1st Sportive of the year

God damn rabbits everywhere........

Well I've just got back from the Hilly Hampshire Hundred Sportive (watership down hence the rabbit ref above) and after what feels like months of rain we had glorious sun the whole way around :) Its amazing what a bit of sun and temperatures above 15 degrees can do to ones self spirit......I would even go so far to say I bloody well enjoyed it.

The distance felt fine with only the last 10 being a bit painful and although my on the flat performance is a bit average my climbing has really improved. At no point did I really feel the hills hurting which has got to be a good thing. Its funny really as if anything rolling on the flat hurts more, I quite looking forward to getting back to a lumpy section.

I did the 100 in 5hr 31 just getting into gold (ride time was 5hr 25), thanks to getting into a couple of really good groups. For the last 30 miles there were 3 of us and one (big) guy who just steam rolled the road into submission. I'd move to the front to do my turn only for him to come straight back past picking up the pace once again.....whoever you are I am very grateful.

So a couple of weeks and I've got the chiltern 100, lets hope I've not peaked for the year already!

Steve


PS I managed to run 8 miles on Saturday and my ankle only hurt from mile 3 onwards. In my eyes thats a result and although my ankle grew in size and kept my awake all night I'd say its ok to start running again...happy days.