Thanks to London Speed Skaters for these images.

I am in the red on the left.

Taking a quick drink and rest from the paceline that I was following on lap 7 & 8.

I was happy with my result, finishing 32nd in a time of 1hr 55min 20.3 sec.  My times were reasonably consistent.

Lap 1: 08:23.7  – 2.42 miles – started off on own then picked up paceline
Lap 2: 09:08.9 – 4.84 miles -skated with paceline
Lap 3: 08:53.1 – 7.26 miles – skated with paceline
Lap 4: 08:36.7 – 9.68 miles – closed gap to next paceline (bit too enthusiastic!)
Lap 5: 12:32.7 – 12.1 miles  – Stopped to help Zach complete 1/2 lap
Lap 6: 10:19.1 -14.52 miles – skated without paceline
Lap 7: 10:16.0 -16.94 miles – picked up paceline
Lap 8: 10:34.1 – 19.36 miles – skated with paceline
Lap 9: 12:33.5 -21.78 miles – hit the wall!
Lap 10: 11:27.2 – 24.2 miles – 1/2 lap with pace line
Lap 11: 12:35.4 -26.62 miles – struggled home on own.

• Lessons learnt –
• Take on more water,
• Skate towards the front of a paceline and behind someone who knows what they are doing.  (skating in time and keeping in contact with the person in front of them),
• Do not sprint off to the next paceline as you will pay for it later. 
• Always skate in a paceline when going up hill into wind!  
• Stay focused on the line not just the feet in front of you (you may get dizzy). 
• If you drop off a paceline find another one quickly.  
• Do some training if you want to do well! 

I am looking forward to next year and intend to be better prepared!