Blewitts - Monthly Handicap

Today:
Distance: Race 7.0 km plus warm up & cool down
Time: Race 30' 25"
Rate: 4' 21" per km
Altitude gain/loss: 155 metres
Finished: 32nd / 102
Weather: sunny, temp range 5-9 degrees, humidity 70%, wind NW 7 kmph
Week: 11.55 km, July: 365.5 km, Year: 2768.9 km

Monthly handicap No. 162 around one of my favourite courses, it's hilly, tough, very little flat parts. It gives me a chance to catch a few, never going to win, but I run for consistency over the year, not to peak for one event.
Conditions near perfect for mid winter, no frost, no wind, sunny, no beanie, no gloves. Wore the Asics trail shoes as the track surface was a bit muddy in places. This helped get grip and stay upright, good decision.
I had marked the course yesterday, ran an easy 28 kms to get home, went to the local wrestling event last night. Great value for $ 10. Not sure if the goodies won on the night, but they all put on a top show. Bad night's sleep, couldn't get comfortable so watched some of the Tour de France time trial.
Started well in a tough group who went out hard & speedy, managed to stay in touch with Kathy S & Peter C. Both are so strong on the hills. This kept the focus & I was running well. Firstly caught Speedygeoff & Jen at 2.5 kms, caught CJ at 4 kms, Strewth just before the 5 km mark & Liz T about 250 metres from the finish.
Very happy with the day's effort. Should have gone for a longer cool down to make the most of a nice day.