It’s situation normal in the Hogan-Jones VLM Women’s Championship. After a fluky couple of wins, I’ve returned to my rightful position watching Dawn’s back. Actually, this is a lie, as I never even saw her after the first 100 yards at today’s PECO cross-country in Bramley Fall Woods. She started ahead, pulled further away and finished in front.
I saw lots of other backs, though. Mostly, these were people lapping me on the three-circuit course, as those folk who are supposed to run at my speed accelerated away and left me to trail in as last HPH runner. It’s a position I’m used to, so no complaints there.
The course was a beast, with some gloopy mud and a couple of killer hills that we had to deal with three times. There was also a rather tremendous bank that was only scalable either with ropes and a partner, or at breakneck speed with eyes tight shut. On the third time round I kind of got the hang of it, but it wasn’t attractive.
I was feeling pretty heavy-legged after a 12 miler on Friday, but not as heavy as poor old Shane, who collapsed on the third lap and ended up in an ambulance. Latest news is that he’s OK, but it certainly cast an extra cloud over an otherwise excellent event.
I’m back on track in terms of mileage for the week – in fact if anything I’m a bit ahead. I’ve made a ridiculous leap from 17 miles last week to 33.5 this, but in my defence, most of it was very slow due to last week's unscheduled fall, and the resultant (still painful) battered coccyx. I’ve read all the guff about increasing by no more than 10% per week, but frankly (given my start point) at that rate I’d never get there. It’s an increase of less than 100%, so I’m calling it correct within an order of magnitude.
Next week – Brass Monkey half-marathon where (sore back permitting) I’d like to do well. After that, it’s no more speed and a steady increase in mileage till April.
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