Yesterday, I posted a question as to whether or not I should run today. I'd hurt my calf quite badly last weekend after weeks of slightly niggling with the result that I struggled to walk on Sunday and Monday. I made a point of icing regularly and gentle stretching and by yesterday it was feeling a lot better, just a niggle.
Thanks to Beads for the advice - the decision was made that I would give it a go but be sensible and stop if the calf started to hurt. This morning it was bitterly cold and misty, I arrived early to watch the "elite" race for runners who had already run sub-40 minute races. Gosh, they were impressive - all lean and athletic looking, most of them just in vests and shorts. I needed the loo before the start so I headed for the toilets only to discover the queues were such that I didn't stand a chance of relieving myself before the start of the race. I couldn't bring myself to dive into the bushes so I decided to just hope I could last. I wasn't convinced I'd finish the race anyway so I just told myself I could finish early if my need for a "comfort break" got too much.
I took my customary position at the back of the pack for the start. It was pretty crowded so the first few metres or more were at a walking pace so I hung back to let the runners disperse a little. I thought I was going at my usual slow pace so I was grateful when my friend said we were going a bit quicker than usual and I tried to slow down slightly to save my energy. My calves felt ok, I'd put a tubular bandage and deep heat on the dodgy one so this may have helped.
I felt fairly comfortable for most of the run. It's a two lap course - something I've not done before and I expected that to make it even tougher, but it was along the Silkin Way and through the town park and really quite scenic. When I say "lap", it actually turned out to be running away from the starting point and back up again along the same route. I found myself passing a few people but still feeling reasonably comfortable . As we headed towards the halfway point the faster runners were coming back the other way. It was quite a narrow path in paces and some of the faster guys seemed to expect that we slower folk would move off the path to let them by. I'm not sure that's what was meant to happen as all the signs said "keep left" so I'm sure that was supposed to apply to all of us. Most of them were fine though and it was nice to see our faster club members coming towards us, when we would all wave and shout mutual encouragement.
As I got to the 4km mark, I realised that for the first time in weeks (maybe months) I was in danger of running 5km without having a walk break. I was determined I'd pass the 5km mark without pausing, I even got excited and sped up a little. I think I passed the 5km mark in about 32 minutes - my fastest time for a 5k ! I may have overdone the speedy bit because a bit later on I had to stop for a little walk on the hilly bit but I managed to run again quite soon and was beginning to wonder if I had it in me to beat my previous PB of 1 hour 9 minutes. Helped my this thought, and the encouragement from the faster club members with whom I crossed paths another two times, I managed to keep going, although I noticed my breathing getting noiser.
In the last mile I was pleased to pass a few people - this was quite a nice experience, especially as I could only remember one person passing me. I was running out of steam a bit so took a few paces at a walk, just so I could run to the finish. It was lovely to see lots of familiar faces from our club waiting at the finish and cheering us on - they really are a very supportive club - and as I crossed the finishing line I was delighted to see the time was 1 hour 6 minutes and something (not sure exactly, and my Garmin hadn't worked properly either). I gasped my thanks for my lovely medal and bottle of water and tried to find a spot to cheer on the finishers.
I really am chuffed to bits !!
The photo was taken before the start when I really didn't expect to be finishing - I'm the blonde one forcing a bravely optimistic smile !!
I am really excited for you, this is a brilliant achievement, especially with an injury lurking (well done for listening to your body and being prepared to stop). 
Dartmoor Vale -10k- I completed my first 10k
I never thought I could finish Couch to 5K - WK9R3
I'm still standing!!
Race Report: Bayer Newbury 10km
