Great West 5k

I arrived pretty early as the person who took me up there, was doing the HM which started elsewhere.

After finally finding some toilets, we were called over for briefing. We were asked that we observe a 1 minute round of applause. Last year, a man sadly passed away during GWR.

And then we were off. Despite starting fairly close to the front, I wasn't passed by that many people during the first km.

The second km came and I'd been passed by many people. On the second lap, (2 laps of 2.5km) I was stuck behind some people who were walking and using all the pavement and there was no way to pass them. Please, if you're going to do that, move out the way to let others past. I looked at my watch which said I'd done the first lap in around 18 minutes - just a bit higher than my target time of 35 minutes.

By the time I was starting my second lap, I could see people finishing the race and the crowd were cheering people on.

I had now reached the third km and felt a slight pull in my knee.:'( Not wanting to pull out, (don't want another DNF) I decided to carry on, knowing that we only had 2km to go.

KM 4 came and at this point, we saw loads of people cheering others on. I also realised that for the first time since Plymouth 10k, I wouldn't be last!

Almost at the finishing line now. Knee was playing up slightly. Not wanting to walk across the finish line, I decided that I would run the rest.

Came across the finish line to be greeted by a crowd and the announcer person calling out my number.:)

We were then given t-shirts and medals. Not that keen on the medal, it's a bit, well, bland.

Very well organised I thought. Not sure if I'll be doing it next year - not that keen on laps.

Chip time - 36:50, Cat pos. 19.

No London 10k for me

Ok, the plan is to do 12 races in 12 months. Originally, I had planned to do the London 10k at the end of May.

Unfortunately, I was having injury trouble and hadn't trained enough to even think about running this weekend.

The Tuesday before, I was at club doing hills. I managed 1km before I felt something go in both knees. I was told by my coach to stop running and that I shouldn't run that weekend. As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. I've only had one pain free run since Great West on May 6th.

I went up to London that weekend anyway; as I'd paid for travel and hotel. It was so hot. I am glad that I didn't run. The weather for running was awful. It was bad enough just walking around; let alone running 10k!

Maybe next year...

No half marathon for me

I've spent the last 3 weeks training for the Torbay half marathon at the end of June.

Unfortunately, during the Great West 5k last Sunday, (race report will follow later) I felt the back of my click and it started hurting.

I decided that there would be no running on Tuesday and would see how I was on the Wednesday. I was ok. I then went out on Thursday and at around the 3 mile mark, my knee clicked again and hurt a lot.

I went out for a run yesterday and managed 400 meters before it started protesting.

I hope I'm ok for the London 10,000 in 2 weeks times.