New Forest 10k: Gosh it's been hot... - Fun Beyond 10K & ...

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New Forest 10k

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Miles
β€’87 Replies

Gosh it's been hot! Very long post alert.

A couple weeks ago I was messaging with Mudita11 about meeting up for Parkrun when she mentioned the New Forest Marathon 10k.....and suggested I do it! By which time I was half way through the form to enter 🀣🀣🀣. Once entered I started to wonder who I thought was, what me? Running a race? An event with other running people? Hmm lots of doubts about this.

A week later talking to @Happyhays, I explained I'd booked a hotel for the Saturday night and suggested she come too! Before I knew it she had signed up for the 5k, her C25k graduation run.

Anyway to cut a long story short and get to the race, we drove to the New Forest on Saturday, had a lovely swim in the hotel pool and went out for a very enjoyable dinner.

We settled really early, me to read and Hayley to watch a bit of TV.

Sleep came and then went away again, but that's life.

This morning our alarms went off at 7.30am and we got ourselves ready, it took a little longer than expected but we were off in plenty of time, traffic was heavy but we did ok.

First race, lots of butterflies, knowing that I can run/walk 10k in under 2 hours, but what if I can't? I know it's about my limit but what if it's too much? You know, the usual stuff going round in our heads.

We met up with Mudita11 Dexy5 UpTheStanley and a short while after linda9389 caught up with us. Introductions, chat, and before we knew it our time to warm up had arrived.

I took myself towards the back, did jogging on the spot, squats, lunges, side thingys And then it was time for the off .

The lack of sleep and lack of food was noticeable, the rain came down, refreshing after all the hot weather we'd had. Through the forest we went, I caught up with a lady who was walking briskly, we had a chat, she said she probably wouldn't be able to keep up that pace, she did, she later overtook me and after another chat she went on .

I caught up with a young lady run/walking, she was walking faster than me but I caught her up when we both ran. 😁 we chatted a bit and we agreed that it was hard work. We could see the back of the pack and for a while we were catching them up....don't know where they went but they disappeared round a corner never to be seen again.

There was an ambulance picking up a guy at the 5k point, hope he's ok.

The young lady and I passed each other several times with words of encouragement until about 8k and I could no longer catch her up when running.

Most of the run was woodland with gravelly paths and puddles. Then I arrived at a road, oh bliss, ran and felt great. The Marathoners passed me on that road and several patted me iyn the shoulder and said things like, well done, and, keep going.

I was tiring fast, regular sips of water and some jelly babies didn't seem to help much.

My headphones lost connection here and never found it again but I wasn't really listening anyway.

More road, this time the Half Marathoners ran past, lots more encouragement and I couldn't keep up with them either, but I was nearing the end, hot, wet, tired but happy.

My first race done, I wasn't last but not far off, I was the slowest in my age group which was a little disappointing but someone has to be. I've made my plan for next year 🀣🀣🀣

I ended the run tired and dehydrated, I didn't feel great, sips of water weren't helping, the half banana I managed to eat didn't help, Happyhays agreed to drive home, I opened a packet of crisps I really didn't want but after forcing 3 down I felt loads better, ate the packet, finished the banana then some chocolate and we chatted about our great weekend and both our first race and the wonderful VRB's we met up with today .

Run happy or rest well, and remember, sleep, hydration and a bit of salt make a huge difference.

I forgot to say, UpTheStanley wore his hat and ran very fast, I need a hat like that,.

Written by
SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun
10 Miles
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87 Replies
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Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator

Just fabulously fantastic....what a wonderful post...a wonderful meet up and you!!!A wonderful, wonderful run!!!

You recovered quite quickly afterwards...that is so good..and I think even if you don't sleep well tonight, the happy memories of today will help you rest easy.

Very well done you...xxx

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

Thank you Floss, I think I will sleep like a log tonight, and since getting home I've eaten and eaten xxx

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Milesβ€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

😴

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorβ€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

That's just great xxx

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles

I thought you’d be first to post SueAppleRun ! You should be so proud of yourself. The time doesn’t matter as you completed it and you have done your first official race and got a medal and T-shirt. There are lots of websites online where you search for races near you so you might be able to find something a bit closer next

Yes I was awake at 05:30, an hour before alarm time! Most of us don’t sleep well the night before, so it’s good to try and get good sleep during the week. But you were so excited. πŸ¦‹πŸ¦‹πŸ¦‹πŸ¦‹

Congratulations to you and happyhays. πŸ‘• πŸ…

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toDexy5

Thanks Dexy5 I didn't eat this morning either, I'd like to do that one next year and get better at it but we will see, sometimes I sleep, sometimes I don't, same pattern since end of March. I was cold when I got home so hot bath and now wearing my lovely warm hoodie 😊

