Altrincham 10k Race Report

[linda9389]

I could apologise for the length of this post, but then again my race reports are always stupidly long 🤷‍♀️Sorry!

🥇 Organised by Runthrough, this is a closed road race, on relatively flat (aka gently undulating) roads, with about 2300 entries, starting and finishing in Altrincham town centre

🥈Race Review:

Recommend? Yes

Pros: bib in the post, good communication pre-race, easy and cheap parking, no loo queues 30 mins before the start (honestly!), great atmosphere, closed road, gentle undulations, pacers and ‘finish line friends’, well supported, nice medal and good choice of goodies, free photos and free personalised video

Cons: no nature immersion, river/sea/lakes or big views, so not the prettiest of routes

🥉Race Report:

I was expecting very little having volunteered at another Runthrough event at Dorney which I felt was poorly organised and lacked atmosphere, but I have to say it was way better than I expected and I liked it!

On top of my low expectations, I’d had a terribly emotional few days leading up to race day, little sleep and I was generally in a pretty bad place mentally. But I was there, and close enough to the start line to at least begin the race.

Despite arriving in Altrincham just 30 - 45 minutes before the start, there were no traffic jams, parking was easy and just a few minutes walk from the start line. After an obligatory trip to the loo was achieved in mere minutes due to the lack of queues, I still had a fair bit of standing about to do; but the ‘race village’ was at the intersection of two shopping streets - crowded and positively buzzing - so I just waited and tried to absorb the vibes. There were 'target time placard' holders spreading themselves out, and we were urged to get in line according to pace. Despite my downbeat mood, I still held a desire to run sub-60 minutes, so I positioned myself between the sub-55 and the sub-60 placard holders (acknowledging to myself that that would be bordering on cocky even if I was in a good mood, so what on earth was I doing? looking for a kick up the butt is the answer to that question😃 ).

Shortly before the 9:30 start we began to move forward. And forward. And forward. The arch I’d seen turned out not to be a starting arch but a finish arch. So still we moved forward, but inevitably we eventually reached the line and were on our way. Though it felt long, to be fair it was only about 5 minutes slow walking🙈

It was much warmer than I had thought it would be, given the cloud cover, and I wasn’t carrying water thinking that a water station at 5k would surely be enough. There's nothing like not having a drink to make you feel thirsty though 😎To my surprise, at 3k, The Malik family (multi generational, with a sign that told us this was water from the Malik family) had set up their own station and were frantically dishing out plastic cupfuls which proved very popular - I’ve seen supporters with placards, jelly babies, hoses … but this is the first time I’ve seen a full on water station provided by local supporters🥰 Sadly I’d run past before I fully realised, so then I was ultra thirsty for the next 2 kilometres!

It’s fair to say that a few folk had passed me, but not the sub 60-pacer and not everyone!!! I knew I was going at a faster pace than normal these days, but physically I was still OK. I walked while I drank my water at the 5k point and then set off again, but by now I only had half a heart in this race, at best. I’d decided this was going to be bad. Funny what our heads can do, how limiting our thoughts can be. I shouldn’t have needed to walk again, but my mind was easily winning the battle and sure enough, by 7k I was walking again. Then came a climb just beyond 8k and … yep, you guessed … I was walking again!

When I set off running once more, I was thinking I’d probably need another walk before the end. I really had no motivation. Then I looked at my time and figured, you know what, this is actually going pretty well despite the walks; if you could just run in to the end I reckon the sub-60 is yours for the taking. Is anything broken? No. Do you have pain anywhere? No. Are you gasping for breath? No, not really. Are you being a wimp? Yep. Would you like to salvage something from this horrible weekend? .. well, errr, yep, that really would be good …, how long would that take? errr, not too long, less than ten minutes I guess ... Can you do that? maybe ...

So on I ran!

I ran past three young girls with a homemade cardboard sign that said ‘You can do it!’ (or something innocuous like that); but as I ran past them, the middle lass - sporting a pair of cute grey cat ears - looked me straight in the eyes and shouted ‘you can do this’ as if she really, really meant it; and I thought yes, yes, I can, I really have no excuse! 💪🙏

And then we hit the final climb. It felt brutal, even with my refreshed determination I could only lumber up it. Suddenly, like some sort of weird hallucination, coming down the hill towards us, I saw a very jolly chap in a bright purple t-shirt, stretched over his extremely rounded belly. His t-shirt announced that he was a ‘Finish Line Friend’. I’d read about this volunteer role - they spot struggling folk and help run them over the line. Well, I'd come this far, if I was going to finish this, then I was going to do so myself without help from a finish line friend!!! To that end I avoided eye contact, so when, in true Sergeant Major fashion, he suddenly yelled ‘I can’t see any sign of sprinting here’ I jumped to attention, muttered to myself that that was because we were going up the hill, but grinned all the way to the top (still couldn’t sprint though) 😍 (Someone later commented that he'd make a great alarm clock every morning!).

