Romsey 5 trail run

7am woke up with the alarm - the Duvet is in control, it's not going to let me out.
The Harriers are meeting out side in 30 minutes. Am I a runner, or a mouse?

7.15am A mouse
7.18am A runner. Duvet lies defeated on the bed. Kit on, down stairs for a quick strong coffee and Ibuprofen. It's dark, but fairly mild.
7.29am Out side with fellow Harriers (Ian, DaveA, Jane, Martin and today's Academy: Simone, Paul, PeteE and Mark)
Plan is to run to the start of the Romsey 5 - about 2 miles, then run a handicapped version of the race, then jog back.

Slow run to the industrial estate with bits of the academy peeling off on the way.
Met DaveK and Frances at the start.
We plan to use the run as a time trial so set off in groups based on our expected finishing time. Frances sets off first aiming for sub 40. Dave, Martin Jane 3 mins later, Then Ian, DaveK and me 3 mins after them.
The first mile is pretty flat and we managed a quick 6.30 pace, then the hill kicks in - remember, hills are our friends! - second mile is about 7 pace and we've caught Martin. More uphill as Ian and I move away from DaveK. We catch Jane at 2 1/2 miles, and DaveA soon after. The 3rd mile is in about 6.30, then its down hill for the 4th.
Cracking pace, 6.15 then a flat 5th to finish. Ian cruises past with 800m to go looking fresh - I'm out on my knees. Fortunately I haven't eaten anything as it would have been making an appearance at this point.
We both finish in under 33 mins (32.50/32.55), DaveK smashes his PB and Frances hits sub 38. So all in all a very good test for next week.