Horribly cold morning, parked the car on a heavily frosted field at the HQ with the temperature at 1 degree
. I hate racing in the cold and was fully kitted out in all my warmers. Only a short warm up which was more of a slight thaw.Started off and the first five miles were horrible with the cold air rasping on my throat being painful. After the first turn it improved, and I could pick up my pace. I had no minute man as he was a dns but caught my 3 minute man about 6-7 miles. This was a surprise as it was Geoff from Eastbourne Rovers who I would expect to beat but not take that much out of so quick. Chatting after he had some issues in the race which explained his poor time.
I then caught my 2 minute man, Paul
, at 10 miles-ish who I did think I'd catch as he is suffering with a bad shoulder which hurts when rotated on aero bars. He'd moved the pads out to try and alleviate it but said it still hurt.Rest of the race was uneventful but I never felt warm. I caught my 5 minute man at 23 miles and my 4 minute man just crossed the line before I could catch him.
Back to HQ a bit disappointed with the time but know it was more due to the cold then lack of effort. Even after 25 miles hammering up and down the road there still wasn't any sweat on my thermal under vest, just about managed to generate enough heat to not be too cold. Was a bit shivery after stopping with my heart rate having slowed down and stopping the internal radiator.
It was warmer for Keith but still in single figures and I doubt it was over 8/9 degrees. It makes his time all the more impressive. His dedication to his training and racing is immense and it's nice to see him getting his rewards.
Keith 51:56
Andrew 1:01:08
Paul 1:06:? Sorry didn't get the seconds but doubt Paul minds.
