Id been warned this race traditionally has always been a warm one, and apparently they moved the start time back from 11am to 10 to try and help, well , don't think that was achieved, OMG it was very hot and very humid 🥵. 1200 runners all trying to stay cool but everyone in good spirits.
Have to say at 8km, I was struggling with the heat and heavy legs which was really annoying because I had hydrated well the day before. Slightly misjudged the finish as I thought it was closer and then realised there was a funnel, so slightly further, but as soon as I saw the actual finish I really went for it. I always find it amazing how we all suddenly find that spurt of energy when the finish line is in sight!
Finished with a time of 54.05 ,not a bad time, not my best but I was second in age group so I was fairly contented. Beautiful medal Im sure you will agree.🥈
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Hedgehogs123
Metric Marathon
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It was one of those races where Im still not sure f I enjoyed it or not. A bit frustrated with my time, as Ive done better and the fact that despite hydrating well, my legs felt really heavy and I just didn't relax in the run as much as I normally do. Yes the heat played a big part but I kind of feel my running has hit a plateau and isn't improving. I do have to keep telling myself that Im one of the oldest ones at our running club and unfortunately it does take me longer now to recover, but a year ago I was getting 53 for my 10km and don't seem to be getting any quicker. Think I need to change my training and incorporate intervals again. Loathe them but I know they help. The best bit was the picnic afterwards with everyone!🤗
Fantastic time, well done and congratulations on a final sprint. You’re a better woman than me 😂 We started at 9.00 in Warwick and it was soooo hot 🥵 Character building!
Actually Sandie I was just saying that I did a better time in the Lincoln 10km last year, but I know that was Oct so much much cooler. Today just felt hard all the way round and Im really still not sure I actually enjoyed it. I was commenting above, that I feel a bit frustrated with my running at the moment, Parkruns are a lot slower and my 10kms are not getting quicker , so I guess I need to re think my training. Groin strain was managed today by painkillers before the race and to be fair I didnt feel anything whilst I was running. How did you get on, apart from being hot??
I think the heat has so many effects on heart rate, hydration etc which all impact on how you feel. As you say, Lincoln was so much cooler, so you had everything going for you. If you have an injury, it makes it even harder. Cut yourself some slack, slow it down, run for pleasure and forget about progressing for a while and I’m sure you’ll get back on form again. I did 1.13 which is one of my slowest 10ks but I finished and it was a HU meet up so I don’t care!
Your race sounds so much more relaxed and always lovely to meet up. That was the best part of today!. You're right, putting on too much pressure doesn't help.i did say to a pal I want to get back to just enjoying the runs rather than being controlled by my watch. That's the thing with Strava and having everyone see what you do and the time you do , maybe it's a good idea not to put runs on Strava sometimes. Now that's a novel idea!!😁
That’s what I thought I would do today Hedgehogs, but the 2 kms I did away from the sea (and the breeze) was oh so hard. I was hunting for shady trees but that didn’t help.
yep, its hard isn't it. I can remember setting off for a run last summer one early morning, and didn't get further than 1km when I had t turn back, just tooooooo hot!🥵🥵🥵
That was an amazing run Hedgehogs! Had I been running you would have had time for a three course breakfast before I joined you at the finish.
I have grown to really like intervals. I use the free NRC HM app where intervals are made easy by an encouraging coach who does all the timing and pace management for you. I like the feel of really bombing along again 🙂.
Haha thank you. Yes think I need to go back and use the NRC intervals, they are good. Think I've got too comfortable in my training, so as Coach Bennett says, I need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable!
thank you, we had about 25 of us from our running club and most reported really struggling with heat, but I do want to get used to running in the heat as have a few runs coming up during the summer.😎😎
yes, lovely medal. They also offered everyone a cupcake but it was topped up with cream and icing sugar, so didn't see many runners taking one, they looked a bit sickly🤮
Ah thanks Hedgehogs123 . I can't claim that excuse though, it was only about 22°. Roads and tracks too, and only 188m elevation, which is flatter than my usual. I'm just lazy!
Well done Hedgehogs123 , that’s a lovely medal and very apt for your location. The humidity yesterday was very high here, until the rain came down. It would have been good running out in that.
Yes, the medal is really nice particularly of the dam busters, Lancaster's and spit fires. A spit fire flew over as we were having our picnic which always causes a wave of excitement. Yesterday I just didnt ever get 'comfortable' or settle down. Afterwards doing the post mortem as we all do, I actually felt a bit better hearing that a lot of other runners had felt the same, so do need to get out a bit more to get more used to it.
That was the best bit. Still not sure I actually enjoyed the race. Loved the finish, getting the medal and sitting with everyone on the picnic. Just need to get used to running in heat again. Got another in a couple of weeks,! 🥵
Wow HH, you are super speedy, especially in that heat! Have you tried Salt Sticks? They are really useful in the heat and put electrolytes back in your system to stop the heavy leg thing. I had a couple in my back pocket after Two Castles and Katnap and I recovered a lot quicker.
That medal really fired up some FOMO in me, it’s fab! It would look great next to my Captain Tom Spitfire medal… I may have to join you next year 😁
yes its a brilliant medal really appropriate with the Lancaster on it. Thank you for the note on salt sticks, I seem to be getting heavy legs on a regular basis now which is really frustrating, so Im keen to try anything at the moment. where do you get yours from?
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