Today I ran in the HSAA (Herts Schools) Cross Country Championships at St Margaret’s School in Bushey. I won this race last year in Year 5, so I know what it takes — but this time felt very different.
I wasn’t looking forward to the race because I’m still not back to full fitness after being severely ill over Christmas. Although I feel stronger each week, I know I’m still at least two or three weeks away from peak condition. I really wish this race had been later in February to give me a better chance, but since it was at the end of January, my goal was simple: try my best and aim for a top 12 finish to qualify for Nationals.
I knew that would be a big challenge given my recent form, but I was determined to fight for it.
At the start, I got away really well and settled into second or third place, which was encouraging. I tried hard to hold my position, but as the race went on, I could feel my stamina fading. It was clear that my body still hasn’t fully recovered. I didn’t have the strength in the final stages that I normally rely on.
I finished in ninth place with a time of 6 minutes 1 second, averaging 3:59 per kilometre. By my usual standards, that feels disappointing. Over 1.5 km, I would normally expect to run closer to 3:30 per kilometre pace — around 30 seconds faster per kilometre — which means I was roughly 45 seconds off what I know I’m capable of.
Interestingly, I was only about 25 seconds behind the winner. That gives me confidence, because it shows that even when I’m nowhere near peak fitness, I’m still competitive. At full strength, I genuinely believe I could have won.
Of course, I’m disappointed with ninth place — especially after winning last year — but I also understand the bigger picture. Expecting to win when I’m still rebuilding fitness wasn’t realistic. What matters is that I’m improving every week.
I’m not afraid of hard work. I’ll keep training hard, keep pushing myself, and rebuild my stamina step by step. I know my speed will return as my endurance catches up.
My next race is in February, and that’s my new focus. I want to win that race — not just for the result, but to prove to myself that my strength and stamina are back. I know I can do it.