As that final hill flattened out it felt as if someone had physically shoved me forwards - I must’ve put a bit of effort into that hill after all - and finally, there was the finish arch just metres away.

I ran across the mat knowing that the sub-60 was mine, knowing that one good thing came out of the weekend, because I made it happen. And I felt more than a little bit better for it 🥰

Two sub-30 5ks, with the second one 4 seconds faster than the first (despite those walking breaks) and best of all, a sub-60 10k for the first time in a couple of years. Result.

Even better, 10k takes so much less out of me than a half marathon, so I climbed the stairs back to the car and left the lift for someone else😍. A decent walk yesterday, then a nice 20k 'easy' long run today.

My head’s still a mess and there's a lot to come to terms with, but my legs are strong. My running is keeping me going. Onwards to fight another day!!! 🏃‍➡️

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

What a great report! You did an amazing job! Sub 60!!! Whoop whoop! 🏃‍♀️💪Sorry to hear you're having a stressful time though😪 running is definitely therapy at these times xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

I look at myself crossing the line and it's less of a 'whoop whoop moment' than a 'pfft what was that all about moment', but inside it felt whoop whoop 😍

Running as therapy is just brilliant!

[GTFC Marathon]

Love this linda9389 so read it twice through. You deserved this victory, this flag in the sand as a marker saying 'I achieve things.' Life can be really tough and really beautiful and this was a glimmer of that beauty. The time is just fantastic but huge praise for putting yourself out there in the first place 🙌

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to GTFC]

Thanks GTFC. That's so right. I rarely take control for myself like that, but on this occasion I did, and it really paid off. Note to future self 😍

[Katnap Marathon]

Great report linda9389 ! You've got this! 💪🐱

It is good when RunThrough provide race photos for free 🐱👍

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Katnap]

My last Runthrough event there was a photo of me at the start line, but the finish line photographer had given up before I got there ... and I was by no means last 😍

I do love this video though. It captures about four points along the course, including the finish line this time! Best of all, you can't really tell how fed up I was 😂

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon]

Congratulations Linda on that stoic sub 60 10k. Well deserved by the sounds of it too. 👍💪

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thanks Brian. With all the walking, it didn't feel very deserved, but having said that, I am proud of myself for forcing myself into a better attitude and seeing it though to the end 😊

[Bluebirdrunner]

I loved reading this too Linda.

What strength of character you have, and what an inspiration!

So pleased this run turned out so well for you.

🏃‍♀️💚👌xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks BB. I couldn't face piling on more misery by finishing with a bad time; there was more than a hint of desperation in that determination 😀

[RunWillie Marathon]

Sorry you’re having a tough time linda9389 Well done on the sub 60 🔥

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Thanks RW. It was a much needed win - both for the weekend, but also for my slowly fading belief that I will ever get back to (or even close to) the fitness I had a couple of years ago 🙏

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Oh wow 😲 what a race report. Awesome running Linda, and despite your walk breaks and battles you got your sub 60, you must feel so proud 😃,

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

I do Sue, proud I took control and chuffed for the win on many different levels 😊

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

Yes, you controlled the run and yourself 😃

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Eventually 😍

[CBDB]

what an immensely readable report! As someone whose never run an in-person race before, it really gives me such a clear picture of the atmosphere, the joys and the struggles of running one of those!

I could see you beltering down the hill, trying to ignore the purple shirted, belly rounded, finnish line friend coming towards you!

Wonderful! And huge congratulations to you and your legs!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to CBDB]

Ok. One change to the picture ... I was running (I use a certain amount of poetic licence there!) up the hill, he was skipping down!!! Not fair 😀I do love events for the camaraderie and the swell of emotions they provoke, and for the extra oomph they give me. Race magic ✨️

[CBDB in reply to linda9389]

😂

Race magic, indeed.

I am sooooo close (Holding up 5cm-distanced fingers) of joining our local running club! I’m already stalking them on the socials!

Thanks as always for the continued inspiration!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to CBDB]

I'm not brave enough to join a club. Stupidly, running with anyone puts a pressure and tension on me that, quite honestly, it shouldn't- that's not what running clubs are about!!! But I do love the anonymity of the camaraderie in a race. Maybe one day I'll try a club, especially if we ever get around to moving 😊

[misswobble Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Me too Linda 😀. I run alone these days after being in a small group previously. Only having myself to organise suits me 🙂

I love race day though 🏃‍♀️

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Just superb.... an absolutely great report too.

