Cross Dressing.

Bless me father for I have sinned. It has been 12 months since my last cross country. I paid my penance yesterday at Parliament Hill in the South England XC Champs. 15k of the hilliest, muddiest, toughest and most demoralising XC racing you'll find. This course has ended many runners cross careers who walk away saying "what's the f**king point?, it's not even running!". But I love it in a way. It's also the only Championship race to be run over 15k. North, Midlands and Nationals are all 12k (and I thought it was the southerners who were soft?!).

South of England XC Champs - Parliament Hill - Jan 29th 2011

XC preparation was nil but I made a good account of myself and came through as the race progressed. 54.01 according to my watch makes it just under 6 minute miling which sounds rubbish but considering the course it's not bad. I was over 3.30 quicker than last year which was more down to conditions than form. My legs are smashed today so I didnt leave anything out there. I came 78th and with those who I consider my running contemporaries behind me it must be a pretty good effort. Wokingham Half Marathon in 2 weeks will be a true test of form but the signs are good off mainly tempo training.

Here's a few multisport names I noticed on the results...

36 -52:20 Ben Pochee -Highgate Harriers
44 -52:49 Kairn Stone -Newham & Essex Beagles
78 -54:04 David Vaughan -Garden City Runners
121 -55:57 Sean Renfer -Thames Valley
128 -56:15 James Brown -Metropolitan Police AC
134 -56:29 Matt Molloy -Woodford Green AC & Essex
213 -59:10 Mike Trees -Belgrave Harriers