I was orienteering around Reigate Priory only a week ago, and liked the look of the area, so I was happy to be back for my second 10K in four days. This one was a run around country roads, it was billed as being quite undulating, so I wasn’t expecting to beat my 42:09 PB from Sunday. However, I got around in 41:59. Not a negative split this time, but this was because all the (up)hills were in the second half – including a 70m climb over the hills just south of the priory itself – the edge of the North Downs. The hills weren’t nearly as bad I was expecting – I just slowed down my pace and took it easy. I did feel my calves at the end of the race though.
I really enjoyed this race – clear weather but not too hot, entry on the day, very encouraging and friendly marshalls right around the course, a wide start, and a downhill finish! The only unpleasant surprise was a 20m climb in the last kilometre that I wasn’t expecting. But overall I felt good, and I’m looking forward to the Great Capital Run 10K in Hyde Park this coming Sunday.