Zandvoort Circuitloop

I finally feel like I’m getting back in the saddle with regards to running.  I’m not growing great distances, but I’m slowly building it back up.  I’ve signed myself up for a number of 5K events between now and the summer to keep myself focused.  The Zandvoort Circuitloop, around the race track at Zandvoort was my first.

It was a beautiful sunny day, albeit rather cold in the morning.  I had a bit of an early start, since I had to be at the train station for 7.15 to take Mum to the airport.  And don’t forget, this was the night that the clocks went forward.

For all that I had plenty of time to spare, I still ended up getting myself in a muddle at the raceground, and being unable to find the tent where you should leave your bags.  Fortunately, just as I was beginning to panic because I was running out of time, some kind ladies at the information desk took pity on me, and looked after my bag.  The unexpected kindness was just what I needed to put a smile on my face, and get me to relax about the prospect of running 5km.

As I’d feared, what with Zandvoort being in the dunes, the race circuit was not entirely flat.  When I approached the first incline, I really didn’t think I had a chance of continuing without slowing to a walk, but the sight of other people walking ahead spurred me on and I kept running, both up that hill and all those that followed.

All in all the race went well.  While it certainly was hard work, at no point did it feel too hard, there was never any point when I asked myself how on earth I was going to make it to the end.  That said, I was really glad to see the finish line!  The last km or two there was someone from the organization running alongside and cheering people on – a nice touch, I thought.

I crossed the line with a net time of 33:02 – not fast by most people’s standards, but still a new personal best by 39s, of which I’m really proud.  Considering that my speed really dropped last year, it’s good to be back running at my 2009 speed again.  Now I need to try and improve on that.

Next race: the Rokjesdagloop on April 10th!