Well I've done it - first 10k race (well, first ever race!). What a fantastic atmosphere and extremely well organised. Well done Run North West!
Set out with the 70 minute pacer, which was my target time but felt VERY slow. Pushed out ahead of 70 minute pacer around 4k as I felt very strong. Half way point, all felt very strong. 6k, had a gel to keep my energy up. Then, at 8k, something went very strange with my foot... thought I'd ruptured something (perhaps I have...). So had to slow right down. At 9k, the 70 minute group caught me up so it was time to knuckle down and push for the end. Short burst of energy through the finish to come in a few seconds under 70 minutes (over 3 minutes better than my PB).
Loved every minute of it! Off home now to enter the Tatton Park one.....