my age group F30-39 3/9 I knew most of the trails 'cos I walk the dog and sometimes jog them so I knew where the killer bits were but in all honestly there were a lot more than I ever thought possible.
The first and last miles were probably the easiest which is reflected in pace. The rest was just trying to keep my HR under control. Right up to LT (168) on every hill and using downhills to get in back down. I was happy to keep it in low 160's. There were a couple of hills that I walked the last part of, partly cos running was no faster and partly to keep my HR in check.
I finished strong which will be a nice memory as the last tri I did I had 0 gas left at the end. Having said that I couldn't have gone any faster, it was just nice to be able to sprint (?) a bit at the finish and I passed a female (thanks to it being down hill I think).
Pacing was just right and I was in a group of around the same pace most of the way round. I overtook a few and a few overtook me -although one man that I went past I heard chatting and he was doing the 50K so that wasn't much of an achievement on my part really!
I really surprised myself by how much I enjoyed this race and think I may do some other running races now which I have been reluctant to do. It is a great way of getting an intense workout. Trail runs are fun. I wore my trail shoes so wish it had been a bit muddier as I was dressed to play!

Grabbed some water and chatted to Kam32 and Dexter. Walked up to the lodge to feast on hot chocolate and bagels.


The easiest training ground for me is right outside my back door and is canal trails which are flat. If I want to go faster on a course like this I need to train on some hills.


We couldn't get the timing chips til about 15 mins before the race which meant we were queueing and getting cold. It would have been nice to pick it up earlier and then just concentrate on warm up/ getting ready.

There was beer at the post race lodge. Not that I wanted it but I thought it was a nice touch.