After a very hectic couple of weeks we are now living in our new house in Eastbourne. We are just now starting to feel a bit more settled and although the house has a lot of work to do, it is starting to feel like home. There has been so much to do that I've not had much of a chance for any training for a few weeks, but now we are settling in here I've managed to start exploring the local trails. Getting up onto the Downs reminded me why we chose this location - it is beautiful up there and absolutely ideal for training.

Despite a serious lack of training, I couldn't resist a race on the first weekend here (especially a local one organised by my new club Hailsham Harriers), so I went along for a go at the Hellingly 10km. It was a beautiful sunny morning and perfect for racing.

Just before the start I found my watch was not working so I would be running blind in terms of pacing. I'd done a bit of homework and checked out previous results and I identified a chap called Gary Judges who seemed to be a bit quicker than me, so I decided to try to stick with him. With a fast flat start I found myself at the back of a front group of about 10 runners (which included Gary who had a great run and finished well ahead of me). I felt good for the first mile and managed to keep the lead group within reach but then the hills started and things started to get strung out. It was a tougher course than I expected and there seemed to be more uphills than down. I really started to feel the lack of training and from half way I was really struggling. There seemed to be a good gap ahead and also a gap behind me and I just tried to relax and maintain my position in the last few miles.

I finished in 11th place in a time of 38:00 (just over a minute slower than PB) which considering the lack of training and the tough course was a good result. I was second Hailsham Harrier and very proud to be part of the winning team (which won me a £10 voucher to spend). Thanks to all the organisers for a great race and my new club for making me feel very welcome.