And thank you for coming to find me at the end

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Milesβ€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

Oh crikey , that was a late race not to have eaten beforehand. No wonder you were light headed! Crisps are great to replace salts after a run.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toDexy5

That I've learned, I meant to have a banana before and had several with me but wasn't hungry and forgot, next time I'll take something salty on a run that long

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Milesβ€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

I’ll chat to you separately about tablets that add electrolytes to your water and our eating routine before a race. It might help you next time.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toDexy5

Thank you, I do have the tablets for water

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrHalf Marathon

Congratulations Sue on completing your first 10K at the New Forest event, you should be very proud of yourself, in the photo above I recognise UpTheStanley and Dexy5, which bib number are you?, it's a lovely photo.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toAlMorr

Thanks Al, left to right, Happyhays, me, UpTheStankey Dexy5 and Mudita11

CBDB profile image
CBDB

What a brilliant report and some amazing achievements! 10k / 5k and in this heat!!!!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toCBDB

Thanks it was cooler and drizzling

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Half Marathon

What a wonderful report. Taking part in a race is quite different from just going for a run as you clearly discovered. Highs and lows, but you know what to expect next time and you did brilliantly

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toSandie1961

Yes I learned a few things thanks

59er profile image
59er

Sounds like you've had a great time. Even the things that went wrong are a learning curve for you and Happyhays. How lucky are you having such a great running companion?

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply to59er

She's too fast for me now but we will still go out together a couple times a week

59er profile image
59erβ€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

She's a good friend which is all that matters πŸ™‚

Doris8 profile image
Doris8

Well done and on running your first competitive 10km. And to Happyhays as well. I don’t know how you ran with the heat . And well done to all who run with you. πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ˜Š

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toDoris8

It wasn't too bad thanks Doris, it was drizzling which helped

Oldgirlruns profile image
Oldgirlruns10 Miles

What a lovely post Sue, I’m so pleased you and Happyhays enjoyed yourselves today - congratulations to you for completing your first β€˜proper’ race and Happyhays for her C25K graduation! I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to run with you, that will have to wait for another occasion!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toOldgirlruns

There will be another I'm sure, thank you

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon

Brilliant Sue! Sounds like you all had a marvellous time, but yes it might be wise to eat breakfast before a race as late as that. The crisps did the trick afterwards - I often crave salt after a race.

Tailwind or SIS electrolyte tablets are great to add to your water and some even contain caffeine too. It’s good to experiment to see what works best for you, as it certainly isn’t one size fits all.

So many congratulations on today! πŸ˜€

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply tocheekychipmunks

Thanks, I have the SIS tablets for water, I was going to have one after but didn't 🀣

Shake-and-run profile image
Shake-and-runHalf Marathon

well done on your first 10k race. Here’s to many more!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toShake-and-run

Thanks, I need more consistent running before the next one

Week7 profile image
Week7Half Marathon

Congratulations on your first race. !!! Sounds like a good friendly atmosphere. You clearly have the bug planning for next year already!

Lovely to see the photos of you the VRBs made real.

I really enjoyed reading the post. It makes me want to sign up for another race sooner rather than later!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toWeek7

Thank you, I'm not in a hurry but would like to do that one again next year

Week7 profile image
Week7Half Marathonβ€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

Two weeks ago I was thinking like you but now I am starting to get impatient!Hope you are really proud of yourself tonight!!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toWeek7

Thank you, I am having a cataract removed soon, then a bit of not running, time to plan

Week7 profile image
Week7Half Marathonβ€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

Hope all goes well with the cataract removal-I know several people who have been so happy with the result. As you say, time to plan, read posts and running articles .

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toWeek7

Thanks, yes I'm looking forward to it, I get fed up of seeing what looks like looking through misty glass

Week7 profile image
Week7Half Marathonβ€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

You run in some lovely places-to see them without the mistiness is going to add a whole new level of pleasure to your runs when you get back to it! And all those "planning" walks whilst you are waiting to return....

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toWeek7

Yes and apparently it's only a week not running 😁

Week7 profile image
Week7Half Marathonβ€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

Now I'm getting stressed for you. Only one week to make all those lovely plans!!!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toWeek7

Ha ha ha, I can plan while I run, I spent most of yesterday's run planning for future running 🀣🀣😳

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64β€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

Good luck with that. I've been waiting since my optician referred me back in March! I had my assessment back in July but still haven't had a date to get it fixed

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toBirdlady64

That's rotten, I was just lucky and got an appointment in a couple of weeks, but I think they had a cancellation

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64β€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

My details went for "case review" for some reason - I don't know why as I was never told. The optometrist said it shouldn't mean more than a weeks delay but evidently it can take up to 12 weeks!!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toBirdlady64

