Sorry, this started as a short post, honest. I will concentrate on the run rather than the excellent social side of seeing my lovely running buddies, who have all been mentioned in previous posts.
I ran the Great South Run in 2019 , just over a year from c25k graduation, and said I just wanted to to it once to prove I could, after years of watching others doing it. It felt incredibly hard but I was so glad I did it. I then felt compelled to do it again in 2021, after all the pandemic restrictions were being lifted. Last year I volunteered to be a marshal but as no-one got in touch I watched on the sidelines as all my buddies ran it. I now know what FOMO is! So I signed up that day to run it this year. Loads of time to work up to 10 miles again, I thought.
All was going well until the last few months when I had a rotator cuff injury (thankfully not affecting running but it stopped me doing Pilates which helps my running), sciatica and other niggles. This interrupted my running schedule and I had only got to 12.5 km. Three weeks ago I went out for a run and my left knee didn’t feel right so I then had to abort two runs. Oh no! Thankfully I managed to see my physio who confirmed I’d damaged it. Massage and ultrasound followed and he advised to only run on pavements and not run further than 5k until the GSR 10 days later. A sports massage also showed tight hamstrings , piriformis , calves etc. so I iced my knee, ran a few short runs, and did some exercises, while crossing my fingers. Many of my bunch of buddies had similar stories to tell.
So when it came to the GSR yesterday I was quite prepared to Jeff it or walk it if necessary. ‘Complete not compete’ was my mantra. It completely took the pressure off going for a PB.
The weather on the day was perfect; sunny but a cool northerly breeze. 11C
After the hilarious warm up, Sandie1961 and I set off together and everything seemed to be in working order. In fact after a short while I told Sandie to run on ahead as when I looked at my watch, we were going at 7.00 pace, faster than I should at this point in the run. I watched her blue top and blonde hair get further away in front of me. The people of Portsmouth were out to cheer us on along the route as always. I cheered the gents playing bagpipes along the route to the Royal Navy Base and Historic Dockyard. We passed the HMS WARRIOR, HMS VICTORY and modern ships , and the Navy Base Commander was cheering us on in best uniform. I almost caught Sandie up so decided to hold back again. Other entertainment played along at various points, including the local fabulous Batala Drummers who get booked up for many running events. I passed the RNLI, Firefighters and Royal Marines taking part in full working kit and thanked them all.
Just before the 5k water point I spotted some portaloos, and when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. Two in the queue before me so this little visit added 4 minutes to my time. Sandie and I waved as we went in opposite directions and then a parkrun RD spotted me and hollered my name. At the top of the avenue where we turn around, a fireman was on an aerial ladder cheering us all on. I spotted Oldgirlruns as I ran down, we high fived and I kept going. As I returned to Southsea common I started looking out for Mr C and Coddfish at the 6 mile point - there they were on the opposite side of road. I ran over and gave them both a big hug despite protestations that I was losing precious time.
We were now heading east and I ran towards the amazing rock choir, all dressed in black with gold stars. The 2nd water point appeared opposite the pitch and putt course and I grabbed a bottle. Flip lids this year were easier than the usual screw tops and I walked while drinking some cool water and nibbled my energy bar. We then headed up away from the sea, past the Eastney Tavern and I joked that it was closer to my house than the finish line, but I kept going. Two more of our parkrun RDs were standing on a mini roundabout supporting us so I got another big cheer from them. At this point I was run walking just to make sure that I would reach the end. My knee was fine but the lack of running distance was beginning to show, especially in the glutes. Many around me were doing the same. I remarked that it was less than a parkrun to go, which cheered up a few of those flagging. It was quite warm on those streets protected from the wind. The residents of one street have a PA system on the roof with great music, and they all sit out in their gardens drinking wine and beer and cheer on all the runners. You had to watch out for the sleeping policemen though. It was then down towards the seafront again to our new parkrun base and just over 3k to go. There was another entertainment venue with brilliant music and someone was calling out the names of runners as they passed by in between singing the lyrics. It was at this point that my feet started to burn. I suspect it was the combination of my socks and shoes which had not been worn together on such a long run. It reminded me of when I wore hire ski boots and I felt I had to take them off to let my feet cool down. I wondered if I should take my socks off, but thought I might get blisters instead so I started walking more and running less. By running faster in between the walks I maintained a pace of 8.30.
