Navan 6k

With the stormy weather of late, I wasn't sure if the Navan 6k would even take place. Thursday I did a few easy miles and the day was quite calm at that stage. The storm was forecast to hit late evening, and it didn't disappoint in its ferocity. I was hoping it would ease by morning, but by 10pm it was raging so I guessed I would likely give the race a miss, so the wine was opened and just a few glasses consumed, along with the obligatory Ferrero Roche, after eights, roses.....

While the winds hadn't eased much Friday morning, it was at least a lot brighter. I had only gotten about four hours sleep, entirely my own fault, that much sugar so late in the evening had me staring at the ceiling for hours. But, surprisingly, I felt pretty good, and even though everyone else had pulled out of going to the run, mostly due to the weather, I thought, sure how bad could it be? Besides, I really wanted to take part in a race again.

I arrived at the stadium in plenty of time, and it was clear from the outset that this was going to be a small field of mostly serious athletes, the weather having deterred all but the hardiest. I didn't know anyone, and I was the only club member. The start was delayed by 10 minutes. I had planned and set the garmin for a 5.55 mile pace. I had never run a 6k before, so this was about 5 seconds slower than my pb 5k pace. I was quickly towards the front, and there was a big group of  young athletes from Dunboyne just ahead of me. The first mile was 5.43, and felt quite easy, and it was mostly into the strong wind. I eased back slightly, and the young group went well ahead, and I was on my own. Mile two turned a corner and the wind on the back helped me along although I could hear some runners closing in from behind. The tucked in behind me, and I slowed to let them pass, better I used them to pace me than they use me for a windbreaker!

Mile two was 5.46, and again we turned into the crosswind, at one stage I nearly got blown off my feet ,and the pace got significantly harder. The small group of three stretched out ahead slightly, but I had to let them go as I was really feeling the pace. As we turned again, straight into the wind, the watch signalled mile 3 at 5.58. That annoyed me, although the conditions were tough, I knew I had gone off too fast, and was paying the price now. I really started to struggle at this stage, the last 1.2k or so, and not knowing the course, I didn't know where the finish was. As we came into the stadium, the finish in sight, a runner who had been right behind me for some time passed me, and I had nothing left to chase him down. He finish 3 seconds ahead of me, and took second place in category to my third. Finish time 22.29.

You know you have paced it wrong when you are only passed in a race, and pass nobody yourself. I think I overestimated by fitness going into the race judging by the time, although I do take some comfort from the fact that the weather played a big part. I am glad I went and did it, it has renewed my hunger for racing, and will give me a new determination heading into the new year.