That's a real pain, now I do feel really lucky

Bluebirdrunner profile image
Bluebirdrunner

Congratulations SueAppleRun on a fantastic 10k event! Your first...what a lovely location to run in, and with real life running buddies too. πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™‚οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

A smashing report to read, you did so well running on empty. I hope that feeling of acheivement as you crossed the finish line and were handed your medal gave you a huge boost, and that you recover well. Your time is irrelevent you ran the same distance as the others!πŸ…πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

Well done🌻🌻🌻🌻xxx

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toBluebirdrunner

Thank you that's very true about distance. I'm feeling quite chuffed that I ran an actual race, learning for next time

Bluebirdrunner profile image
Bluebirdrunnerβ€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

Forgot to say Congratulations to @Happyhays too...on her Graduation run and 5k event!πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸŽ‰πŸ‘ŒπŸ…xxx

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toBluebirdrunner

She'll be buzzing all week, thank you

SkiMonday profile image
SkiMondayUltramarathon

Congrats on your first race Sue!

Sounds like you were so nervous beforehand, you didn’t sleep very well and couldn’t eat but, for similar reasons, really enjoyed the experience.

It’s interesting comparing that with my approach which is to eat and drink well the day before (and in the morning), trust in the training that I’ve done (because it’s far too late to do anything about that) and run at a pace that’s comfortable for me. The result is a very relaxed outlook.

I think my approach has advantages in that I can sleep and I don’t have problems with food but I think your approach beats mine in terms of pure enjoyment!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toSkiMonday

I was running on empty but the run itself was wonderful, I might take crisps with me next time or cheesy biscuits, something salty

SkiMonday profile image
SkiMondayUltramarathonβ€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

I take water with a pinch of salt and some lime (or lemon) juice in it.

Although, what I was really getting at is that the way you approach the race affects how much nervous energy you have so, to some extent, it’s a choice. However, I think you are likely to be calmer on the next one because it won’t be your first race.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toSkiMonday

Hopefully, it did feel a bit scary as a very big event

SkiMonday profile image
SkiMondayUltramarathonβ€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

To me, the biggest difference is that, with smaller events, it’s usually a mass start so you know that the runners around you have averaged the same pace as you. With larger events, the start tends to be done in waves (or a continuous start over an hour or more) so it’s hard to tell where you are compared to the runners around you.

I guess it’s a blessing that the size of the event doesn’t really affect me (although it’s good being able to chat to fellow medal wearers afterwards). Think the biggest event I’ve run in had 13,000 entrants (not that I saw many of them!)

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toSkiMonday

That's a lot of people, I think there were around 5000 runners, but a lot of them did marathon , half and 5k I stood near the back at the start

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Half Marathon

Brilliant, Sue! And such a gorgeous medal. I’m sure you were excited and anxious at the same time. A great first event for you in such a beautiful place. I’m so envious.

How wonderful to meet up with other forum members.too! And to go with Happyhays, what a great idea to do her graduation run there. (And handy for her to drive home! 😊)

You must be on a high! And you kept to your plan and took it steady. Perfect!

Well done! πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ₯‡πŸ†πŸ₯‚

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toJools2020

Thanks Jools, steady was all I had in me, I shall keep to shorter runs this week. You'll have to come next year, it was lovely

lexi6 profile image
lexi610 Miles

Great report and race Sue you did awesome, so special when VRB's become real running buddies πŸ₯° Lovely bling too

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply tolexi6

Thanks Lexi, it really was a good day and weekend

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70Half Marathon

Lovely post SueAppleRun ! Congratulations on your 1st 10k race! And great to have a VRB meet up too! Rest up well xxx

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toaliboo70

Thank you aliboo70 it was an experience for sure xxx

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon

Go you!! I’m so glad you got round this course Sue. Your modesty belies an inner strength, confidence and belief that is growing all the time. Well done! πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

PS Will you be signing up for another race?

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toRunBrianRun

Thank you Brian, as to signing up for another race I'm not sure, as I was staggering around dehydrated on legs that didn't seem to belong to me I was talking about what I'll do differently next year though 🀣🀣🀣so you never know, I have my training plan in place 😁

Runnin-g profile image
Runnin-gHalf Marathon

We’ll done, what a great run! πŸ‘πŸ½πŸ‘πŸ½πŸ‘πŸ½ Glad you recovered quickly, horrible running dehydrated

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toRunnin-g

Thanks, I'm often disappointed at my slowness but I was just so happy I got round and recovered well

Sulley101 profile image
Sulley101

Brilliant! The first of many 10k races I think! A lovely medal too to remind you πŸ˜ŠπŸ˜πŸ‘

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toSulley101

Thank you, a lovely medal to remind me to be more consistent and get stronger ready for the next 10k 😁😁😁

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64

Fantastic run Sue and a lovely post and a great looking medal. It sounds like a nice course too though you prefer the tarmac. Really well done, especially as you were nervous, underfed and dehydrated. I reckon you have the racing bug now πŸ˜€Another wonderful HU meetup too, I'm more than a teeny bit jealous.

