Red-Lining. Race Report 5k XC Blackrock Sunday 14

I decided the Bantry 10 miler was too long a drive so I went in the local
BHAA XCountry 5k. It was almost 2 years since my last 5k on the roads
where I ran 18.50 and I figured I was in much better shape now.
Halfway through this one I was`nt so sure...

Got there nice an early and had a warm up on the road before I put
on the spikes and tried to figure out the course.It was basically 3
and a bit laps around the park with a few downhills,lots of turns
and a big climb about halfway round.
My plan was to get out of the traps fairly quickly and get a good position.
Steady for 2 laps and finish fast - easy!

The gun went and I took off up the hill like a scalded cat - into the first
turn on the shoulder of a runner in white. There is a bit of argy bargy
and I clip him on the next turn. No quarter given here..
Fuck - this is new territory for me - in the leading dozen. Pace is fast.
A guy comes up from behind on the climb and I close the door - showing
him the outside line. This is fun, but I am working hard.One guy drops a
bit and I move past, then a fast guy goes past.Into the second lap and
there are 3 or 4 hot on my heels - I maintain the fast pace for another
few minutes but I realise I am red-lining it and I cannot see myself holding
this speed.
Sinking feeling sets in as the 2 or 3 guys on my heels go past. "Just keep
it together - you are on a good run here" This is new territory - most of
the runners around me are getting lots of support and I realise I have gone
off too quick. Still, I get past the second lap ok and I push on for the third.
I am feeling it now and I know the long climb will cause me problems.
On the climb another guy goes past- I cannot respond - breathing hard -
trying to keep it together and I can`t wait for the finish line.
I am losing contact with the guy in front and the crowd are encouraging
the runner behind me. "Come on Niamh you are first lady".
Shit - I am going to get chicked - second last bend she breezes past,
last turn and a hilly run to the line. I sneak a look over my shoulder as
some guy is encouraging the runner behind - he can probably tell I am struggling..Fuck this - no more!
I find some power and my injection of pace just keeps him at bay.
I recover on the water trailer and congratulate a few guys - and the chick.

So, I am not as fast as I thought - I got my pace all wrong as I was
drawn into an early scrap with the runner in white.I ran 2 fast laps and
1 not so fast where several passed me..but what the hell,It was good
experience and was fun trying to stay up with the fast guys for a change.
My right lung/ribs are sore and I hurt my ankle when I landed on a tree
root, but that was a good buzz and I hit a good time I think.(in my
distress I forget to stop my watch), but I recognised a few runners finish
a bit after me who I would usually be competing with so that is a good
barometer.

I need to do more speedwork before the next one.

Results: http://www.corkbhaa.com/Results/Cross_Country_2010_Web.htm

Finished 19th
Time 19.21
Avg Pace 6.14