Thanks for the advice one and all. Another race another pb! I am pleased.
Set of a bit more conservatively as I have a tendency to go off too hard. I liked ChrisU's idea of passing people later on. Luckily I saw people I knew and started off with them for the 1st 3k in 12:19, then I guess we all tried to push on a bit for the next 3k in 12:28, and finally I got away from them in the last 3k in 12:31 and then a sprint finish to end a minute up on last week in 41:21! Passing people from 3k onwards was a lovely feeling compared to being passed after a fast start last week.
Still didn't feel like I was flying though and I have to say I ended thinking there was more in the tank. I certainly wasn't voming. Looking at the hrm now, which I didn't at all in the race, it started at 160 and rose steadily throughout the race in quite a smooth line, which seems pleasing.
So next week can I do it again? Maybe push on earlier as didn't really let go until 7k. I always worry I might blow up, but then regret it later. Maybe its time to see what I can do in the 2nd half.
Next week...