10 km virtual race complete! Ran it in 01:15:31 which I am super happy with! Now my plan in terms of pacing was to run it in groups of 3km, slow, fast, fast, then run the last km slow to make up the 10km distance. The logic behind this strategy is that I run more of the 10km distance fast than slow - ratio of 6:4 km if that makes sense. This worked really well for me and I was very strict with myself, firmly telling myself multiple times not to go off too fast during the fast kilometers!
I was meant to run the last km slow but I decided to keep of pushing forward and kept my pace fast because I knew I was so near the end - so my pacing ratio was in fact 7:3km in the end which I didn't think I was capable of! I also found that self-talk really helps me along, I was definitely encouraging myself to keep on going during those last few kilometers! I had a sudden surge of energy during the last 500 meters (like I did at the end of my hm race in March) and was so glad when I had finished! I purposely chose a flat route to give me a good chance and I even achieved negative splits too! It was so worth pushing myself for the last 3 km! Now all I've got to do is submit my evidence and claim my medal!
Nutrition also went to plan, I used a caffeine cola gel at halfway and no problems (yes okay, I did break the 'nothing new on race day' rule...)! I also carried a bottle of coconut water with me too which was so helpful!
It was also nice to see some other runners out on my route too - two guys passed me as I was running through a long tunnel and we commented on how the tunnel is nice and cool. Seeing other runners made me feel like I was in a real race, so I enjoyed that.
All in all, a good solid race, set a new benchmark for myself, super happy with my PB, and really pleased with how training is going at the moment! 
week3run1 ✅. 3 x 17 mins with 1 min walks. 
How did your parkrun or (not)parkrun go?
