Is there another road race beside Ballycotton that sells out? Yes. The Lakes 10k in Blessington reached its capacity this year and had to close the entries. I was surprised when i entered the race website. „Sold out – no entries on the day.“ What is going on there? Lucky enough Kev got me an entry and i was delighted.
The 10k race around the Blessington lakes is kind of a home game form me. I just life around the corner and the route is a regular part of my spins towards the wicklow mountains. Instead of a tempo run i decided to jump in the race. A, more less, fast course was on the agenda and a race is definitely better than training.
Lakeshore Strides cant be praised enough. There is a reason why people want to run that race. Just from the moment i entered Blessington signs were leading to the race headquaters beside the lake. Once arrived marschalls took care of each and everyone. Parking went smooth and also around the registration there was no rush and great atmosphere.
The start was smooth as the organizers set up start corals for all estimated finishing times. Not many runners lined up at the front. The favourite was obvious. The field did not had the class to chase down Vinny Mulvey and after a couple of kilometeres the competition was stretched out. I found my rhythm pretty fast and cruised along the beautiful roads beside the lake. Knowing the course i was cautious of he hill just shortly after the 6k mark. Cycling up that hill is tough. Running was even tougher. Severe head winds didnt really help but finally i managed to reach the summit and rolled towards the finish.
37:02 was on the clock at the finish, 3 minutes slower than my PB. OK for the day. Still no speed but the strenght is there. Darren, Feidhlim and i went for a cool down jog and all of us were certain that this race is going to e classic in the irish road running calendar. Big up Lakeshore Striders – Great Race!
