British Masters 10 Mile Championships
Reports Rob Fox...
In another LERC attempt at British Masters glory, Andy McNeill, Rich Wilkinson, Rob Fox and Jackie Mather headed to Tiptree in Essex last Sunday for the BMAF 10 mile championship, which was incorporated into the Tiptree 10. With the team competitions occasionally poorly supported in BMAF road championships, Andy, Rich and Rob thought that they would have a good chance of a medal in the 45-54 age category, with Andy in good enough shape to consider his individual chance as a V45.
Jackie was hoping for a position in the FV50 category, but was not in good shape at all at 0630, being barely able to talk, and feeling lousy. However, after a stern lecture from coach Andy about even considering running, it was decided that a late fitness check was in order as her heart rate was fine. Another critical factor was that Jackie’s husband Dave was the driver for the 2hr 45min journey.
The conditions were fine for running, if a couple of degrees too cold. The course was an out and back, with a loop, and an uphill stretch at 8.5 to 9.5m, and a half mile level run in to the finish.
Andy ran to form, and 9th place overall in 56.08 for 3rd V45 and a British Masters Bronze. Rob was agonisingly close to a sub-60 finish, not yet achieved as a V50, in 60.04 and 25th place, but was way ahead of his own expectation on the day. Rich finished in 64.07 and 49th place, which was good enough to put the combined score ahead of local club Ilford for 1st place in the V45-54 team category and British Masters Gold.
Jackie, having been pronounced fit to take part, and with “super-charged” confidence, ran superbly to finish as 10th lady in 72.37, within a minute of her PB, and 3rd FV50 for a British Masters Bronze (just like her coach).
All in all, worth the early start and long drive. A huge thanks to Dave for Driving once again.
This report was brought to you by deano
Comments:
Click here to return to all news articles.