The crowd got louder as we ran the last 500m and yes the energy is always there for a sprint finish. I heard my lovely UpTheStanley shouting Dexy and I crossed the magic mat. A medal was placed around my neck by a female Royal Marine who was still incredibly enthusiastic after over 3 hours of doing this, and I collected my goody bag with T-shirt.
On looking at stats, my first 5k was 36 mins, and 10k was 77 mins, very similar to 2021. Garmin finish time 2 hrs 10 also the same as last time. However, my official time is 2 hrs 14 because of my loo break. I’m very happy with that, considering it was touch and go whether I would be able to do it at all. And I enjoyed it more than 2021 because I didn’t beat myself up for not running it all.
It was extra special to have Oldgirlruns taking part this year too. She did brilliantly, and as she was quicker than expected we saw her cross the finish line from the other side as we were walking up to cheer her on.
So will I do it again? I think that’s highly possible . It’s on my doorstep after all.
Are you still awake? 😴
Written by
Dexy5
10 Miles
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Brilliant Dexy5!! Never mind the context of injuries etc, that was a great time. I like the medal for this year…the red appeals! This is one tough group of runners!!
Yes sponsorship has changed from simply health to AJ Bell so red is the new colour. The warm up song was “Ring my bell” and bells were ringing all along the course. ❤️
Apparently many Portsmouth (football) supporters will not wear red at all, but I shouldn’t think runners are quite that daft. Are they?
Excellent detailed post and run from you Dexy5, congratulations on completing the Great South Run yesterday, I am so glad that you ran it, wasn't the entertainment very good, that rock choir is excellent, they have choirs all over the UK, at The Great Scottish Run I stood opposite them on the other side of the street while the runners passed on both the 10K and HM runs, I am thinking of running that next year by the way, the 10K version, once again a big congratulations on yesterday's Great South Run ✔️ ✔️ 🏃♀️
Thank you Al, I love the atmosphere of the big runs, and the Great Run franchise does do it particularly well. I am sure you will love running the Great Scottish 10k.
Definitely still awake, brilliant report of a brilliantly run race, oh I felt your burning feet, a great time too, I hope you will be there next year when I'll join you if I can 😃
Great achievement Dexy given your pre-race difficulties! The entertainment is a real motivator, isn't it? I remember particularly in 2021 the guy on the PA system you mentioned declaring 'No-one walks in Henderson Road!' - got me running again!
No, virtual runs don’t do it for me. Although I did claim a t shirt and medal last month as I couldn’t make it to s London event, so I ran it at home instead. I had already paid for them though.
I loved reading your detailed run report, I was with you every step of the way. I like your attitude "complete not compete", I will remember that. Well done on a brilliant race with special friends. The medal looks great too👏👏🎉🎉🎉
Congratulations Dexy5 on your brilliant race a great time too. I’m definitely not sleepy as I’ve only just woke up and having a lovely cup of tea in bed made by hubby and thoroughly enjoying reading your brilliant report.🤓🤓.
Now I’ll have to go out today as this has spurred me on. I was being a lazy lump and was in two minds. However I’m definitely going out now….umm inspirational!🧐🧐😂😂. Love the bling 🏃♀️🏃♀️👍
Fabulous report Dexy. I re-ran the whole route with you. When we waved to each other, you were very close behind me. In fact we were only about a minute run time different at the end! Like you, I was complete, not compete and didn’t care that my time was so much slower than previous years. I was just happy to get round. Great atmosphere, great company and a lovely event 😃
Hope your physio appointment goes well Sandie. Yes if it wasn’t for the loo break we would probably have ended up running together, but when nature calls …..,
Thanks so much Irishprincess , I still didn’t know when I started whether my knee would be ok, but so glad that the treatment and advice to rest it worked a treat. I’m a bit of a people watcher and I am always fascinated by all those who take part, raising money for charity or aiming to achieve a personal goal.
How do you remember all that detail Dexy! It was all brilliant though, wasn’t it! Huge well done on completing in fine style - and for being there when I got to the end as well!
I’m sure if I ran faster it would be just a blur 🤣. But I just love the entertainment and support during the race. I spotted your race photos and you were smiling In every one. It just make you grin from ear to ear. 😄
We had to see you running in, just sorry we were on the wrong side of the finish line.
Well done Dexy, you did it! No I didn't fall asleep reading this or any other report - they're all really valuable for your different running experiences / styles.
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.
PBs Best Served Cold - a Great South Run Story