I had a couple of good  sessions during the week. Two 5 mile minute-on, minute off sessions helped me get some good pace work done.  I’m strating to realise that running is as much about self belief as anything else. if I go out thinking I can keep up and even pass out then it happens.

I was asked to run in the Woodie’s DIY Intermediate & Masters Cross Country Championships in tymon on Sunday so Ill be off in the morning to buy some new shoes. I’ll see how it goes. The advice seems to be.

“In evaluating the need to wear cross country spikes, the runner should carefully examine the course before the race. Spikes are certainly worthwhile if the majority of the course is on a soft surface. However, if portions of the race take place on paved surfaces or even over hard packed dirt, the spikes may not be as effective. In these cases it might be worthwhile to race in a training shoe as opposed to a racing spike. Additionally, if the course is particularly muddy the runner may wish to use longer spikes than he normally would to ensure better traction over the slippery surface. “

Update: Well in my first cross country I gave up after a two laps. The conditions were really good in Tymon this afternoon. I went off way to quick and ran out of steam before the first lap ended. I also keep getting the pain in my foot every so often whilst turning corners. It comeback in force today. A trip to the physio is needed.