Middlesex XC Champs 2010, Ruislip, 23 January

After the Christmas and snow break, we finally got down to some racing action at Ruislip.
The Middlesex champs had been postponed at the beginning of January due to the snow which had affected much of the country for 2-3 weeks. The Met League at Stevenage had also been cancelled.
But Hillingdon and Middlesex AAA had managed to rearrange the the champs for Saturday. Competition and numbers were lower than normal but the 12km race through Ruislip woods was as testing as ever. Conditions were treacherous underfoot with massive puddles and sloppy mud for much of the 3 laps. Ran in Addidas Swoop studs as I tend do to on this course as the stoney up and down hill drags play havoc with my ankles when in spikes.
Had decided to take it steady for the first mile as a bit longer than most of the 5-6 milers. Felt good all way round and worked my way through the field to finish 21st. Beat my usual rivals, but should set my sights higher now. Had lost a bit of training due to the snow and was content to beat my club rivals but in hindsight should have been another minute further up the field. It was good to be racing again and felt easier and less knackered than usual.
Aiming to put in a good couple of weeks before the final Met League and Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon which I'm doing to fit in with my wifes's April Marathon plans.
Results can be found on the Middlesex site.