Hi all!
Still waiting for the official results to be in but as I hinted at last week I lined up with the 35 minute pacer this morning. Actually, backtrack a bit because parking was a nightmare and I almost didn't get there in time. I was looking to see if my GSR running buddy had made it out of bed (nope!) but still managed to find DressageRider33 - very snazzily dressed in classic black - and friend and say 'hi!'. So minimal warm-up, aside from the brisk walk from the car. Couldn't get Strava going before the hooter went for the start.
As many will know if you have a large field of runners, it can take some seconds to pass the actual start line and no chip timing. So, I glued myself to the 35 min pacer and we made up time but first time I'd experienced a Toxic10 in a long while - I felt we were pushing it. Just before the incline at the end of the first lap she told me to go ahead and I'd beat the 35min if I stayed ahead of her. I gasped 'OK, but kick my arse if you catch me up' and she laughed, told me I was strong (really??) and that I was well set. Bearing in mind the fastest guys are normally streaming past me, today I counted only 3 runners come past!!!!
Second lap, I tried to keep the pace up. Just like last week I came across a chap that seemed to know what he was doing and was talking easily with a lady running next to him - overhearing their conversation he was coaching her round. The pace felt right, so I stared at the back of his jacket, matched his cadence, and kept breathing like a steam train. Once or twice I fell a second or two behind and squeezed my backside to catch up. I can't remember the last incline to the finish. Felt strong at the end, but not really able to sprint, and it would have been churlish to have overtaken the couple that helped me round (unwittingly) anyway. I did thank them at the end, and the 35 minute pacer as she was coming through the funnel.
I'd ignored my watch while running but was completely amazed at 34:14. I'd fought for it, but still, I knew there were no guarantees. I just hope my barcode scanned ok - I remembered it this week 
I was wondering whether to get a coffee, and suddenly there was DressageRider33!! She'd absolutely blasted her PB too, in a time I'd had to work all summer for, kudos to her!!! And while we were talking, in came Fabulous450, who explained she'd got there late (I could relate to that, with the parking) but had a lovely run anyway.
Big hugs and smiles this morning - what a great community runners are xx
Timekeeper at Parkrun today offered inspiration
