Hi all,

Chris here again - I've now taken sole custody of the blog! :-)

Bit delayed in blogging about the Alex Park 5k this weekend just past - I've been trying to avoid the computer as when I get on the computer I look at BBC News and then get cross with the swine flu coverage... Argh!

Anyways, our prep for Alex Park was a little poor. In fact, from a personal point of view I'm actually quite out of the running groove at the minute, so really I was going along to AP with very low expectations: just to get round, enjoy myself and hopefully finish in under 30 mins (but no tragedy if not).

We met up with Jamie B, Laura and Peta plus a paparazzi Shazzoah (and son Jamie) in the car park with an ominous black cloud hovering overhead. This being the last pre-GMR AP 5k, the entry was quite large (~160); that, plus the rain dumped on the ground overnight made for a treacherous day...

I lined up in my usual 2/3 back start position, reflecting that I usually post a time at around 2/3 through the field (consistently) so no need to place myself too far forward (I also enjoy overtaking better than slipping back - it's a stupid psychology thing). Pam & I decided a few races back that we don't really run well together in races, as what happens is one of us runs at a faster pace than the other can manage but the other won't admit it, just get too tired early on instead. Usually, that's me getting tired!

Just before the gun goes, Jamie B appears at my shoulder (like a man-sized Jimminy Cricket) to say that he was going to run with me. I knew I couldn't keep up but Jamie said he wanted to run at my pace, whatever that was. It meant a lot, although I was nervous of running out of energy.

The gun goes and it's all a little chaotic - it's part of the fun starting near the back! I took to the grass and on rejoining the track got myself in a sticky spot - hemmed in with someone left and right, and someone (I think the wife) right behind me. Suddenly, a guy is RIGHT in front of me - either I misjudged my stride / speed or he completely slowed down. I accidentally clipped his foot, he stumbled but kept going without falling. I yelled "sorry!" due to a genuine mistake and took a barrage of abuse back for going too fast and trying to run through him. I did feel really bad but didn't think the slip warranted the abuse...

Anyhoo, Jamie ran me round being his usual buoyant self, cracking pig jokes to keep me trotting along (boom boom). It really meant a massive amount to me - offering advice on breathing, timing, speed, telling me to save my breath and not talking too much. All crucial, although it was hard not to laugh at the stuff Jamie was doing (esp. congratulating some runners just out for a jog, thinking they were in the race!). Jamie is a really infectious person to be around (not the swine flu) and it seems that we egg each other on (not necessarily a good thing!!!). Had great fun, like having a night in the pub with a good friend and a run at the same time.

On the back straight on the last lap, we caught up with a guy who was being yelled on by a friend. Mr Motivator (Jamie B) started the pep talk for this guy as well as me. No doubt he helped us both in quicker!

All in all, a good day for all of us. Jamie ran me in just shy of a PB for me - Jamie obviously had loads in the tank. Laura managed a PB and a pre-GMR goal of sub-26 min 5k. Pam had a bit more difficulty but did amazingly well given her recovery from a stuffy head / cold. I since learned (post-race kiss) that Pam had been a wee bit sickie on one of the laps but was looking fresh as a daisy and did better than I can manage most of the time.

All in all, a great race. Didn't really deserve to do so well due to complete lack of training for this - and also this stands for GMR. Not a case of getting the excuses in, just recognising that I haven't put the effort in so I don't deserve great rewards. Still, I'm lucky to be able to run and I'm looking forward to GMR in 12 days. I won't be setting the world alight with the time, but will be having an absolute blast!

Had a great afternoon with Shaz and Jamie (son of S) before trying to spot Tina at the Great Edinburgh Run coverage (no such luck!).

Hope you're all cool and having fun whatever you are up to.

C (P says hi)