Victory ends Boltz's blues
Sep 19 2002 By The Evening Chronicle
Jill Boltz's winning time in Sunday's Tynedale 10-mile was irrelevant to the former world record holder.
Having her first competitive outing since finishing sixth in the Blaydon Race in June, the former Olympian got enormous pleasure "just racing again."
"I love running," said the 35-year-old full-time aerobics teacher.
"It's just I don't have the time to run as often as I would like. But with working and looking after Poppy (her two-year-old daughter) training has to be fitted in when I can.
"However, I do try and get out most days around six in the morning, even if it's only for 15 minutes or so." Back in 1990, as Jill Hunter, the Blaydon Harrier set the world alight with a 10-mile time of 51min 41sec which was more than seven minutes quicker than she ran through the country lanes from Hexham to Ovingham at the weekend.
She admitted: "I probably would have expected to run a bit faster but it's shortage of races which is the proble.
"Everything was going well in the early stages and I went through 5k in 28.20 but from there to the finish I slowed down appreciably.
"Mentally I know I can still give a good account but I'm not quite right physically yet.
"Hopefully that can be put right in the coming months," added Boltz, who competed in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.
Boltz's positive outlook bore fruit at the weekend with only 10 male runners finishing in front of her at the finishing line.
"Yes, there were plenty of positives in the run but you only have to look at the lad who finished third (Blyth's Andy Brown).
"I was up with him going through Corbridge but by the finish he was over a minute ahead.
"I know I can improve. But as long as I can find time to run, whether in races or just out training, I'll be quite happy with that."
Boltz waited more than three months to get back into competition after her previous outing but she is planning a much quicker turnaround next time.
She said: "The Brampton to Carlisle is another possible target in November but if possible I'll try and get in a shorter race prior to that.
"It's all down to being able to fit in the events. It's not easy being a full-time worker and full-time mum!"
