On Sunday, I took part in the Paisley 10k. The first 10k race I've done in 5 years (and only the 2nd race since I started running again). To say I was nervous was an understatement.
Previously, before a race, I was a bag of nerves, and probably a real pain in the arse to be round. This time was no different. Prior to lining up, I was in the square with Karen, stomach a knot of nerves, asking her to remind me why I was doing this. Her reply - "Because you love it once you get started."
She's right. Once the race actually starts and I'm under way, the nerves give way, and I really enjoy myself.
For part of the race, I had caught up with a friend Rhona, who runs for Westies, and it was good to run along with someone I knew, until I dropped back a bit, going along the cycle path, back towards the town. She warned me about a 1/2 mile incline prior to getting back onto the main street, and the finish in the square, so I wanted to make sure I didn't burn out and end up walking part of the route. I had to prove to myself that I could race 10k again after my long lay-off.
I was happy to find that I did manage to run the whole way, and had enough left in the tank for a pretty decent sprint finish, that brought me in with a time of 52:52. almost 13 minutes slower than my pb, but there has been a 5 year gap, so I've totally cuffed with my time, and it gives me a benchmark to work from and improve on.
If everything goes right, I'm planning to re-join my old club Bellahouston Road Runners, once I get some more regular longer runs under my belt.
Previously, before a race, I was a bag of nerves, and probably a real pain in the arse to be round. This time was no different. Prior to lining up, I was in the square with Karen, stomach a knot of nerves, asking her to remind me why I was doing this. Her reply - "Because you love it once you get started."
She's right. Once the race actually starts and I'm under way, the nerves give way, and I really enjoy myself.
For part of the race, I had caught up with a friend Rhona, who runs for Westies, and it was good to run along with someone I knew, until I dropped back a bit, going along the cycle path, back towards the town. She warned me about a 1/2 mile incline prior to getting back onto the main street, and the finish in the square, so I wanted to make sure I didn't burn out and end up walking part of the route. I had to prove to myself that I could race 10k again after my long lay-off.
I was happy to find that I did manage to run the whole way, and had enough left in the tank for a pretty decent sprint finish, that brought me in with a time of 52:52. almost 13 minutes slower than my pb, but there has been a 5 year gap, so I've totally cuffed with my time, and it gives me a benchmark to work from and improve on.
If everything goes right, I'm planning to re-join my old club Bellahouston Road Runners, once I get some more regular longer runs under my belt.
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