After resuming my running at the end of July this year after taking a break from running for 7 months due to a nasty knee injury, the Run the River 10k was my 1st 10k race for almost a year. I am slowly trying to get my running mojo back. It’s been a long road filled with ups and down but I am determined to regain my fitness (slow) step at a time.
You’d think after so long away I’d be chomping at the bit-to-pin on a bib number again. Don’t get me wrong, I was buzzing with nervous excitement but I was also apprehensive having run 5 miles at the Hyde Park only 3 days earlier during the Comets Running Club annual club champs. My lets were still stiff. I must admit the Comets Club Champs was a bit rude awakening fitness-wise as prior to the Club Champs, I was only running on the treadmill at the gym and taking part in my local Park Run events which is only 3 miles. It was also my first time in almost a year running 5 miles continuously. Therefore, I knew it was going to be a struggle. After doing the 1st lap, my legs were tired and I still had another lap to going. I somehow managed to shoulder on and drag myself to the finish in 55’23” with a split time of 10’47” a mile – a time which I would have turned my nose up at before but one I was quietly pleased with given my lengthy break from running. The 5 miler on Thursday took a lot out of me both physically and mentally. Lactic acid coursed through my quads leaving me stiff and sore which lasted till Sunday morning. It was not an ideal pre-race preparation for the Run the River 10k, which involved tougher terrains with a number of inclines and declines on the course while we need to run up to the bridge to cross to the other side of the canal plus there is about half a mile where we run on a very overgrown grass surface.
So, here came Sunday morning, my legs still weary from the 5 miler. I was in 2 minds – go, or don’t go. But a small voice in my head piped up: “You should be grateful that you have recovered from your injury and can get back to running. Think about other people who have to retire from running permanently…” By that point, I shoved down some breakfast, donned my running gear and drove to the Lee Valley Athletics Centre. It was inspiring to be competing at the same venue used by the Team GB’s elite athletes in the like of Sir Mo Farah and Hayley Tullet. I was in esteemed company if only I could borrow some of their speed!!
I took my time warming up, gently coaxing my tired legs back to life. At least it wasn’t raining. It was at least a small mercy as it would be very slippery along the canal towpath in wet weather.
My first couple of miles ticked by relatively smoothly. I maintained sub 11 minute a mile pace and fell into a steady rhythm but my muscular endurance just wasn’t there. I then slipped to over 11 minutes a mile pace. I tried to up my pace but failed miserably. After the half way mark, I really struggled to run upward to the bridge and on the grass surface. I kept glancing at my watch only to be disheartened by the pace: 11’30”, 11’45, 12’01”…. I was fading fast. Digging deep I managed to pick it up a little but my legs had turned to lead. I crossed the finish line in 1:10’43” with an average split time of 11’17”.
I’m trying not to be too hard on myself. Yes, it was a lot slower than I’d have liked but considering my lack of training and lack of fitness, simply completing a 10k distance without stopping was an achievement in itself. Completing two races in the space of within 72 hours is also a motivation for myself. The old me would have managed that pre-injury. While I am disappointed with my time, there are positives to take away too. I am back to running. A few months ago, that seemed an impossible mission so this is most definitely an achievement in my book. I also love being back amongst the buzz of race day as it has reignited my passion for running.
I’ve already got my next race in the diary. I hope to do a bit better in my next event. I have signed up the Hyde Park Serpentine New Year’s Day 10k on 1st January 2024. The pancake flat course will (hopefully) play to my strengths and help me nip sub 1:10’
Fingers crossed the running gods are kind to me! 🏃♂️🌍🎉🏃♂️🌍🎉
