Unsure about wearing only vest, shorts and gloves as it was so cold but this proved to be absolutely the right thing to wear. (Could even have done with thinner gloves by the last lap.) Set off far too fast, which I don't normally do, but started to get mild stomach cramps so rather than trying to keep going at that pace I forced myself to slow down a little and ignore the fact that a few people then overtook me. Slowing down on second lap was effective at keeping me going but I still found the slight climbs on the second lap far tougher than usual and also I was decelerating towards the very end of the race. But still managed new PB!

Set out very slightly slower, or possibly start further back (as I usually do) so that I am forced to go slowly at beginning and can boost confidence by overtaking people.

Jogged for about 5-10 minutes then stretched and had recovery shake whilst chatting to fellow club members.


Mild gastric upset.


Really helped to have supporters cheering my club on last lap.