Harlow Running Club

Fairlands Valley Relays – 20th July

Race Length: 3 Km

PB: 11.31

Course Best: 11.31

Target Time: 11.30

Outcome: 11.36

This race is a bit different to the norm in that it is a team relay event rather than a straight run. The distance is that little bit shorter too! It is all good fun (as far as the pain of 3 Km flat out is), but with no chance of glory as the shorter distance attracts a lot of athletic club types that run 3 Km in 8-9 minutes!

The course is undulating around the lakes of Fairlands Valley Park in Stevenage. Until I raced there, I never realised how undulating being close to a lake can be, but the course does have some short climbs. You start off from the relay box (yes you do have to tag the next runner) and head slightly downhill, a sharp climb brings you to the 1 Km marker, then comes section of gentle winding undulations, but mostly downhill. Just beyond the 2Km marker sees a cheeky short climb then slight drop, before the relatively flat run in.

The plan was to go off hard and keep it that way, but try and relax a bit on the 1-2Km stretch ready for the final push to the finish line and the changeover to runner 3.

I set off as the second runner of the team of 5 just behind our first ladies team. I got in to my stride quickly and flew past her on the downhill. As the downhill ran out, people around me started to settle in to their race pace, but I was still passing people, especially on the climb through 1K and feeling pretty good. I did relax a bit on the middle Km, but was still passing people, although a little more slowly. At the 2 Km point, it was now starting to hurt and on the climb out of the park I slowed, but still managed to pass someone. I tried to relax again afterwards to take one last rest before the final push, except it felt like someone was standing on my chest. I picked up a bit on the run in, but was not winding it up as fast as I wanted, but did manage a sprint to ensure a fast take over. I was thoroughly blown at the end though!

My time was 11.36, some 5 seconds slower than last time, which surprised me as I felt that I had run most of the race much better. Looking back after the event on Sports tracks at last year’s race, I did run the first 2Km a little slower, but made up for it on the final Km. I do not think that I got my pacing too far wrong though as I was NEVER passed by anyone or retaken at the end. 1-2 second/Km slower over 3 KM after is just a blink of the eye.