Last Sunday's Headington 10k was a significant run for me as it marked
my first full year of regular running (rather than running for a few
months then giving it up as a painful experience).  The race isn't
actually in Headington and takes place on a flat mixture of decrepit
airfield and quiet lanes near Worminghall.  A gentle nine mile cycle
ride to the start makes it easy for me and Headington Road Runners do an
excellent job of organising it.

Last year I managed 53:03 which I was pleased with at the time but would
be disappointed not to beat. I managed my 5 year best of 51:11 at Thame
this June on a rather too hot day so with good conditions I was hoping
to beat this.

About 300 of us lined up, no timing chips or target time start groups
for this race but I lingered near the back as usual.  Even the tail end
went off fast and my target pace of 8 min/miles would have left me
behind so I stuck with them enjoying the tail wind.  I was surprised to
pass the 1st mile marker so quickly but then knocked back a bit when I
remembered they were actually in kilometres.  Still 7:30 for the first
mile and I wasn't huffing too much so pushed on round the 360 degree
hairpin leg they use to make up the distance.  The hairpin is good as
you first get to see the lead runners coming back then it's your turn to
see who's behind you.  Wind in our faces now so I buried myself in the
field for shelter.  Come halfway my Garmin told me I was still managing
sub 8 min miles and I felt good so decided to miss on the water station
and go for it.

Back on the rough tarmac of the airfield and I was aware the last bit
was going to be into the wind so didn't worry about my pace dropping a
bit on mile 6.  Full pelt for the finish though not fast enough to stop
a couple of guys passing me.  The clock said 48 something but I couldn't
read it properly for sweat in my eyes and I came pretty close to
throwing up as I crossed the line.  At the end of the funnel I was
handed a paper bag (a goody bag NOT a sick bag) and a solid round thing
that turned out to be a rather nice slate drinks coaster with the race
details on.  A litre of water and a Trek bar later the results were
pinned to the tent telling me I'd managed an all time PB of 48:32
176/310.  Very pleased and enjoyed a rather slow ride home.

Looking at the Fetcheveryone website later I noticed that 7 of the 11
runners recording results got a PB so it must have been just the right
sort of course on the right sort of day.  I suppose the downside is that
I'll now be disappointed when I fail to get under 50 on a flat course!

Nik