Some great racing at the National 12 Stage today, much warmer than a fortnight ago, but again very strong winds. This time it was a tail-wind over the back section, but on the final mile it was a fierce headwind (final two miles for those poor souls running the long legs).

Leeds City showed their strength and took the honours by about 3-4 minutes. Bristol & West striking a blow for the Midlands with a great 2nd place.

A right dust up for 3rd between Highgate Harriers and Cambridge & Coleridge, with Highgate taking it by a second in a desperate sprint finish... Cambridge coming from a minute back at the start of the final leg.

As for us, our fastest guy went first and was in the front group, coming back in 4th, but we then dropped through the field as expected.... final results aren't out yet but i think we finished around 35th (which was better than expected), and i think 7th or 8th Midlands club (again better than expected and a big improvement on the Midlands 12 Stage)

As to my own run, another pb, knocking 11 seconds off my time from a fortnight ago. With a mile to go i was around 30 seconds up on my previous time, however the wind on the final mile was ferocious and i somewhat fell apart.

Interestingly my fastest km was about 5secs slower than a fortnight ago, but obviously i was more consistent across the entire run.

Managed my two objectives for the day.... 1) Avoid being slowest on the team (i beat two clubmates by 20 and 30 seconds respectively) and 2) not be in the slowest 50 runners there today (a quick check of the results and i beat about 95 guys.... although that still puts me firmly in the slowest 15-20%)