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Just back from this race. Man was it cold to begin with, must have been nearer 0′C with the brisk wind.
Great race setup and all credit to the organisers – would definitely do it again even though I don’t really like doing loop courses.
Was aiming for around 1hr 47-50min with the training/injuries I’ve had recently and was more than happy with 1hr 44min. Had a tight calf which kept the pace down in the first 10K, bit it loosened up in the second half.
What Worked
Planning the kit out the night before – so much less stress in the morning
The usual – getting there early. This is my usual tactic, but I gotta say it works. Aim to get to the venue at least 1hr before the start.
Practising drinking while on the move. It is a bit of an art drinking while running and your stomach also has to learn to cope with it. Learn to have regular drinks when training and try and keep to this in the race.
What Didn’t
Ran a 12 mile training session a week before was fine at more or less race pace – great prep. However I tried a little too hard on a 10k session 4 days before and ended up straining a calf muscle. lesson 1 – take it easy the week before a race.
Drink stations. Never really taken this into consideration before. Took some of my own gels and used them up hoping to supplement it with stuff from the course – however it didn’t really synch up and spent far too long without the proper hydration.
Tried racing in the same kit as in training but ended up being too hot. Most of the outdoor training runs have been in the evening when it’s been colder. It’s a mistake I’ve made in the past and my rule of thumb is now to have a layer less than you think.
Looking forward to the rest of the season.
Just ran the race and although I enjoyed it and the weather was great (almost too hot!), I’m disappointed in my overall time. Why? well a few lessons are to be learnt;
- Don’t take 5K times as an indicator of possible 10K times. Even using the Runners World predictor, what should have been a possible 41:21min time (based on my recent 5K times) ended up a 45:02min one. It must also be said that these times on a treadmill are far faster than in outside conditions.
- Don’t try and run a 5K time trial 4 days before. Didn’t feel the ‘buzz’ on the day – possibly due to the extra effort in putting out a new PB (for this season anyway).
- Don’t eat (for me anyway) several slices of toast as a pre match breakfast – stick with porridge (stitch at 6K).
That said some of my other habits did work out well;
- Moving as far as possible (as you dare!) to the start before the gun. Shuffling past all those slower runners REALY slows you down in the first 1K. Getting as far ahead has got to be beneficial. Looking back at my London Marathon – trying to get past all those slower runners takes it out of you.
- Getting to the venue 1hr before the off, get’s you ahead in the toilet line.
- Getting up at least 3hrs before the off, get’s things working earlier (if you know what I mean!).
- Double knotting shoe laces works – saw at least 4 people stop in the race to re-tie theirs.
The only thing that spoilt the race was £1 for the baggage tent. It’s a bit rich when you’ve already paid £21
