My biggest target of the year is to get through 2018 without being hospitalised. I am winning on that front, so far, so I should be satisfied just to turn up and race Telford 10km, without a broken thumb or busted knee.
But, mehhh, in the week leading up to the race I am not feeling the way I should. Bit flat and heavy in training. I always struggle with my weight at this time of year. When I’m working outside all day, the cold wind goes right through the bones, I get home craving chocolate biscuits and sugary tea. Not just cos I’ve been cold all day, but because I will be cold again all day tomorrow.
Tuesday night is the last sharpener before race day. We do a km time trial. Perfect weather, 3min should feel easy, but it doesn’t. I am slow all week and can’t shake it off. I gently starve myself to lose a few pounds, but it doesn’t help.
Telford 10k is super fast and super loaded. The first mile is downhill and it is very easy to hammer too hard, then pay for it later. After running 30.42 back in August, I had been hoping for 30.30 here. I realise I am going to have to temper those expectations down to anything sub 31. In such a high quality field, this means I’m likely to get my arse kicked, but I’m old enough and ugly enough to be well used to that.
I drive over early on Sunday morning, it takes me 2hrs in the van, instead of the 90min that Google Maps promised. I am getting changed into running kit when one of Jim’s SpiderMan socks falls out of my tracksuit. I think to myself; how nice it would be to be back at home, by the fire, reading Spiderman comics with him. I realise then, that my head is not really up for this.
In my warm up I try and get my brain in gear, I have been targeting this race since Snowdonia Marathon, wake up! We set off. It is wet and slippery and breakneck, I let the front runners get away from me, and try to think of this as a 5km race, just cruise the first half, then work the 2nd. When I reach halfway in 15.26 (which is quite a good time for a 5km, would win most parkruns comfortably) some guy shouts out that I am in 100th place. 100th?! It is a classic ‘LAUGH OR CRY’ moment. I haven’t really hurt myself up to this point, but my head has decided ‘we are not pushing today’, and I can’t snap out of it.
The race takes place on tight paths, through woods, with puddles and leaves on the ground, and high trees lining the way. We are all hemmed in very close, there is nowhere to hide if you drop out. Lots of guys are dropping out, paying for the fast start. I am also catching quite a few, so I carry on.
We turn a cone for the last time, and as we run through a puddle, the water splashes into my face. It actually wakes me up, I realise I’m in a race, and decide to work for it. My last mile is my fastest (4.46) and I enjoy getting the better of people all the way to the finish line, but it is too little too late. I cross the line knowing I could have given more. It has been a long year of racing for me, and I just couldn’t keep focused enough to give this race the respect it deserves.
I end up finishing 63rd, in 31.17. Hard to know what to make of it, not bad considering I was down in 100th place at one point, and it is my fastest road 10km of the year. But still, 63rd!? Not letting that happen again. However, I always enjoy racing here, it is a fantastic event, impeccably organised. Also it’s a perfect opportunity to share stories with friends on the warm up/ warm down.
Non-running related highlight of the week
Going to the Christmas fair in Blaenau with the family, sitting down with mulled wine while the kids run around.
Best thing on the internet this week:
Thing I’m digging this week:
| 03/12/2018 | AM | PM |
| Monday | REST | 8tm @6min miling |
| Tuesday | REST | 1km in 3min. 5 x 200m in 31 (200m jog). 1 x 200m in 27 |
| Wednesday | REST | 6tm @6min miling |
| Thursday | REST | 8. 5 x 200m strides |
| Friday | REST | 6tm @ 7min miling |
| Saturday | REST | REST |
| Sunday | Telford 10km. 31.17.63rd. 10 miles total | |
| 44 miles total |
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I always enjoy reading your blogs. As a long-retired runner who still misses it after 20+ years, I love the insight into how a race panned out by someone who actually took part. I only ever see a race unfold if I’m in the lead car (Snowdonia marathon, Caerphilly etc.), but more and more races use a lead bike and Telford is traffic-free. This one was even more interesting as I was there! Have a great Christmas and New Year and see you at a race soon.
Fab effort and great to read a blog that says how things actually are! You don’t gloss over the “not quite with it” feeling, so full credit to you for gaining 37 places over 5km! Waaaaaay faster than I will ever be too!