Should I run my 10k race on Sunday?

[Rustyknees]

Due to run my 2nd 10k race on Sunday but not sure if I’m fit enough to complete it.

Completed C25K at the back end of last year and slowly built up my distance during spring so I was quite comfortable running 10k and started to mix in hill running and intervals. During April and May I ran over 90k each month.

I ran my first 10k race at the beginning of June in Hull in just under an hour (59:26) but I picked up an injury the week after and have been taking it easy since to allow the injury to recover.

I’ve only run a total of 10k in the last three weeks ( couldn’t miss my weekly dose of park runs so completed 2 x 5k). I’ve still been going to the gym regularly, rowing and cycling, and completing strength exercises. The injury is much better but not 100% right.

I was really looking forward to this local 10k and it’s the only other race I’ve subscribed to this year.

Have I done enough running recently to be able to complete a 10k race? I’m sure the injury will be ok and I know my run will be slower than my last 10k race, but I really can’t stand the thought of not finishing or having to walk large parts of the course.

Weather forecast is ok, warmish but not too hot so the conditions should be fine.

Do I run or not?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

I wouldn't run...an injury not fully healed..it is going to be warm...and the subconscious urge to push oneself...

There will be other runs and races..to me...not worth the risk.

[Rustyknees Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Think you’re right. I’d be tempted to push myself. Not worth the risk.

Looking for races in August or September instead.

[MarkyD Graduate10]

It’ll all depend on your view on finishing time. If you want to finish sub-60mins then you’ll probably not be ready. I’ve no doubt that you could go out and walk the 10km but that you would feel this to be “wrong”. You know yourself: if you go to the race and adopt a run/walk strategy you’ll finish. But will you be disappointed?

[Rustyknees Graduate10 in reply to MarkyD]

Thanks for the reply Mark.

Decided not to do the race on Sunday. Don’t think I’d cope walking and I’d push the injury too much trying to run at my normal pace.

Not worth the risk, so I’ll give it a miss, rest for a couple of weeks then build up my distances again.

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

What sort of injury was it?

[Rustyknees Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

A tight ITB.

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to Rustyknees]

I see from your previous reply that you’ve decided not to run. You’ve made the right decision as you don’t want to aggravate the injury and there’ll always be other races. I’ve had to pull out of several races due to injury and while it’s hard at the time, looking back it’s always been the right decision.

I hope the ITB will get better and you’ll tell us when you have your next race 🙂

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Smart move Rustyknees. There will be more races for you. Imagine if you tweaked it again or picked up another injury due to lack of race fitness, and put yourself on the IC for longer still?