Northern x-country relays, Sheffield

Just posting a little update about my first x-country race of the season, the Northern relays in Sheffield. And the debut of my new x-country spikes for the winter!

Generally I turn up to relays feeling rather relaxed because, being in a team of three, there's less pressure on yourself. However this time, having only had about two weeks back at run training, I was quite nervous. We had two complete teams, A and B, and one extra runner. I was in the B team on the second leg and anxious because I didn't want to let them down if I had a poor performance.

Time was ticking and the start of our race was soon upon us. In my warm-up I felt really good, no niggles or twinges. This made me more positive about running a good race and I really needed to stay optimistic. One of our A team runners however was running late, so last minute (and I mean last minute!) decisions were made to move our B team, third leg runner into the A team third leg slot. During my leg, I wasn't aware of that decision so when I came in and didn't see out third leg runner set off I knew she must have been moved up.

Photos of myself by my Mum

I surprised myself with my performance, or more so how good I actually felt. I expected to feel 'dead' and lethargic, however I felt springy and energetic and really good up the hills (which made up half the course, no joke!).

Just part of the two long hills!

This thankfully resulted in 'happy endorphins' after the race, and leaving me really happy with my performance in my first race of the winter off the back of not a lot of training. Our A team girls did astonishingly, especially Clara (third leg) who jumped in at the last minute and sustained the lead!

Me on the finishing straight

 All of the U17 girls - I'm B375, winning team are the three on the right!

I'm looking forward to the upcoming x-country races, especially with more run training under my belt!

Now my next post will be on the GB age-group qualifier entry and a little on my winter training goals and what I'm aiming for next year.

Stay motivated,

Lucy