British indoor championship 2008

Decided not to do any more training in the lead up, just yoga sessions Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Difficult to get properly prepared for the race as I'm flying to the US on Sunday and my mind isn't totally focused on the race.
My target is still sub 54 (remember Howard's prediction).
Two hours drive up to Picketts Lock, but well worth the effort, the sports complex is superb. Six lane, 200m track, with a six lane 100m warm up track that overlooks the main areana.

Warmed up for the heat. Lots of good quality athletes. Including the British record holder, Darrell Maynard, who hasn't competed for a few years.
I'm in the easiest heat and win fairly comfortably in 54.8 from the front. Difficult to judge anything at this point. The next heat Darrell wins in 52 ahead of Tony Noel, Nick Grewcock and Neil Tunstall (hurdles WC).
I had lane 6 (the outside) for the final as I was second slowest qualifier. Not ideal as I wouldn't see anyone for a while and its the toughest lane to break from at the 150 mark.
Got to 100m and Darrel and Tony were storming and already ahead of me despite the lane stagger. At the break I was 4th.
Managed to squeeze into third before the bend and got up onto Tony's shoulder. Attacked on the back straight, but Tony wouldn't let me past. so had to settle back behind him on the final bend. Into the last 100 I felt I was gaining on him and just clipped his heels (so he knew I was there). Came off the bend and turned on the speed, flowing to the line to get a silver in 53.77. bang on my target time, so very pleased.
Darrel Maynard won in 51.11, a new British and European record (he was disappointed it wasn't a World record as well) - he then retired! Talk about going out on a high