This evening was our third handicap race. This is where we take the average of the last 3 runs from everyone and work out the time to cover the 4.3 mile route based on their average. We then set each individual off at different times based on their handicap. In theory everyone should finish the run at the same time. But the need to catch up to the person in front of you adds a little competition to the proceedings and that helps push people just a little quicker. This evening was no exception as 6 individuals achieved their Personal Best Averages!!!
First to go out were the ladies! The added incentive of chasing 3 pretty women round a 4.3mile circuit was more than enough for most of the guys to hit their top speed this evening. The girls though set the pace really well and had a great run, sticking together and motivating each other round. Well done Nina, Mel and Sharon.
Chasing them down was Greg, aka the Warsash Whippet!! The Whippet has been showing some great improvement recently with a PB on Fridays run of 9m12s, this evening though he achieved his first sub 9min per mile run!! And a huge improvement to 8m 56s per mile, awesome Greg, well done!!!
Chasing the Whippet was Sat Nav, and as usual he went off track again. This added about 300 yards to his lap until Charles spotted him and brought him back on track. It was a good job Charles was flying round this evening otherwise Sat Nav could have ended up in Birmingham! Charles was close to his PB once again, missing out by just 2secs per mile!! I reckon you will get it next week Charles!! Charles set off with Carl in the only pairing of the evening. Carl had run the route on Friday with the running club and had averaged 9m37s per mile – add in a bit of competition and out comes – 8m 50s per mile, Amazing and a new Personal best for Carl, well done!!
Next to set off was Alistair, he was well prepared with his pre-run wine gums this evening and they kicked in about a mile from the finish as he put in a massive sprint at the end, overtaking a few people along the way! He finished in an amazing 8m 17s, a personal best for Alistair, and a massive 14s per mile improvement from his last PB set last June!! Well done!
Pete had a great run, catching up with Alistair and keeping with him as they went for home. His 7m 44s was extremely fast and Petes first sub-8mins per mile since last April!! This is also his 4th consecutive run with an improvement!! He is getting faster and faster now! Setting off behind Pete was Rob, he knew he was being chased / hunted down this evening, but his game plan worked – full black camouflage and a bit of course knowledge! No one caught Rob as he managed to overtake everyone in front to finish first with a Personal Best average of 7m 14s per mile, awesome.
Last to go were Mike and Kyle. Now Kyle hasn’t run with the club for several years and not run on his own for several months. So we threw him a tough handicap and set him a challenge. He set off 30seconds behind speedy Mike, but caught him before the half way point. It was then a battle and a great run between them as they turned for home, with the leadership changing hands on several occasions. One final push from Kyle and he pipped Mike to the post. The pace was Mikes Personal Best!!!! An mind-blowing 6m35s!!! Well done!! For Kyle, his average of 6m30s is still 9seconds per mile off his PB set with the running club. A great run though!!
Well done to all this evenings runners, delivered with the spirit it was intended!!
Next week we are moving away from speed to focus back on distance as we start to build for the Eastleigh 10k
| Name | Distance | ACTUAL TIME | Average |
| Mike Y | 4.30 | 00:28:18 | 00:06:35 |
| Mark | 4.30 | 00:29:55 | 00:06:57 |
| Rob | 4.30 | 00:31:05 | 00:07:14 |
| Pete | 4.30 | 00:33:15 | 00:07:44 |
| Kyle | 4.30 | 00:27:59 | 00:06:30 |
| Alistair | 4.30 | 00:35:35 | 00:08:17 |
| Carl | 4.30 | 00:37:58 | 00:08:50 |
| Charles | 4.30 | 00:39:25 | 00:09:10 |
| Mike H | 4.30 | 00:37:55 | 00:08:49 |
| Sharon | 4.30 | 00:52:47 | 00:12:17 |
| Greg | 4.30 | 00:38:25 | 00:08:56 |
| Mel | 4.30 | 00:52:47 | 00:12:17 |
| Nina | 4.30 | 00:52:47 | 00:12:17 |
