Happy, happy, happy!!! Had a fantastic race this weekend! A few weeks ago I got a phone call asking me to represent my region (the south) in the Cardiff 10k. I was quite surprised - I've never been asked before! Going into the race I was feeling good and knew I should be running a pb but decided not to stress about times as I've tried this in the past and it really doesn't work. I decided my main aim was to try and be the first one in for the south.

The race started and 2 girls went off quite fast and I wasn't sure if there were one or two others also ahead as its hard to tell when you're also running with men. At about 3k I heard someone shout that I was in third and I thought to get a top 3 spot in this race will be a great result. By this time the 2 girls were about 40-50m ahead. About half way through I heard someone breathing behind me and a spectator shout "go on girls". I had to really focus as there was no way I was giving up my 3rd spot. I then started to see that I was pulling the 2nd place girl back and focused on catching her up. At about 7k I turned a corner and glanced behind and seemed to have dropped the other girl so I then picked the pace up and went into 2nd place. It was around 8k I started to think "I can win this". I was feeling really comfortable but had to be careful not to put too much in to catch the other girl only to have her come back at me. In the end I timed it just right! Went into 1st with around 500m left. Turned the final corner and could see the finish line about 150m away. Such a great feeling with the crowd really cheering and amongst it all I saw and heard Dan shouting "GO, GO, GO"! I thought that 2nd place must be right on my shoulder so I sprinted for the line and crossed in 1st place! I also got a pb by 28s - I'm so pleased!

In the middle of 6 races in 5 weeks at the mo! I normally wouldn't be doing so many races but a few of them are just low key training races. Started with the Worthing tri a few weeks ago. Then took part in the club relays. A really fun event. I've never done them before and hope to do them again next year. Didn't push very hard on the bike and run as I had a 5k race to do 4 days later on the Wednesday. This went ok. I came 1st which is the main thing and knocked about 10s off my pb. I know I should be happy but I also know I'm capable of going so much faster. I guess I didn't really taper for this (was out doing a run efforts session on the morning before)!

I then travelled down to London to do an open water swim race in Eton rowing lake. A good experience of trying to swim a bit harder which I struggle to do when I do the swim part of a tri. I definitely worked hard as my lats were achy and tight after! (I don't get that feeling very often)!! I was quite disappointed with it though - it was supposed to be a 1500m swim but I think it was actually about 300-400m longer. Dan took part in the 3.8k race and did really well - he came 3rd. For his efforts he won a measly £10! Didn't even cover the entry. I'm also very disappointed in the organisers as they haven't even included me in the results despite me shouting out my number and have them call it back to me as I crossed the line! Oh well!

Next stop the Cardiff 10k......