Big congrats to Happyhays too. What a brilliant way to do your graduation run. That one will certainly stick in the memory πŸ˜ƒ

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toBirdlady64

It was really great thanks, I actually loved the track running through the trees, it just felt lovely to run part of it on tarmac, if it started on the road it would have started smooth and faster. When we run by the river it's similar underfoot

apatsyf profile image
apatsyf

Well DONE you ! A wonderful achievement, especially after the last months you've and how lovely to meet VRB's in the flesh. It was hot and humidπŸ₯΅ so that will have made a big difference and as for forgetting to eat ...πŸ€ͺ!! Congratulations πŸ€—πŸ₯³πŸ‘.Ps good luck with the cataract op xx

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toapatsyf

Thanks, it was such a lovely day, xx

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon

What a wonderful experience SAR. The running is important, but only one of the positives from a race day. Meeting old friends and new, dealing with the unexpected and walking off with the bling are only a few of the many benefits! Pre race hydration and food intake (regardless of how you feel) are critical, as you will have learned. It doesn’t always go as planned though. Cheeky and I had the the densest ever porridge pre run at the VRB mass invaded GSR last year. Most of the added energy was required to carry the additional weight! We all finished the race though. This will be the first of many for you.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toBeachcomber66

Thank you, Every run is about learning and I've come home with a plan, 😁

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon

Whoop whoop πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ₯³ great report, great result, well done!

That that’s fab looking bling and tee-shirt too!

It was a hot day so running would feel harder. When you race again (and I’m sure you will πŸ™‚) and it’s cooler, you’ll notice a big difference how you feel.

Electrolyte drinks are good for hot weather (HIGH5 or just add a pinch of salt and fruit juice to water).

Well done to @Happyhays too, she must be thrilled to do her graduation run at such a special event.

In years to come, your lovely photos will be a reminder of a memorable day 😍

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Miles

Yes she is thrilled, we had a great time

Coddfish profile image
Coddfish10 Miles

Well done on your first event Sue. The eating and drinking thing is a bit of a conundrum isn’t it. I started out my running journey running on empty and in many ways still prefer that for a short run, but not for runs over 5k. I find slow release carbs, such as Bircher muesli soaked in apple juice and yogurt, work well as a pre run breakfast. I then take bits of non chocolatey cereal bar with me. You just have to experiment to find out what works for you.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toCoddfish

Thanks, I will try some different things πŸ™‚ I was most surprised how the crisps made me feel ok again after

Folkylass profile image
Folkylass

Congratulations Sue! You are amazing 🀩. Wonderful run and wonderful post.πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ₯³πŸŽ‰πŸ₯°x

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toFolkylass

I'm really not but thank you

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingHalf Marathon

I loved reading that! Massive congratulations to you and all the HU runners. Wear that medal and t shirt with pride!! πŸ…β€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ†πŸŽ‰

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toMissUnderstanding

Thanks, it was a great day

Run46 profile image
Run46Half Marathon

Whoop whoop, very well done Sue πŸ‘πŸŽŠ...conquered your nerves, enjoyed the race and finished well despite the lack of sleep, lack of food and the heat causing dehydration!

Lol, sounds like it's a miracle you got round when I read that back 🀣, well done again πŸ‘

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toRun46

Felt like a miracle at times that I was still standing, but it was an amazing thing to do 😁

Run46 profile image
Run46Half Marathonβ€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

πŸ€£πŸ˜ŠπŸ‘Œ

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirl

Wow Sue, what an achievement. You and @Happyhays what a team! So nice to meet some virtual running buddies too, hope you all had a brilliant day ❀️

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply togrumpyoldgirl

We did thanks, it was lovely meeting the others and such a beautiful run 😁

Cowladyrunning profile image
CowladyrunningMarathon

Congratulations for your first race and how lovely it was such a good meet up too. Love the photos - it sounds a fantastic day 😊

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply toCowladyrunning

Thank you, it was a really lovely day

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon

You were fantastic! What a first race!!! I love that you're planning next year, that says it all. Lovely to meet you and be a tiny part of your very first event πŸ₯°

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Milesβ€’ in reply tolinda9389

Thank you Linda, it was lovely to meet you too, it was a great experience all round made even better by meeting people from here 😁

Jackapoodle profile image
JackapoodleHalf Marathon

Just everything about this is fabulous! The bling (yaaay), the event experience, meeting up with VRBs, a new venue, it sounds amazing. And huge congratulations for completing that 10K in those conditions. I suspect you'll need to get one of those medal hanger thingys for the bling you'll start accumulating....😊😁

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