Bradford Epilepsy Action 10k today. I’d earmarked this as a potential PB when I entered, but don’t want to push it now with the dodgy hamstring. I always seem to have an excuse for underperforming in a 10k and today is no exception.
We set off on a cold but crisp morning, a great improvement on yesterday. For some reason I’m underdressed; it looked a lot warmer out the bedroom window than it is in reality. When we get there I take an age to get ready and am reluctant to strip down to my running kit. I even manage a last minute toilet stop as I try to avoid running. I set off quite far back down the field and soon we’re doing the completely unnecessary up and down the hill bit. I set off slowly – 4:30 then 4:20 and 4:10. I’m going past people gradually and although I’m aware of the hamstring it’s not threatening to stop me.
It’s an out and back and all too soon the fast guys are coming back; don’t recognise any of the leaders except Will who’s looking strong. I don’t spot Adrian but see Andy Hudson, Claire and Ian who are all going fast and are further in front of me than I would have wanted. I must be going round with my eyes closed as I miss the 5k and 6k markers. I’m going past people all the way to the final kilometre with only one guy coming past me. I pass Dave from parkrun (not that Dave!) who tells me he’s saving something for Sport Relief later and catch Ian with about 500m to go. I get dangerously close to what passes for a sprint, but have to rein myself in as my hamstring protests and I hold on for a chip time of 41:51 – 82nd out of 928 finishers and 6th over 50. Liz does a respectable 1:01:30 which is close to her PB.
The event was really well organised with lots of marshals from St Bedes, Eccleshill and the other Bradford clubs. Thanks to everyone who shouted encouragement; I wasn’t always aware who was shouting, but it certainly helped.
As ever, I’m knackered for the rest of the day.
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