You did wonderfully and got a very well deserved result. WOW!

PS

Please send me some of your strength and determination. x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks OF. There was much desperation in that determination! But I'm so glad I made the choice I did, and saw it through.You have as much strength and determination as anyone I know OF.

Some days it's enough for a small win, some days we remain where we are, others we still lose the battle. Whatever happens though, we have that same inner strength and determination to bring to the next day. One day at a time, and when it gets particularly tough I find one minute at a time works too 😘

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Great report Linda and congratulations on that sub 60 minutes 10K, well done 👍✅🏃

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Ahh thanks Al. It still makes me smile inside - hope that some of my fitness may finally be returning 😊

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

That was a beautifully written, but very hard to read, report.

A sub 60 10k in any circumstances is a great run, more so when you are carrying a ton weight on your shoulders. Gutsy is the rather inelegant word which comes to mind.

It would still have been a great run had you not achieved sub 60 minutes, but, in the circumstances, missing your self imposed target would have felt like the F word we don’t use here.

So, however it feels, this is a big win for your determination and ability to function in the face of adversity. You are truly awesome. 🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

That's a lot like what I tried to tell myself BC 🥰 We owe it to ourselves to make the best of what we've got. Sometimes we need to focus harder than others! I think I will remember it as a good one.

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon]

this report drips with determination and courage, well done you and congratulations on your sub 60 finish. I’m in awe of your performance, under an hour and including walk sections , something I can only dream of!

The English teacher (retired) in me also loved reading your report. It is always a pleasure to read a piece of good writing. The description of the finish is top class, had me giggling and holding my breath at the same time!! (If I was still working I’d be begging you to let me use it in class).

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Shake-and-run]

Awwh, Shakes. That's such a lovely, kind reply. You've stopped me in my tracks. Thank you 🙏

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Wow Linda, that’s a great report and an even greater run! I went back to the pompom thread:

You: “Altrincham may have a PB potential but I don’t… so I’m quite looking forward to a grand day out.”

That’s quite a grand day out! 👑

I love that you were just taking it easy and then your competitive streak kicked in and you went hell for leather for it. I’d love to have seen that 🙂💪

A huge well done for taking on the run and winning and for your fabulous time 👏👏 I love the fact that running is one aspect of our lives where we can take control and you definitely controlled this one xxx

PS Fab looking bling too!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

It was far from a PB, but no worries, it was still a win. I the sorting strategy worked well. No bunching or weaving at the start. But because I started with a group running faster than I normally do, I think it just carried me along whenever I was running. All I controlled was digging in and daring to believe for the last kilometre 😍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

“Daring to believe” that’s a great mantra right there ❤️

[Kevin41 Half Marathon]

linda9389 - you are an inspiration and your race reports always resonate. I hope you do manage to ‘come to terms with’ all of the things you need to, especially as usually we cannot change them. I’m injured at the moment but your report reminded me of one of the reasons I run. Thank you

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Kevin41]

Oh no, sorry to hear you're injured right now. I've been injured more times than I can count - hence the struggle back to a sub-60 10k, but the runs are always so welcome when I get back to them - more welcome than ever each and every time. Be patient and you'll see 😊Thanks Kevin

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Well what can I say linda9389 ? Epic should do it. What an amazing race report, you are one strong cookie on so many levels.

I love the idea of finish line friends btw. 🥰

Also, that medal is gorgeous, and very much deserved with that sub-60! 🎉

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

It's a good, heavy piece of bling Cheeky! The whole event was much better quality than I was expecting!Our FLF calls himself 'Dither pot Darren' on FB; he didn't sound like a ditherer to me though, far from it 😍

Dither Pot Darren at Altrincham 10k

[misswobble Marathon]

OMG you’re going to need a new medal holder 🤩🏅. That’s a beauty 😍

I think it’s fair to say you nailed that one Linda 😀🏃‍♀️🏅💪👊✊

I hope you’re feeling better for it, and that your long walk did you good too 🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Sshhh. Don't tell anyone but I already bought one. I used Sandraj39 s suggestion ' and she just kept on running ...'Just need to persuade Mr 9389 to put it up for me!!!

