On race tactics...

I read in Runner's World recently that some study has shown that women starting off a 5K race faster than they would have normally also finished faster. They advised NOT to be conservative for this type of distance. This was thought to be valid for a shorter distance (like a 5 K) but not for 10K and more, where they kept on advising negative splits (i.e. faster second half).

I am yet to try it. I have a 8K race in March and I think I'll do just that, leave my watch at home and see what happens...