Peter Simpson reports not just on a 10K, it also included a cycle journey of about 20 miles or 1 hour 40 minutes but fortunately the wind was in his favour. However, I arrived with only 25 minutes to get ready and there was a long walk / jog to the start. I was feeling a little concerned that my calves may not have had enough time to recover, the problem in the past so I intentionally started further back at a slower pace. Like the cycle journey, we started with the wind behind us on a flat cycle path until we approached the A421 bypass when we climbed over it and leveled off again. Approaching halfway we were gradually turning round and we knew that we were on the way back as we began to tackle the wind in exposed places. The course resembled a trail for stretches but it did not affect my performance, I was more concerned about the stiffness building up in my lower legs that may have been the onset of a calf strain.

After the slowish start I gradually picked up places for the remainder of the race. Approaching the finish from a considerable distance I could see 43 minutes on the clock but that was well over 44 minutes when crossing the line, the chip time later was 44:05. I did not manage to see Bruce Lovell at the start although he was likely following a strict warm-up routine and joining the start line close to the gun. After the previous Sunday’s Moulton10K and PB of 36:17, Bruce continued his pushing schedule of training for the Cransley Hospice half marathon although deciding to come and join me in the Bedford 10K and wear the VRUK vest however, on the day there were other members of his local club running so had to represent Team Balancise. One day, far away from his local area, Bruce will represent VRUK. After hanging around the finish for some time I eventually met up with Bruce as he returned from his warm down. Despite intending to take it easier, without a watch as guidance and an easy first half, Bruce went off fast and just kept going at the pace for as long as possible. Despite slowing, Bruce finished with almost a minute off his PB, lowering to 35:18. At the presentation he was rewarded with the prize for 1st male V35.

Bruce back at the Bedford International Athletic Stadium

Bruce wearing his new VRUK hoodie and Peter

Bruce meets Keith Hammond of the VCandAC who seems to be	winning the V50 category regularly