Blimey, didn't see that coming.
So the 10k at Bamburgh must be one of the most scenic on the North East rota. The little village is beautiful but of course completely dominated by the imposing castle sitting high up and looking over land and sea, with the Farne Islands sitting offshore.
Bamburgh is almost an hour north up the A1 from us and with a start time of 9.30 it made for an early set off to get up there in plenty of time.
The steady drizzle eased as myself, Julie and the hound arrived and it looked perfect for running with very little breeze.
After collecting my race number I left them to wander in the sand dunes and on the beach and joined about 800 odd other runner's at the start.
Last minute safety run down completed we set off on time, heading north, past the castle and up a steep ish incline through the viliage with plenty of support to help us on our way.
We then cut in land and the next 5k or so were a succession of country lanes, most of which seemed to be uphill.
Not sure if I agree with whoever said the course was fast and flat.
My time however would bear this out, all my first 5 splits around the 6 minutes mark and my third best ever effort for 5k at 30.05.
I thought at this point a good time was on if I could keep things going and as we reached the coast road for the last section a few downhill stretches helped.
Finish line in sight I tried everything and came home in 60.18, with a second half of 30.13. Even pace and quicker than I ever thought I would do.
Almost 2 years ago I started this wonderful journey and started talking to all you lovely people and back the I couldn't run for a minute without feeling like death.
And here I am, another HM in the bag 2 days ago and now this.
The last few months have been very rocky on the work front and running has helped immensely.
Big shout out again to all the marshalls and organisers as ever and to everyone on the forum, run happy, run safe.
Bling photo to follow.