This past weekend, I was back racing in a cross-country race at Glyndebourne Lewes, representing my athletics club HY Runners. The course was incredibly challenging, muddy, and hilly.
The race was 8k long and the final one of the Sussex Cross Country League. I gave my best effort and was in third place for the entire race until the last 800m. However, I couldn't hold the position and had to settle for 4th place. My fall midway through the race cost me dearly.
Although I was happy with my performance, I was also frustrated that I couldn't finish in the top three. My legs didn't have it in them. The 2nd place was just 100m ahead of me, and I could smell the victory, but I wasn't quite able to get it. I was also impressed by the winner of the race, Robbie Fitzgibbon, an ex-professional 1500m runner for Nike.
I spoke to all the lads who finished ahead of me, and they couldn't believe that I had raced on three challenging courses in the previous three weekends. They thought I was mad for doing so. I realise this intense race schedule could harm my results, but I love racing.
For the race fuel, I had three Weetabix and a banana. I have continued to hydrate well, and I am noticing the difference in how I feel.
Although I am slightly disappointed that I couldn't finish in the top three, I am still happy with my performance, especially considering how challenging the course was and the intense past month of races every weekend.
This weekend, I will travel up north with one of my coaches, Stella Bandu. However, this time, it will not be a race; it is performance-related, and I can't wait to share all the trip details with you in next week's blog.
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Best, David.