The Easter break seems to have allowed us all to recuperate somewhat from the winter, and now the race reports are flooding in. First out the blocks: Peter Simpson at Bloxham:

Competed in the British Masters Cross Country Champs on 29 March at Bloxham village, near Banbury. Wet and windy weather was forecast but it was only an 8K run. There were three separate races, starting with the female vets 35+ & male 70+ at noon followed by the male 50-69 at 1245 and finally the male 35-49 at 1400. Last time I ran in this event it was over in Bangor, Northern Ireland. I was disappointed to go all the way over to NI for a small turnout and few competitors of my pace in the 40-49 age group race. With this experience I was expecting another tough encounter. Given it was held fairly nearby I decided to give it another try especially as it is going to be my last XC of the season. The wind seem to be picking up as the event progressed, arriving to see the women’s event and part of the men’s 50-69. With a 4-lap course (3 laps for women & men over-70), spectators had a good view of the races.

Since my half marathon at Brentwood on 9 March, I had not done much training partly due to the Easter break and forgetting to take my running shoes with me. The course was flat apart from a few bumps but the wind and muddy conditions made it more challenging. I was soon at the rear of the field (men 35-49) and for a period was last despite a reasonable pace I thought! I did however catch one runner hence repeating my position at the Northern Ireland event a few years ago. Await the official results.