Sleaford 10km Cake Run Race Report

[Hedgehogs123]

Well it was another hot run 🥵🥵, but the thought of those scrummy cakes was definately a big motivation!!

This was my third attendance at this race and as you can imagine its always a popular one with lots of the local running groups and clubs.

A few days earlier I had attended a learning festival and one of the workshops had been focused on embedding alternative learning. To de stress and calm the mid and body, the facilitator did a short meditation exercise for breathing , which asked us to focus on imagining the energy centre being deep within our stomach. She said to imagine it was your energy pack and when you need a real extra bit of oomph to slow your breathing and really focus your attention to that area.

So, as funny as it sounds, at regular intervals as I was running, I did just that, smiling to myself and saying 'right come on battery pack do your thing! 😜. It was hot and I never find races easy (does anyone??) but I swear that helped me. Given over the last year Ive had some health issues and injuries, I did it in 55:53 a minute quicker than last year, so although Ive done I did 55:23 the first year, Im beginning to think maybe I can get back to where I was last year.

So, if you're ever struggling in your race, try it, slow your breathing and focus on your battery pack for an extra bit of oomph! 😁😁💪.

Shame I didnt manage to get a pic of all the cakes before we were all let loose on them!!

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Well done Hedgehogs123 , cake is the perfect reward for running, and that chocolate one looks so delicious.

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

it was sooooooooooooooooooooooo lovely!!!😁 I was good and took the muffin home for my other half 😇

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Hedgehogs123]

That’s very noble of you 😂

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Brilliant time, congratulations Hedgehogs123 ! Great looking cakes and medal too! Xxx

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Thank you, the chocolate🎂 cake was soooo yummy!!😁

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

What a good breathing exercise to practice. Yummy cakes, and a great time for you 😁

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks. Re the breathing, I have been trying out different breathing exercises as I tend to mouth breath, but keep reading its not the most efficient way, just not easy to change, takes lots of practice.

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to Hedgehogs123]

I mouth breathe when running but try some nose breathing when I can, the thing with us runners we are always practicing something 😁

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Love that HH! Especially that you're really, really getting back to where you were 🥰

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Not as quick as when we both ran the Lincoln 10km back in Oct 22, but getting closer!!💪😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Hedgehogs123]

I'm still a million miles off that HH. I haven't managed sub 1 hour in a long time!!!

You were a great pacer for me at Lincoln, I doubt I'll ever best that one 😍

[RunWillie Marathon]

Well done Hedgehogs123 Great run 😍

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Great tip there ! Thank you.... sometimes a phrase just is what we need to give us that boost!

You did brilliantly, again! You have run on so far, since you began and I am in awe of your strength and determination, through some very tough times, too !

You and your cake... a reason to run... wonderful :} HUGE well done to you!

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you, I did think I was getting back to where I was, but have had problems again with my health particulary the anaemia which has affected my breathing, Really frustrating, but like we always say to everyone else, running isnt going anyway, it will always be here.

You may remember when I did the Yorkshire 3 Peaks last year I did it for Alzheimer's. Well unfortunately now, my other half has just been diagnosed with Parkinsons and Lewy Body Dementia which is moving at such scary pace, so as well as working full time, Im now his full time 24hr carer. Running has had to take a bit of a back seat, hence Ive just not had chance to get on here. Ive missed reading everyone's posts but will try now and keep up when I can.

I hope everyone has been ok.

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Oh my goodness. You are having an extremely difficult time. Your bravery and determination is inspirational. I will PM you x

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Well done on your run Hedgehogs123 - mindset can make a real difference can’t it, so thanks for the ‘battery pack’ tip!

Super time as always and cake AND bling! What’s not to love!🏅🍰😊

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Running for bling and cake! Now, that’s a result 👍 Well done.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Brilliant time Hedgehogs. Cake is off limits for me, but you certainly earned yours. Fastest hedgehog in the world!!

I will try that breathing trick. I have found that touching the roof of my mouth, just behind my front teeth, with the tip of my tongue converts a mouth inhale to a nose one. It just happens.

Why I even tried it I don’t know (just weird) but it works 🤷🏻‍♂️

[GTFC Marathon]

That's awesome Hedgehogs123 what a performance ⭐✅

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

I really must do that one if I’m ever in the country when it’s on! Well done on a great time and thanks for the tip. Something to try x

[misswobble Marathon]

Well done HH! 🤗😀🏃‍♀️🏅🍰. Sounds like fun 🙂. Apart from the heat of course. You did right well considering 🔥🥵.

So pleased there was cake! The thought of good eats at the end keeps me going! I’m a right grumpy cow if there’s deficiency in that department ☹️

I hope you’re feeling good today and your systems are topped up 💪😀

[Cowladyrunning Marathon]

Well done! What a great way to celebrate 🍰