Great race today, lovely atmosphere, and it was absolutely gorgeous sitting by the stream in the sun afterwards, watching the other runners come in.

Very tough race... What is it about Shropshire races where the final climb is always a total b*****d......!

As to the race, as usual I found the climbs in my favour, and despite all the training, I'm still losing out on the "rough but runnable" sections.

Was quite comfortably in about 12th at the top of the first climb, but the next couple of miles I dropped places constantly, and didn't start to maintain position until we started going steeply up again on the second climb. Third and final climb I started to come good, and the final descent was fantastic, I remembered it from the Long Mynd Valleys race. I was under pressure from behind and expecting to be passed at any moment, but also had half an eye on a Mercia guy in front. As it turned out I wasn't passed (the guy behind assured me I was "absolutely flying"!?!?) and I couldn't catch the guy in front as he was too quick going down. Luckily there was no need for a sprint finish on the flat last 100 yards as I had nothing in my legs, and trundled over the line for 25th...

Hello Race The Sweeper, I didn't see you, but I did see your husband on the start line, but didn't get to chat to him as we were getting the briefing. And hello Athers, well done on your race, I will say hello at the next one, but you were busy chatting today...!

Pete