YOU'D think I'd have learned my lesson after my episode in the Llyn Alwen trail race.
But there I was at track training tonight, two of us shoulder to shoulder leading in the home straight of a 300m sprint, when my schoolboy error struck again!
Monday night is track night with Colwyn Bay Athletics Club - short, fast sessions which are really good for improving speed and sharpness during races. While my biking and swimming still leave a bit to be desired, I'm chuffed with how the running's going at the moment.
Last night we started with four laps of the track at Eirias Park (1600m), which felt nice and comfortable, then it was five lots of 300m sprints.
I was right up for the 300m reps as it always feels good to let off some steam with a sprint. I went well on the first three reps and led each one, but one of the other lads had been saving something and tore ahead of me on the fourth rep. With my legs by now feeling like jelly I couldn't stay with him, but I don't like being beaten - not even in training - so I was determined to give it everything for the last one.
Unfortunately I hadn't checked my shoes - no excuses now, but at around 150m with him just ahead of me my right lace came undone. Doh! I pulled level going into the home straight but with every stride my trainer was coming off the back of my foot, and with 50m to go I gave up and stepped off the track.
It was a shame because it would have been a great sprint between the two of us for the line. It might seem a bit sad wanting to win so much in training when there's nothing at stake, but it's more about getting everything you can out of yourself rather than beating someone else. That's what gives you the confidence to go and do the same in a race situation.
At least I know the running's going well, though. I'm also close to buying a proper racing bike, which means I can join club rides without getting left behind. Not too far behind, anyway!
