This morning I ran in the We Love Manchester 10k and it was fabulous!
My aims were to enjoy it first and foremost, to finish it and to run the whole way. I wasn't bothered about time I just wanted to be slow and steady.
I arrived at the Etihad at 8.15 as roads were being closed around it for the run after 8.30am. I felt a right Billy no mates as I'd gone alone but the atmosphere was great and people were friendly.
Decided not to carry water as there was a water station at 5k and at the end.
Left my phone behind but wish I'd had the forethought to take my armband for it so I could wear it while running. I don't listen to music on it while running but it's a handy place to keep it and means I could have taken photos before and after the race around Sportcity and noodled on Facebook while waiting for the race to start. At least I know for next time!
Had a loo stop before the race. There were queues but when I went I only waited about 5 mins.
We were told to go out to the athletics track for 9.15am for a warm up. Great vibe out there. People all up for it. Some ultra keen runners and some novices like me.
We set off at 9.30am and I just kept steady pace and tried to think to myself "run your own race". I got overtaken by loads of people at the start despite having positioned myself about 3/4 of the way down the field!
After the first couple of kilometres I actually started to overtake some fellow participants! Some of whom were running some were walking!
At 5k there was a bottle of water handed to you if you wanted one. I took a couple of gulps then threw it away. I don't normally run with water but thought I'd better take some on board since 10k is the longest distance I've ever run.
Got to 7k and really had to dig deep. I must say that the marshalls were great at cheering us along and I made sure I thanked them as I went past.
By this time fellow runners who had already finished were beginning to stream past shouting us slower ones on. This was great although I did feel a bit jealous that they were already finished and I still had a couple of k to go!!!
The last km was hard. The course itself is not hilly but there are some 'undulations' and the incline on the last k going from the car park area up towards the City Store was a killer!!!
But people were shouting me along and I even had my name called out!
On to the last stretch which was on the athletics track. Loads of support there and I put on a final spurt and then I crossed the finish line!
Collected my medal and goody bag. They'd run out of water which I thought was pretty poor but managed to snaffle a bottle on my way back to the car park.
By the time I got back to my car I had my time text to me: 1 hr 18mins 14 secs
I am so proud and pleased! It was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it as a race. I hope to do it again next year
Just to think at the end of Feb when I started C25k I could barely run for 1minute at a time and now 5 months later, I've just completed a 10k.
Anything is possible if you set your mind to it!!
Written by
mancunianpoodle
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This is such an inspirational post, Poodle. Many many congratulations on both your fantastic achievement today and on your whole journey from couch to 10k. Very well done.
PSJust a thought on water: I would seriously think of drinking after 5 k - I carry water on every run longer than 30 minutes.
Drinking regularly during a run makes a huge in how I feel after - the first time I went for a run that ended up being much longer than intended and I had no water I felt horrible for hours after!
Wow. Well done. Thanks for the post. Just done my first 5km today having started in late April for 1 minute at a time. Just starting to think that 10km may be possible.
Great post. Well done on the achievement. I've actually just posted about having a new respect for people who can run 10k, so consider yourself well & truly respected. I courtsey to your abilities & tenacity.
Well done MP - it sounds like a great run but I'm a bit perturbed by them running out of water on a July day. Congratulations and let us know about your next adventure.
Woot woot! Pompoms flailing for you here (stand back and admire from a distance, it's 36°C here so smelly pits rule). Great time, and you give me hope for next year when I'll be doing my first one too.
Fantastic poodle! Well done you, we're about the same speed, I like the social atmosphere on 'races', my last 10k, I was on my own most of the way (hark at me, I've only done two 'official' ones!) but I would have loved to have rocked along with you! Sadly I'm darn sarff so not near Manchester.
Brilliant Charlotte ! Sounds like you had a fab day !
These big events are great arent they ? I love running in them . The support and encouragement gets you around doesnt it ?
Was it hot in Manchester today ? It was very hot and muggy in Leeds , I was like a camel with the water I took on board ha ha That athletics track is where I did my Manchester Mile, fancy that !
Hey, we got the same time ! Ha ha , how good is that ?
I am so pleased that you had a really lovely day, and I bet you are looking for the next one now arent you ?
Well done to you , isnt it amazing where this programme can take us ?
Wow! Well done! I can't even imagine running 10k! It's such a long way! (I can just about do 5k without keeling over). And that's a great time in my book. You must be very proud to have come such a long way in such a short space of time. Thank you for the inspiration!
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10K !!! and a good time ..a very good result 
First ever Park Run- why did I wait so long.
Manchester winter series 10k
My first 10K Run (i Think Mo Farah's job is safe) 😂 🏃♂️
Another Manchester 10k success...
A lovely day for a run and a 10k PB
