Yesterday I ran Severn Bridge 10k for the second time. The same ultra friendly, well organised race over the same special course ( the "naughtiness" of running on a motorway which never fails to amuse me!) - .BUT this year a new experience, my first meeting with some VRBs!
The day did not start as planned ! We arrived at the Severn Bridge at about 7:10 to find it already closed (advertised closure was7:30). Fortunately, Mr Wk7 saved the day and got me to the race on time.
Arriving at race HQ I spotted UpTheStanley in his hat said "Hi I am Week7" then dashed to use the facilities! (A recurring theme) Rejoining him I met Dexy5 and cheekychipmunks for a quick chat before heading off for final "preparations " and the start.
After straddling the central reservation on the way to the start- hindered by my short legs a brief hold and we were off!
I have not been training consistently like last year but running a very slow 10k about once a week has been my regular routine so I knew I was good for the distance but no idea how fast to go. I decided to play it by ear....
I felt brilliant at the start so just let myself go- not my usual way to run a set distance! It was just exhilarating running.. for the first 5k. Then reality and hill sections kicked in and it was time to dig in. A few brief brisk walks between 6 and 8k were just what I needed ( I copied another runner ahead of me doing this who seemed to have a plan and it worked!) Then, determined, I ran. the rest - except for "The Hill" where I had a brief walk at the top to prpare for my "sprint" to the finish!
The final run in was so exciting. After waving to MrWk7 and old pup Wk7 on the approach I heard a yell of WEEK! From my left-it was VRB royalty UpTheStanley cheering me in!
Later I met up with my the 3 VRBs in the flesh again for photos and a chat before heading back to the car to let old pup Wk7 have a rest and a trip to my favourite coffee shop to thank MrWk7 for his race support and wait for the bridge to reopen!
A fantastic day-can't wait for next year!!!
My time was a bit slower than last year at 1:03:46 (1:03:59 according to Mr Garmin) but much faster than any runs since covid in March. Feeling really motivated to start training properly again. Perhaps a HM training plan for focus?
Oh -nearly forgot - Mr Garmin decided to add 5 years to my age!! Don't know why-can only imagine he was miffed because he didn't get to speak to Cheeky, UTS and Dexy5!
So lovely to meet you all Dexy5, UTS and Cheeky and sorry to miss TailChaser and Katnap -may another year?
Amazing day ALL thanks to c25k and these chats๐
I did it!
