First 10k - Target Achieved and a "MO" at the finish.

[Reluctanthusband]

I have to admit I couldn't decide whether to run the Stranraer 10 k race today because I felt that it was a bit too soon. Well that was the excuse I was making. I completed C25k a few weeks ago and was comfortable up to about 8k since then. I read "Swanscot's" account of the Culloden 10 k last week end and decided to just do it. I set myself a target of less than 60 mins.

We have had a fantastic day here is the south west. Cold but dry and just what autumnal mornings should be like. No rain for a change.

I had a big clothing issue tho' Shorts or leggings? 1 shirt or 2? Gloves or not? Sunglasses? I think I more or less got it right, but should have worn shorts, but 2 long sleeved tops and gloves were the order of the day for me.

The 1st k was just manic just as Swanscot said. I started off too quick, there was much jostling for position and the "elite' runners just disappeared into the distance. I got into my rhythm eventually and slogged up a long slow hill then walked/ran up a steep hill and was welcomed with a stunning view of the south Rhins and down to the Isle of Man.

From there It was more or less down hill or flat and I kept a good pace until 1 k to go when suddenly there was a hill where I had never thought there was one and the down hill to the finish seemed to on and on.

Then it was onto the finishing straight and managed not exactly a sprint but a bit of a spurt. I got in my "MO" to my wife and daughter before crossing the line in 59 mins 06 secs. RESULT!

I really enjoyed the camaraderie before/during/after the race, with people encouraging and congratulating each other and getting into the spirit of amateur sport.

Will I be back? You bet ya! I've now got a personal best to better. Bring it on!

[gdeann Graduate]

Well done! I just now realized you are oonas husband! Congrats to you! 10K now, marathon in the future? Congratulations again to you! Gayle

[Reluctanthusband Graduate in reply to gdeann]

Thanks Gayle. Not sure about a marathon but certainly another 10k. I think a bit of work needed on my stamina as the big hill yesterday really took it out of my legs. The last 1 k was a real effort.

[Fraz73 Graduate]

What a fantastic run and amazing time. I have distance envy that's for sure. Starting B210K tomorrow morning and this is just the kick up the backside I need to be positive about the challenge. Well done!!

[Reluctanthusband Graduate in reply to Fraz73]

Thanks Fraz. I'm not doing the B210k. I am running a couple of 5 k ish runs and a longer one each week. I think I'll keep increasing the distance slowly over the winter with a view to maybe running 10 k every other week or so. I'll see how it goes. Don't want to start hurting my old joints now I can actually run a proper distance. Just work towards a race is a really positive experience, a real buzz.

[TJFlute]

You've done fanstically well! It's great that this site inspires us all, in different ways, to 'up' our game

[Reluctanthusband Graduate in reply to TJFlute]

I agree. I was just kidding myself that I was fit and could loose that middle age spread that was becoming more visible on the holiday snaps and C25k really gave me the structure to get to where I am now. Great innovation.

[swanscot Graduate]

Wow, well done you! Congratulations! Great time for your first 10K and so soon after starting and completing C25K! Were you really reluctant to start the programme? If so, I'm doubly impressed that you're now 'racing'!

> I really enjoyed the camaraderie before/during/after the race, with people encouraging

> and congratulating each other and getting into the spirit of amateur sport.

I really enjoyed that too. I got chatting to fellow runners as I stood in the queue to use the toilets, then chatted to others as we picked up our race numbers, blethered away as I stood in the toilets queue again(!) ten minutes later (I was so nervous! ) and chatted to those around me at the start line.

What now? Have you got any other 10K races coming up?

[Reluctanthusband Graduate in reply to swanscot]

Thanks swanscot. Yes I really was. oona and I had both hit the big 50 and she was doing something about her fitness etc but I was just kidding myself on that I was fit and that middle age spread that kept appearing on the holiday snap really wasn't there! However once I got started on C25k my competitive nature kicked in and I just wanted to run further and faster that oona.

I'm not sure that I was actually racing but it was nice of you to say so. Well I suppose I was racing against the clock and probably beat it. I had that nice soreness in my legs this morning that you get when you have exerted yourself although it was a bit of a struggle to get downstair to make a cuppa.

I knew a few of the other runners but there were a few running clubs members that looked a bit too competent for me as they did their stretches and warm up routines. I was just trying to stay warm! But everyone was very supportive which was great.

I don't have any plans for more 10 k's but I will certainly do this one again next year. I plan to run further more often over the winter and if there are any races nearby I may have a go.