Yesterday was my second ever 10k race. The last time I ran one - 5th May - the country was 'enjoying' record temperatures. Today was even hotter. In stark contrast to DiveMonkey 's cold experience at the weekend this was about trying to stay cool on a run that provided no shade.
The difference being that I had trained for this one well. The most consistent period of running I have has since taking it up last Easter. I was confident that I could post a nice PB running on the relatively flat promenade of Eastbourne.
However, what I hadn't experienced was the sheer energy sapping power of the July heat.
We lined up ready for a 9am kick-off. Already a good 2-3 hours later in the day than I normally run. After getting my race number I headed to the only bit of shade I could find. I was already beginning to sweat.
The race soon started and we set off in good spirits. Strava was having a bit of a erratic few minutes to begin with, but when it settled down I could see that I was on target for the pace I had practiced and nailed down over the last few weeks.
However, about two miles in I started to struggle, I stopped checking my pace and began to think about turning it in. A few runners had by this point given up, but I pushed on. Get to the halfway point then stop at the drink station, I thought. I knew once I got there I would keep going.
I ran walked the way back, still thinking about quitting until I passed a young girl and boy in matcihng uniform so on their way to work. As we passed - me on one of my sweaty walk breaks - I heard him say to her: 'You can tell which ones are the athletes.' He laughed. Yes, I thought, the ones with the race numbers on, who have the dedication to get up and give it a go. (Strangely I passed him several hours later in the car as he was walking home from work. He was enjoying a McDonalds take-away straight from the bag as he strolled along. Thank the Gods of fate for letting me see that!)
Still his arrogance had spurred me on. I managed to get in just under the hour mark - a PB, if not quite the one I had hoped for. I was initially disappointed with myself, but just to finish yesterday was enough of an achievement, I feel. I will look over my next race options and plan for the, hopefully, more temperate month of September.
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Whatsapp
Half Marathon
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What a great report! Congratulations, a very well-deserved pb!! And to be able to do it in such heat, you know that you will be able to get the result you want in September - no question!!
The heat is so energy-sapping, it’s unreal 😩. I did five k last night and was dying out there. Let’s face it, we’re just not used to it 😁
This hot spell won’t be around for too long and we can get back to normal. We’re going to dance in the streets when the rain comes. Or just go out for a run 🙂🏃♀️🏃♂️
Your next race is bound to be cooler. I have another hill race on the 19th 🙏😁
I didn't realise how hard it would be. I did a 5k last August on bank holiday Monday and that was quite tough, but it was along country lanes so there was plenty of shade about.
I'm looking forward to a nice run in the rain. Good luck on the 19th
I can’t wait to run in the rain. Running in the pouring, warm rain is a joy. It’s so funny but really life-affirming and we should all do it at least once You don’t even need to be a runner to Enjoy it. It could even be just me and the dog 😁
My upcoming hill race has been scorchio every time I’ve done it One year there was not a breath of air. It was suffocating 😫. All you can do is keep plugging away. It was dead funny as all you could hear was much puffing, panting and lots of swearing 🤬😁. Gotta finish though as the race is the last in a trio and I have to complete all three to collect a memento No idea what it is yet 🤷♀️
Congrats on your pb. I know exactly what you mean with the heat. We just had a heat wave of plus 30s and now we are going into another one. We did 14k on Sat and I was slower than I wanted to be. My knees were sweating. When that happens, you know its hot! When you are used to early morning cooler runs, the late morning starts in the heat are really taxing. But, you did it, got through and came out the other side. Well done. More experience to draw on.
Thanks Decker . You are right this all goes to experience. I had lined this run up for a PB as I knew it was a good run to do it on - long and flat. On my training runs leading up to this I did a few 6 mile runs and know that if I had kept on for that extra .2 I would have got a PB, but wanted to save it for the race. At least I know I have got more in the tank.
Absolutely brilliant Whatsapp ...this is the run of a true warrior, so determined, you didn’t give in & the rude, ignoramous that made the snide comment fuelled you on & you made it back victorious...victorious in body, in mind & in satisfaction...sometimes the words of the ignorant are just what we need to hear...good on you....hope you’re dead proud of yourself coz I’m proud of you
I think he was just trying to impress the girl he was with. Suffice to say she wasn't with him when he was feasting on a burger and fries on the way home after work 😂
Your report is extremely familiar. I thought I'd be on for a pb on Sunday at the 10k trail race I ran. But starting at 10:20 I could only manage it in a smidge over the hour. Had ideally wanted 57mins but it was 29c with no shade and like you I was fine until 5k and then I thought why kill myself for a time that means little to anyone else. Good job for completing it 👍
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\"But I hate running in the heat!\" 🏃🏽♀️☀️😯
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