I love the Purbrook Ladies 5, as I've said previously on this blog. It's a true race, unlike most road races where you are drowning in a sea of men (which might be OK in other circumstances) unable to see who you are really racing against. Of course, this is my perspective at the front, but for the majority of us it's a fun event with a really good spirit of camaraderie. It's an excellent step up for those who've been introduced to running through the Race For Life. For me though, I love the chance to start a race from the start line: it's taken me a few years to feel I've earned my place there, but on Sunday I had my toe on the line knowing I wasn't going to win but feeling I was a real top 5 prospect.
It's uncanny how we all know each other's pace and have pretty much decided before the start roughly where we'll finish: the start line photo in The News reveals that with one exception the first 5 places were all on the front line. The remaining places in the top ten were all visible on the second row. The one absentee from the start line photo was an unattached runner who must have worked her way up from further back (she stalked me for the last few miles).
I was unsure how well recovered I was from the previous day's 3000m. Someone had suggested that the 3000m might be a good warmup for the race, but I know my own legs better than that. Emma, the eventual winner of the race, had also raced 3000m on the Saturday, but things were different for her: she could afford the ease off a bit and still be fairly comfortable at the front. I had no such luxury!
At the gun, I tried to stay at a relaxed pace, fearful of how my legs would feel, and so was a little concerned at being in 3rd place behind Emma and Jane. I felt a little easier when Rachel and Angie went past me, taking the pressure off me. With hindsight, maybe I should have pushed harder, but I also had the thought of the Promenade 5k 3 days later - this was the toughest few days of racing I've ever attempted! I think in my mind I'd already settled for 5th by the end of the first mile, but still hoped I could catch a place or 2.
After 2 or 3 miles I was still in 5th behind Angie, but could now sense a runner behind me. She tested me on a downhill section and I could now see she was an unattached runner I'd not met before. These races can get a bit predictable without some new blood, so she was a welcome addition. I hope we can get her signed up for a club :-) I overtook her again on the next uphill section, but a short while later she was challenging again and I was able to use her to close on Angie.
As we neared the final run in, the 3 of us, Angie, myself and Victoria (I later found out her name) were together across the road. I couldn't help positioning myself between the other 2 for the photographer - one has to consider these things! I haven't seen the photo yet, but it should look good. With Victoria's help I cruised past Angie and chased Victoria down the final hill and up the short rise to the finish. I felt fresh but couldn't catch her. I finished in 5th - my best result yet in the Purbrook Ladies 5.
With hindsight I could maybe have pushed harder and finished further up, but I'm pleased with my 5th place on tired legs. My heart rate was quite low compared to what it normally is for this distance, so hopefully that's an indication that I can recover well for the Promenade 5k on Wednesday (tonight, as I write this).
It's a reflection of the lack of young runners that 3 of the top 6 were over 45. Hopefully though Victoria will be encouraged by her 4th place and keep her running going. If you're local Victoria then how about joining Victory AC? :-)
Talking of Victory AC, we had a good turn out, but didn't manage a team prize this year. Well done to Marilyn for yet another age group prize, this time over-60.
It's a great race. It feels as if it's fighting its place as the last bastion of competitive women-only road racing - long may it continue!
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