First 10k race - done! Got my first medal!

[Deryn61]

I have been planning to do a 10k since graduating in March.

Despite diligently having done all the training I was then ill so I couldn't actually do the first 10k I signed up for in June and then seemed to lose a bit of oomph after that.

So I signed up for the Merthyr Police 10k. What a fab, well organised, friendly event!

Going on last year's results, I guessed I would probably be last, as I reckoned I would be take around 1 hr 20 if it was cool and a LOT longer if it was warm, as I cannot cope with the heat!

It wasn't too warm, and there were some nice shady bits along the very pretty route. It started at Merthyr Tydfil college, then went down the Taff trail (with a small section on roads) to Abercanaid then doubled back.

My plan (as I had not done any runs longer than 3.5 miles for months) was do intervals of 1 mile running then 1/4 mile walking but decided once I had got going to just keep running on the flat, and only walk on uphill bits! (Good plan as it turned out!). I was right at the back for most of the run with a lovely lady who was running/walking. She took up running aged 60 and has done marathons since, but is now 65 and says she takes it easier now as she has had a few injuries.. (I am 50 :-()

So I came in last but one, but was chuffed with my time (1 hour 16). Even more chuffed to get a medal! AND a goody bag which contained amongst other things a Snickers Bar. AND, - this really made me laugh - a flyer for another local event, a 16 mile run UP OVER THE BRECON BEACONS from Brecon to Merthyr!

No, I am NOT tempted! I will be supporting my marathon running big sis as she does it though. Here is the link if anyone fancies the challenge . . race-calendar.com/roman-run...

[KTMACNESS Graduate]

Bet this feels amazing, good job

[Greg_M Graduate]

Nice one, great effort glad you enjoyed it but surely Brecon to Merthyr isn't thaaaattttt hilly

[Deryn61 Graduate in reply to Greg_M]

Ha ha! I have been building up the amount of time spent hillclimbing as I prepare to go on a walking hol to Croatia in a few weeks and even walking this route is a bit much for me at present! My sister said she thought I was up to it, and she would "let me" walk the first steep hill! I think I might aim for next year!

[Minuette Graduate]

Well done that's fantastic!

[Gridlet Graduate]

Good on you! So glad you enjoyed it!

[christian1 Graduate]

Well done! And you have inspired me that I will manage to run 5K one of these days.

[Deryn61 Graduate in reply to christian1]

Definitely! I wasnt doing anywhere near 5k when I graduated so just kept adding time to my runs till I got there.

Then my big sis persuaded me to do the parkrun nearest us (Cardiff) and although I was nervous, I really enjoyed it and knocked 5 mins off my time!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Well done on doing 10K, i'm still dreaming of it. Congratulations

[wilmacgh Graduate]

Great effort - 10k seems a lot further than twice 5k!

[OliversDad]

Congratulations!!!

[TJFlute]

Congratulations! 10k is a hard distance to keep the pace up, you did really well

[cimer Graduate]

Well done you! I'm doing my first 10k next month, nervous for it!

[sfb350 Graduate]

Sorry, I've only just seen this (had computer trouble yesterday and possibly too much wine!)

Brilliantly well done ! I think your first race is really special, I still haven't been able to bring myself to eat the Cadbury's Gold Medal from my first race a few weeks ago. I probably won't be able to eat it until I've "won" a medal at another race. That's not very grown up for 45, is it ?

[Deryn61 Graduate in reply to sfb350]

Ha ha! I was going to wear my medal on my first day back to work today but thought that was a bit OTT (for a 50 year old)!