NSW Cross Country Relays

Massive day. Started early heading up to North Head for the Striders 10km to marshal with the kids and watch Kirst run her first 10km. She did fantastically, running with the 50min pacer until the final turn before pulling ahead to finish in 49:38.

Then on to Charlie's soccer for a 3-2 victory (although he was pretty knackered) before wandering over to watch Billy's game which ended 2:2 with Billy scoring both.

Then down to Miranda. Usual mad scramble entering teams (I should really sort this out earlier online) and with a slight shortage of numbers it worked out as Andy, Fats, Ray and me in the Over 35's (our best chance of success) but with Ray and me doubling up in the Over 45's and Open teams respectively. It's an incredible event really - just small scale relays around some hilly and boggy school playing fields but the cream of Australian distance running talent was out in force - Benny St, Liam Adams, Jeff Hunt, Ben Moreau, Nipper, etc.

My plan was to go out as hard as possible and hang on. I did the former but not the latter. Went through lap 1 in 6:01 then proceeded to die on my arse. First 4 blokes went past (including Kevin Robertson) then Richie Roberts came past at about 2.5km (and proceeded to put 18s on me in the final 1500m) then Chamkaur came past at 3.5km. Ended up with 12:26.

Some interesting times out there. Fats had a great run ending up with the same time (but the first leg, being a race, always produces faster times). Richie Roberts ran really well with 12:08, but Geoff Arnold (12:37), Robdog (12:43) and Peter Costello (12:30) were comparatively slow compared to what they've done in recent races. Great to take out the Over 35 team Gold in a very close finish over Sutherland - Nick Bennett got within 7s of Ray on the final leg. Massive thanks to Andy for making the effort to come along despite achilles issues. The win was all the more satisfying with Andy C in the Sutho team!

Ran the 4th leg for the Open team as they were a man short. Rob Lansdown (coming back from injury), Kenny (running a great 13:01) and EJ ran first so I had about 30mins rest. Couldn't contemplate doing it for the first 5mins after the first leg, but then did a jog and felt ok. Started much more sensibly and actually really enjoyed the second run, feeling stronger on the hills and aided by overtaking people the whole way. Ended up with 12:59.

Great day. Shame about everyone scoffing the scones after LJ's mum had gone to so much trouble. I'm trying to get over it.

Awards photo. Strangely, Andy H decided to put some tights on. Even more strangely, Andy C decided to copy him but with 3/4 length versions.

107 km last week.