As ever I got up and prepared myself at about 7
am. My hydro backpack filled with water last night and prepped. I use a budget
version of a Camelpak I picked up a while ago because the Great Manchester 10k
was the worst hour ever. I over hydrated, I had to pee, and I almost threw up.
Jesus it was awful. So anyway, I run with a hydro bag because then I don't need
to think about it.
We all met up at the athletics arena as
planned. I had my name card gifted to me by my good friend so I was named Kim
today.
Had a pee (another of my usual ticks) and lined
up. Myself and another medium paced lad in Still Waters had planned to start
out together but it didn't work out. I was actually a little pleased to be able
to get involved with myself and have a nice time. I'd attempted a decent warm
up of squats and leg raises etc., I felt okay.
Set off at about 9:30am and listened to my body
a lot. My hips weren't too bad but my chest was a bit tight so I paced it out.
Choosing to get in my own head and concentrate rather than clapping at
spectators and helping people on.
I ran 2k at an average pace and felt a tap on
the shoulder. It was Jamie (the lad I was supposed to be running with). I felt
mixed emotions about that as we started running together. I instantly felt
myself pacing rather than just going and instantly my legs said 'No'. We kept
up with one another for a K or two but then he ran me off. I was happy to let
him because I didn't have it in me.
The Manchester terrain is hilly and windy. The
next few kilometers were very much me getting it done. It wasn't until I got to
6k that it felt good enough to start moving up. Getting faster. I started to
help myself on by widening my stride and instantly gulping a few slugs of my
backpack. At around the 6 mark my weird heaving fit came on as I neared our
loving 'CheerDem' pack shouting me on as I ran past. One of the lads ran after
me I think but I was actually zoned, and trying not to chunder. The nausea
subsided a little and my legs started to feel good. Through the 7 and up to 8
mark I was going some. I passed Jamie on the way past the Etihad. There was no
point me stopping with him as I was feeling okay and he was walking. I knew
he'd catch me up.
I continued to gain what I felt was a good pace
and the oofs and eeks of my body were starting to get louder.
The last downhill came up but I chose to steady
pace it because I hoped for a sprint finish. Jamie gained me again as I was
speeding up. I asked to run him and he was okay with that. The last kilometer
came and funnily enough a good power song came on my iPhones. I truly believe
music aids exercise. I put it down (maybe a little early) but hit the home
straight with a few dry gags.
The last half k was very confusing. It was
winding and as you came into the athletics arena there was a big 300-meter run
to the finish. I gave the extra I had and came through the finish at 50 minutes
50 seconds as far as the Nike app says. I've not checked my race time yet. It's
a tad confusing.
I'm happy with my time, as it's the fastest I've
ever ran both a 5k and 10k. I got a 25:11 5k and a 50:50 10k next time I'd like
a sub 50.
My biggest contender is my own body pushing
against me when I run. I enjoy it and I'm getting better at it but my body
dictates my speed totally. I struggle with any speed at all as my legs strain
and chest tightens easily. I hope to combat these things, as I'm sure it's
psychological. At present my running backpack and slow steady mentality is
working. I'm still a way from a marathon but gaining momentum. Every little
helps!
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