As some of you know, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do my 5k run through race the moon event tonight because of my foot injury. However, I got an ankle brace and got myself to the start.
It’s only actually my 2nd ever official race (the first being my graduation race for life back in June). I have to say, it was incredibly well organised - friendly Marshalls, great atmosphere and warm up, lovely course! They lined us up by predicted finish time and due to my ankle and my asthma (which REALLY struggles at the best of times in cold - when my chest is layered up - let alone running in it!) I went for 37 minutes, assuming that would be a really comfortable pace and I could just enjoy the run.
Headphones in, and we’re off! The route was lovely - all around the Olympic Park, near the river, taking in all the sites. I just let my mind wander and honestly fell in love with running again, you just cannot beat being outside.
I was feeling amazing, and like I could go for the 10K, however, around 4K my bad foot went numb because of the ankle strap and my asthma decided to appear because of the freezing temperatures. I knew 10K was going to be a stretch, I could have gotten to 7.5 but I didn’t want to push my foot or, more importantly, breathing over the edge.
I’ve been thinking about this vs my first race and I’m honestly so proud of myself.
I didn’t stop running ONCE. In my first race I stopped at least every 5.
In my first race I hated every step. This one was fantastic.
My first race took about 41 minutes. This one... WAS A NEW PB AT 34!!!!
That is 11 minutes off my 5k time in 4/5 months (I’ve had a break of 1.5 months between June - now).
Going for the 10K before Christmas.
Sorry for the massively rambley post (and the horrible but happy post race bling shot)