Wonderful To Be Welsh

Well, to say I am surprised would be the understatement of the year but to say that I am ecstatic would not. When, I was picked by Paul Brookes to run in the north Wales team again, following my somewhat difficult performance at Northbrook in June, I was surprised, thinking that maybe I wasn't the correct choice. This combined with the fact that the race at Caernarfon had also been chosen as the venue for the Welsh 10km road race championship, placed quite a responsibility squarely on my shoulders.

I was quite pleased with my selection for the veterans team and I knew that being joined by Marilyn Kitchen (Tattenhall) Helen Davies (Wrexham) and Isolbel Redfern (Colwyn Bay) would be the basis of a very strong assault on the regional match also. However, when I arrived at Caernarfon, I was greeted with the news that Isobel had actually pulled out and with three only to count, the pressure really was on. I was hopeful of a result, as both Marilyn and I rate in the top 3 of times in Wales over the 10km distance.

With my prolonged injury at the back of my mind I was pleased that my race developed into a profitable outcome for both the team and even more surprisingly myself. Although, Helen managed to pip me to the post and Marilyn securing the team win, I was ecstatic to finish 1st V35 in the Welsh champs for 2008. In addition I managed 3rd overall in the senior race. In all I managed to secure a total of 4 gold and 1 bronze medal, and I felt over the moon....I came expecting to secure a team win, but left with three team wins, a category win and overall 3rd. Not bad considering 9 months of injury! I am looking forward now to the Cardiff 10km race on Saturday and hope that I may reduce my 10km time for the season to a level where I will be again confident in my form!