So, having been distracted by the sheer joy of being able to run 10K comfortably and then getting sidetracked by the vVitality 10,000, I thought it was time to do my second 10 mile run. The first one was not planned. It was one of those ‘should I keep going?’ runs. The route was my established 8K one, with bits and more bits tagged on!
This time I would plan a proper 10 mile route. With the aid of plotaroute.com and Strava, I soon had my route.
Checking the weather forecast had me a bit concerned. We were in for high winds and rain. I don’t mind running in the rain, but if it’s windy it’s not fun! If I ran early I maybe could miss it.
So I head out just before dawn and settle into a comfortable pace. My aim was to keep between 9:00 and 9:30/km. I would see how I felt about speeding up for the last couple of kms, but assured myself it wasn’t a requirement if I was feeling tired 😀.
I’m feeling good and pass the point where I would turn right if I were going on my 8K route........ but no!! I’m on a 10 mile run today!! And I keep going. It’s like an adventure, because I’ve never run along this road before. I’m enjoying the run and keeping to my plan! I turn right and run along a single track road that links the two main roads. The wind is starting to build up and it’s a cross wind, but I battle on! I’m at 8K anyway, so I may as well keep going 😀.
Still feeling good at 10K, I turn right, back onto a main road that leads home. Straight into a headwind - oh boy! This part of the route is very exposed and there is no shelter at all from that wind. I feel annoyed that my splits are going to be messed up! Worse, I realise my hair is going to be wrecked! I stop for a few seconds and have a drink of my Tailwind mix; then bravely face the wind. I’m a runner! We have to cope with the weather. I check my pace and although I‘m working harder, I am winning this battle. I arrive back into the village at 15K. I want to finish strong and I do exactly that! 16.15K. Done and dusted. I had control of this whole run in a way that I didn’t the first time I ran it. First km split was 9:16. Last full km split was 7:35 against the wind.
I’m very pleased with this run! Home, water, stretches and porridge with seeds, banana and maple syrup. The Breakfast of Champions! 🏃♀️🥣 😊
Photo taken last year of the Wash Road (A1101) under water.
Written by
Jools2020
Half Marathon
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Ooh I enjoyed that (without getting wet too!). Congratulations, you certainly finished strong there, fantastic job! Amazing photo - hope it doesn't look like that by the end of this soggy weekend ...
Thanks, Linda! Pleased to finish strong. Last time I was a panting, gasping wreck! 😊
Boooooom! 💥💥💥💥💥
That's how we roll. Tailwind is really good for longer runs and I also like Active Root electrolyte ginger flavour.
Well done though. This feels like a breakthrough run. 10 miles is an absolutely brilliant distance. You coped with it all and that means that there's nothing greater than your spirit when you're out there.
Don't worry about splits at all. Let the run ebb and flow and how you finish is where you'll be.
Thank you! The ginger flavour drink sounds good. I need to heed your advice about the splits. I feel my body naturally wanting to speed up just a little after the first few km. I should trust that rather than my watch 😊
I do feel amazing! A bit ‘achy’ so about to have a long soak in the bath! 😊😊😊
Awesome, you're getting fitter and stronger so no need to worry. Increase at the end if you feel it but the best thing is you can experiment! Some runs all steady, some a faster end and some a faster second half. All will help as you go on.
A good run for you today Jools2020, I will need to run a second 10 miles soon, by starting slowly and gradually quickening up I maybe able to complete it in a reasonable time like you did, I hope you enjoyed your "Breakfast of Champions" which you certainly are. 😊 🏃🏾
That sounds amazing! What an adventure you had today. So much respect for you running into a headwind - that must have been a bit tough! These long runs are just so empowering and wow, do we need to feel empowered at the moment. Whatever else is going on, you have your wonderful runs and that's so important!
Thank you! I did actually have to deal with the headwind one way or another as it was the way home 😂. I figured I would get home faster and beat the rain if I kept running!
We certainly do need to feel empowered right now. So good that we have our running 😃
❤ I am crying reading about everyone's runs today! Everyone is so wonderful getting out there with grit and determination despite the weather and all the other rubbish going on! Lots of 1st 10ks etc. All power to us runners!
I’m not sure either! I was shouting at the wind, daring it to stop me. But in all fairness, it was the way home anyway, so I had to battle it one way or another.
Thanks, Rebecca! I was very happy with the run. I just took it steady and was pleased to be able to finish strong. I feel really proud that I’ve run another 10 miles! And I was about 10 minutes faster than the first time, too! 😀
I'm a bit late joining the party here, but wanted to add my congrats on your 10 miles 😁 always enjoy reading your posts and find them inspiring- I'm still toiling away getting to 10k after losing a few days here and there on the magic plan- but will be joining you on the quest for half marathon soon. Actually, I've just realised you will be away in the distance...I may just catch a glimpse of that sun visor far ahead.... great going Jools 👏👏👏🏃♀️
You aren’t late in joining the party, I’m still a bit achy today! Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I think I need to do a couple more 10 milers before a HM attempt. 10 miles does take it out of me a bit. Because I’m slow, I’m running for a long time so need to work a while on my endurance. Good luck getting to your 10K! 😊
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Newbie and first 10 mile run
First 10 mile run 🎉
HUHM virtual 10 Mile Run Report (+ 2 bonus miles!)
