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.