A warmer, brighter Sunday than this time last year as Mick and I filed through the funnel to the start of Steyning AC's 10th and our second Stinger.

SAC for the first time had to turn runners away from this annual race, good to see running is getting more and more popular at this grass and mud roots level. The usual seemless start with easy registration, ready advice and clear signage to the field start again, minimal waiting and some friendly chat with runners from all over the SE. I ran and chatted for a few miles with a Hercules Wimbledon runner who only started running 5 years ago: he came 2nd in 3:22, a great result.
The traditional start for Mick and I with Mick striding ahead and me huffing and puffing behind. Mick was gone before the first bend and normal service was resumed. For the first time I tried to run to Heart Rate. Disaster: I was in range for the last 6 miles, within mile 1 exceeding 180 (althlough it was up a steep, muddy forestry track - the first of the "Stings") and the Garmin died before hour-3 anyway, so it was back to run-by-feel. I can sense the "must do better" thoughts and head shakes from HR-guru coaches Dave and Neil. The next 3 hours were of focussing on each footfall, either lose chalk or stoney, grass, mud with some tarmac. One high/lowlight - at a quiet point maybe 17 miles in, head down I followed a lady in front round a corner and into a quiet field realising why the Radcliffe style detour only just in time. The two guys following were still laughing about this well after the finish.
The sun began to appear in the second half and the 8 well-positioned drinks/Mars/biscuits/Clif stations became even more valuable. The field was very strung out in the latter stages, leaving great views to be run through with a cooling breeze. This is a gem of a local full.
Mick stormed in with less winter training and 3 minutes faster than last year to come in 18th. I remembered the right shoes this time and managed a negative split for the first time. A solid performance for the club (we think we were the first triathletes in).
 
Mick Barstow    3:48:47     18/182     (2010: 3:51:47    19/143)
Mark Evans      3:51:28     21/182     (2010: 4:13:13    43/143)