Largeing It At LLanddoged

I suppose that it was somewhat inevitable that if I were lucky enough to retain my title at LLanddoged this year, that I wouldn't be able to break the course record that I set in 2007. The past twelve months have been actioned packed and I seem to have crammed an awful lot in. You may ask why I am starting to review the season in September but the reason is that LLanddoged was my first ever race in 2005. In some weird way I tend to review my season every year on the anniversary of the 'Ras Fawr' and I must I admit I do remain somewhat sentimental about it. This year saw absolutely perfect conditions and as ever a good turnout for the race that is widely regarded as one of the most difficult in the road racing calendar. If the first three km up hill are not bad enough, the various twists and turns and rises prevent one from getting into any real rhythm and thus play mind games. Despite this, it has been what seems to be an eternity since I have felt as relaxed as I did today. I ran pretty much 90% of the race alone and it felt more like a training run than a full blown assault.

I now begin what is probably the busiest time of the year, with at least a race every weekend and possibly two. We've the two separate cross country league's a few 10ks, the border league, club handicap and so on and so forth. Am I bothered...I don't think so...I love the club scene, I take the camaraderie, the friendship and the races all in my stride (pardon the pun). As for the injuries, well, I'll have to put up with them as it seems a small price to pay for a lifestyle that I enjoy and in the words of the 'Big Boss'......I was born to run!!!!!