VIDEO: Damen's demons banished by Chi 10k victory
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Nine years ago she had a difference of opinion with a crash barrier and ended up injured and out of the race. This year, she won.
The Winchester athlete said: “I knew it was going to be tough today. I’m in heavy marathon training for the London Marathon.
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Hide Ad“It took me a good 5k to really get going. My endurance is good at the moment but my speed is lacking a little bit. But it was good for me to come and have a good hard race.
“The ladies pushed me hard all the way and I think it was quite a close finish. Coming back down the hill I knew my leg speed wasn’t the best it could be right now. So it was a case of gritting my teeth and making sure I held them off.”
Damen recalled her previous venture into the race and was able to smile about it - unlike back then.
“I haven’t been to this race for nine years. Last time I came here in 2007 I had a bit of an accident at the start. I collided with a big pedestrian barrier and picked up some nasty injuries.
“So it was good to come here and get rid of my demons.”
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Hide AdDamen said she hoped to be back at next year’s race and said: “For me now it’s a case of getting my head down and training hard for the London Marathon. That’s my big target for this year.”
See the Chichester Observer - out on Thursday - for full coverage of the 10k, including reports, pictures and a full list of finishers and their chip times
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