Race Preview - North District Championships

I put in my goals for the year that I wanted to compete in a Championship race. At the time I really meant the North 10k (or maybe 10-mile or half marathon) road championships. I wasn't sure how my head would cope with those though so I left it as an optional target.

Then when I rejoined my running club at the start of the year they automatically registered me as an athlete with ScottishAthletics Limited. In previous years I have objected to that charge and have only registered as a coach. Which was meant to carry the same benefits but SAL gradually cut them back to try and squeeze more money out of people and eventually I didn't even bother registering.

This means though that I can compete in the North District Track and Field Championships.

I am still record holder for the 100m Hurdles at this event. I also went 12 years in a row as 400m Hurdles champion and 15 years in a row as champion of at least one hurdles event (often both). So it seems fitting to go back and take part in that since I am eligible. But I know I haven't trained for that so I am not likely to be competitive. I may not even be able to get over the big hurdles. 

I do have the legs to run a decent 5k though so I have entered that as well.

And since I am there anyway I figured I might try throwing the hammer, on the grounds that it is mostly a technical event, and I am probably upper-body stronger, even with the metal plate in my collar bone, than I ever was when I was throwing it regularly.


Targets, just because I like to give myself something to aim at.

Hammer throw. I would like to throw over 20 meters. That may be a big ask off no practice. If I can even get to the stage of rotating with my throw and getting it out of the cage that will be a decent day out.

5,000m. PB is 19:45 so anything under that will be good. I think that is possible. Technically anything under 21:30 completes my annual running race target. So I will leave those as the real targets but really I want to be going very close to 19 minutes, and maybe even sneak under it if the weather is really good. 

110m Hurdles. - Don't die! 
Ok, fatality isn't really a risk but I could do some major damage if I get the hurdles wrong. I am not racing it hard, Monday's 'speed' session reminded me just how little sprinting power I have in my legs these days. I am just taking part and testing out my flexibility and technical muscle memory. It would be really great if I could get down somewhere near the 20 second mark, but if it takes 25 to get through it without hurting anything then I will be happy enough with that.