Sorry for the long post
I cannot believe I am posting this but I’m a 10k graduate! Today I ran the Birmingham Simply Health 10k.
I started my running journey in my 60th year. I did C25K at my local park and then did a Hospice Santa dash and last April a 5 k Resolution run. Then I sort of stopped, lost motivation and enthusiasm really.
But in a moment of absolute madness I applied for the London Marathon (yes I know!!) imagine my terror when I got a place! Luckily you can defer it for a year, so in 2020 on my 63rd Birthday I’m running 26 miles 😬
So today’s race. I was nervous (thank you for all the supportive messages) but #teamUoB were very friendly. Although the majority were at least half my age if not a lot younger. I set off far too fast (despite trying hard not too) I got to 2k with the 50 minute pacer. Luckily I then slowed into my own rhythm. The underpasses were very steep up and down, it was slightly disconcerting to see the elites at 8k when I was at 3k, I forgot my drink and was very dry by the time the water station arrived at 6k. Luckily I met a lovely girl at 6k who is a swimming coach at UoB and not really a runner (about 3 weeks training!) and we challenged each other to the next set of traffic lights, the next flag...
I set myself 90 mins, with the hope of 80 as I did about 8.33/k in my training. I got 1.14.14 at 7.34/k oh the power of running mates and the crowd.
Key points...try not to set off too fast...remember a drink...and believe in yourself. If I can do it anyone can.
Much love from a 10k Graduate