The New Year has started with the first of a long string of consecutive weekends of racing. Over the past few years I have trained very specifically for just a few key races, but this year I'm using racing much more as part of my training. The first major target of the year is London Marathon (in 15 weeks). Between now and then I only have 3 weekends without a race. Over the next 15 weeks I'll be racing 7 cross country races, 4 half marathons and one off-road duathlon.

The first race of the year was on Sunday and it was the Pett Cross Country (part of the East Sussex Sunday Cross Country League). A fairly low key race which was dominated by Hailsham Harriers. A lovely muddy route up and down through woods and around sticky fields (just as cross country should be) and great fun. Three leaders made a good break and I was left to battle for 4th place with one other runner and no one else in sight. I had a solid 20 second lead over 5th with less than a mile to go but then I took a wrong turn in the woods due to some missing marker arrows. I lost my place with this mistake and pushed hard to regain the position. In the end 4th place came down to a sprint which I just lost by a second or two. A very enjoyable race and I'm pleased with 5th place (even though it should have been 4th) and a team win for Hailsham Harriers.

Next weekend it's the County Cross Country Championships in Brighton which I'm very much looking forward to. It should be a much more competitive race with the best in the county racing and so I'll expect to finish much further down the field.