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

Sorry to hear you’re having a tough time just now and hope whatever it is gets resolved soon. Sounds like that run was just what you needed to lift your spirits a bit and I hope you feel proud you fought the negative thoughts and came out on top. Fabulous bling 😍 xx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

I did feel pretty proud of myself Sandie. Happy I got the time, but proud that I gave myself a serious kick and responded well enough to take something so good from a bad day 🥰

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Loved reading this run report Linda! Well done on getting there despite life’s trials and tribulations - and congratulations on that super sub 60 time!💪🏅🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thabks Sandra. A bit of a novel as always, but there's no one interested enough at home that I can debrief with 😍

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Nothing wrong with a good novel, Linda!🤣📖

[Runnin-g Half Marathon]

Well done, what a great result 👏🏽

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Runnin-g]

Thank you. I still smile a little whenever I think about it ☺️

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Beautifully written Linda and I’m so happy you decided to go for it in spite of all you have going on. So often we are capable of more than we think. Congrats on your sub 60 time and I do hope life treats you well and things ease up soon.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Decker]

Thanks Decker. Our minds can be so limiting - well mine can anyway!

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

Loved reading your report and also the lovely comments by others 🥰 What a wonderful run, sub 60 despite lack of sleep and not feeling good - you are amazing😀👍 Congratulations

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to skysue16]

Thanks Sue. I agree, it always feels safe and warm here in this community. Whether the content is about the good, the bad or the bloomin' ugly, there's always kind, encouraging and supportive replies 🙏

[Week7 Half Marathon]

Well written and well run. A perfect bed time story with a happy ending. Thank you!!Congratulations on winning that head battle and a brilliant sub 60 10 k.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Week7]

Happy endings are to be cherished. I definitely won that battle 💪

[drl212]

What a great report! Sounds like you were your 'best coach' that CB talks about!

I marshalled for a run at Battersea last week and really enjoyed encouraging the runners and being on the other side. I so appreciate them on runs...

Thanks!!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to drl212]

It is great fun 'on t'other side'. I've marshalled a few times when injured and the atmosphere is great 😊

[Cowladyrunning Marathon]

Congratulations for the sub 60!! I'm sorry you're having a tough time though. Glad running is helpful for this and well done for making this such a positive event.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Thanks CLR. Another good family day today; there are lots of distractions if we stop and look for them 🥰

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

A brilliant, informative, and emotional post linda9389 , and proof that it’s not all rosy in life, but a little bit of stubborn determination can go a long way.

I am sorry you are going through difficult times at the moment, and I hope that running will become a place of sanctuary for everything going on. Take care of yourself in the meantime.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy5 . We take the rough with the smooth and run on !!!!

[Freecloud Marathon]

Great report! I've experienced a good few runs like that, where my headspace was not quite there and sending negative messages. You did very well to conquer it. Excellent

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Freecloud]

It happens very easily doesn't it. I will try to store this one at the front if the memory bank so I can drag it out next time I need a virtual push 😊

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

You are clearly beyond astounding!!! Speedy whizz! Well done to you, first sub 60 minute 10km for a couple of years with mental battles and walks too! Shaking my head in astonishment. Then a 20k easy long run! What are you made of I wonder to myself!? Simply amazing. 🏁🏅🏃‍♀️💪👏🏻💥🎉😊

I am sorry things have been very hard for you recently, but obviously very pleased to read that running is keeping you going. Here's to more injury free enjoyable running. 😊🏃‍♀️

Apologies for my delay in replying, we have been away visiting and back here with visitors staying. Just for comparison I ran with some walking my first 10km for 3 months this morning 1hr 49minutes, 290m elevation gain and average heart rate 131bpm. Ah well at least I am running.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Ahh, I think you are being too kind!

How things change tho - my old injury has made itself very much felt this morning so I find myself back on the edge of the injury precipice, grrr!

A first 10k in 3 months is to be celebrated; how you manage that, with 290m elevation and an average HR of 131, i have no idea. My turn to be in awe 🥰

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Oh! That doesn't sound so good. I hope your injury settles back down really quickly. I am waiting to hear what my knee x-ray tells, but it certainly isn't right, can't bend it fully and if I accidentally do something I shouldn't the pain is awful. Boo! Hence I have been running with a 128bpm heart rate alert to keep be slow and low impact. I chose to turn the heart rate alert off for the last two runs, because I had had enough of it!

My run really didn't feel like a celebration! It included walking in places and was slow even for that route. Really no need at all for any awe!

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon]

Fab race report, fab race, fab running, super-well done. Lovely medal too.

I was impressed too at the water from the Malik family, what a very kind thought.

I've seen something like those finish line friends, there was a team at the Cambridge HM this Spring, I was tucked in behind two ladies who were resolutely run/walking, 2 mins 1 ins I think.... along came the "friends" and made them run in a walk bit, must have messed them right up!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Oh dear yes, that would be enough to frazzle the mind wouldn't it 😍

[Jools2020 Half Marathon]

What a great run report and a fantastic result, well done! 👏👏👏😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Jools2020]

Thabks Jools2020 😍