XC 1. Norham

Bang, and they're off again for the Border's XC season 09-10.

Lost count of how long I've been going out for this series. Always a good atmosphere, competition and motivator for training over the winter. I usually just feel like hibernating while the days are still drawing in.

Hadn't forgotten the usual conditions we find ourselves in on the Norham course, and it was as per usual for today's race. Mud, swamp, stream crossings a plenty! Proper XC. It didn't appear that anyone managed to get lost during the senior race this time though. Is this a first I wonder?

I posted an 11th overall, 2nd Vet40, and had what I felt to be an OK race considering having been a bit bogged down with a cold during the week and also out a-partying until wee small hours the night before. Straightforward race too, no interesting tussles to report, but I wish I'd had a bit more fight in me when a fellow triathlete went past at about a mile out, going strong. Good run Brian!  I was tiring on the run in though and dropped another couple of places in the last half mile or so which I thought I'd be able to keep in my favour considering the bit gap I'd opened up. 

Well done to WRC crew who turned out and sympathies to Bruce who cowped his ankle down in the dene and had to retire. Obviously a sickener for him especially since, from what I saw at one part of the course, he was having a strong run and was well up the field. This particular course always has some dodgy bits underfoot!