In the end I finished 129th at Nottingham today, at one point things were looking much worse as I struggled on the second and third laps, but I got going a bit better on the last lap and got a few places back. Frank T. was second this year, and Avon & Somerset only finished five runners.

I wanted to do the race ahead of Bath next weekend, but it was just 6 days after Longleat, and after the first lap my legs were feeling tired and without team points to worry about I was really finding it difficult, I think I would have stopped, but with Bath in mind I calculated that the second half of the race would do me good - and Keith and Andy Glover were encouraging me on.

Eventually the distance took its toll on the field and I had a much better final lap gaining a few places. The excellent surface made it a fast start to the race, and although I was reasonably sensible, I still struggled even in the middle of the race - perhaps when the surface is heavier it slows the younger athletes down more (even though I don't like mud).

Ben T. (13) was the second A&S runner home, and then there was gap to Andrew H. (83) and Oli (97). Andy also got things together towards the end of the race, and Oli continues to improve. Kevin H. was 19th, he seemed happy after the race, and Dan Woodford (139) and Jeremy B. (142) were just behind me at the end, they were just about ahead of me at one point. ...and Iain Lockett was 63rd - that's a good M40 run!! - I still wonder how many England Masters runners are planning to go to the Isle of Man next season.

...and so to Bath, I'm in much better shape (physiologically and mentally) than a month ago, but a long way short of race fit - so I'll just have to wait and see what happens. .,, ,,, and one more runner and the club team could be in the medals (or is that prize money).