A much busier week than last and I managed 39k within 4 runs ending with the British 10k on Sunday 14th July.
Run 1
This was the 5th 5k of the Summer Series and my 4th (didn't do Burnham Joggers race due to being a steward for it). The weather is very hot at the moment and I took sips of water throughout the day to ensure I was hydrated.
The race was hosted by Handy Cross Runners at The Rye in Wycombe and this beautiful location made it an excellent route for a race. I had finished quite high in the past 3 races but also suffered sickness after the last two due to over hydration. This I combated and it helped immensely. I started slower than previously and kept about top 20 place. Chris Rose, my main club rival overtook me just before the 1k mark and it stayed that way right until near the finish. I held a steady pace between 1-3k and hit the 4k mark at 15 mins.
The final 400m was in sight and because I had kept on Chris's back the whole way round, I was able to pass him and kick on for a strong finish. I hit my fastest km with 3'21''.
Result. 1st BJ Runner back and possibly top 15
Nike App Result. Distance: 5.04km Time: 18:32 Avg Pace: 3'40''
Run 2
I decided to go out for a medium paced jog in the West Drayton and Heathrow area. This took in the A4 and I crosses the M4 twice.
The fastest km I did was 4'20'' and the slowest was 4'47''
Nike App Result. Distance: 10km Time: 45:27 Avg Pace: 4'32''
Run 3
The longest run on the week and also the slowest. This was with the Burnham Joggers throughout Cliveden which took in one winding hill challenge.
The temperature was still high for an evening run and I wanted to use this as a final training run for Sundays British 10k.
Nike App Result. Distance: 14km Time: 1:07:29 Avg Pace: 4'49''
Run 4
Finally all of the training these past few weeks has accumulated together in preparing myself for today's race.
Being a 9:35 start at Hyde Park Corner, Jo and I had to be up early to travel on the first train of the day and head to Whitehall where all the runners had to walk up to the start line. It was warm at 9:00 and the start line was already packed with runners. Knowing that there were no pens to hold different paced runners in, I had to push my way towards the front. I was shocked at how many people were aiming for a slow time yet seemed to be close to the start and this would impede those wishing for a clean getaway.
15 mins late and after some live singing from Katrina (and the Waves) plus speeches from the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Race Director, the race finally got underway.
The 1st km (4'10'') I spent pushing my way towards the front and was annoyed at how many people were slowly jogging and not caring if they were in the wa of those wanting to post a good time. Yes I do realise its a huge race with lots of fundraisers but that is why you position yourself in a more comfortable start place.
From the 1-5k mark, I cut my avg pace down to 3'40'' and this also brought my race position down to 86th, I slowed down from 6-8k but managed to cut the field down to 74th place. Crossing the Westminster Bridge, I knew I had just under 2k to go and and kicked on to cross the line strongly.
Nike App Result. Distance: 10km Time: 39:43 b 3'58''
Official British 10k results: Chip Time: 39:45 Gun Time: 40:08
Gender position 56th Chip position 61st Gun Position 58th
I was the first runner back for Motor Neurone Disease Association and although it wasn't a PB I am so pleased with my result. I did check the result last night (15th July) which has since been amended but here is a photo of what the official results look like.
Nest week will be a busy one with work and getting ready for my Summer role as Drama Director at Eton College Summer Schools but I am to complete the final 5k of the Summer Series and also the Datchet Dash 10k
FUTURE RACES
Datchet Dashers 5k on 16th July
Datchet Dash 10k 20th July
Wooburn Park 10k on 8th Sept
London Zoo 10k on 15th Sept
Windsor Half Marathon 29th Sept
Henley Half Marathon 13th Oct
MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS BLOG
Remember I am doing this blog to raise awareness and money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and have set up and fundraising page on the virgin money giving site.
Jo's grandad was a hugely popular figure in the local community hence why I am pleased a lot of the running is taking place in areas he knew well.
For anyone wishing to donate please go to the donation page below.
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