot but that day was cool compared to today. The sun was beating down on you and with hardly a breath of wind on your back in what felt like a heat trap. I tried hugging the side wall to try and get some shade but this didn't seem to help. At just before 4 miles the oasis of a water station appeared were I stopped to take on water and throw some over me which refreshed me for another mile or so but in reality it was probably a lot less. From then on in I limped home going from walking to slowly running. There were 298 entrants in the race of which Mathew Pierson of Holmfirth Harriers was the overall winner in 31.55. First back for A&T was Nasser Isman-Egal in 99th position with 46.50. Next came myself, with Nasser giving me a most welcome cheer over the finish line in a time of 49.38 and taking 132nd position. And third on the day for A&T was Barry Allman in 179th position with 53.08. It was then try and cool off, which took a couple of hours! Then it was a few of cups of coffeee and a bacon, egg and sausage barm in the cafe across the road from race HQ whilst soaking up the sun. I may not have come away with the time I would have liked but I improved on my tan and it was a good day out. Also next time I should remember to take my racing peak cap!!