South West Cross Country Championships, 2 Jan 2022

I was not particularly nervous for this race: I was just excited. It had been over two years since my last proper cross-country race, and I couldn’t wait to be covered in mud again. When I arrived, I slipped on my wellies and waddled around the course, so that I knew where I was going. It was quite flat for a cross-country course, but had a few very muddy sections, which would be difficult to avoid.

After walking the course, I had several hours before my race, so I sat in the car and did some Uni work, trying to ignore the commotion outside. The weather was very indecisive, and I must have sat through at least four rain showers before it was time for me to start warming up. Eventually, I did a standard warm up and put my spikes on. As I took my place on the start line, a rainbow appeared in the sky. I smiled and then the race began. 

I got off to a great start and was in the front pack around the first corner. Then, around the second corner I was in 5th and could still see the leaders. This was a change; ‘I am usually mid-pack somewhere struggling to keep up!’ I thought. I reminded myself I had done some great training over the last few months, so was perfectly capable of maintaining this position. The rest of the race I felt strong and coming into the final stretch, I had only lost one place!

I finished in 6th position out of 104 women and was also 4th Senior! I was very pleased. I now look forward to the nationals in March.

Fiona German