National cross country champs

4 of us went over to Falkirk for this annual event.
I had run 5m last night and had quite a bit of discomfort in the right calf but thought I would give it a go anyway.
After a 1m warmup we set off on a glorious winter day. It was cold but bright with clear blue sky and hardly any wind
Phil went off to the front but I caught and passed him about half way round the 1st of 3 laps. I felt fine but by the 2nd lap my calf was a bit uncomortable and my pace dropped. However it was great to be racing again.
Not too far into the 3rd lap Phil overtook me. It did give me a kick up the backside and I gave chase. Now I have to say it was very uncomfortable upping the pace and Phil continued to surge. A few 100m from the end he got a few metres on me and I let him go. Well I couldnt do much about it. The final straight was v muddy but a few runners belted past.
I finished in 51.35 which is 1.45 slower than last year. However I am just pleased to have got round.
Ian finished shortly after me and Gordon some way back.
A good day.
My calf is stiff again but we will see what tomorrow brings