Having written about getting my hopes up about running in this event a few days ago, it’s quite nice to be able to sit here writing about the actual thing and not feel in any way disappointed. I mean, I’d have liked to run slightly faster, but in reality I’m totally satisfied with the time I achieved and the way I ran.
It was an early Sunday wake up to get out to Pontefract and then a rush to the start to pick up my number and get stretched and ready for a 9am start to the race. It was also one of those days where I curse my build; my skinny little legs really don’t enjoy the cold! Still, as we were counted down and the clock clicked over to 9am, the sun had just about come out.
Pontefract is a hilly course and although I’ve now done it five times, I had still forgotten just how hilly that actually was. I was fully prepared for the two big hills that follow on straight after the halfway point. I knew they’d be a slog, I knew that my legs would be like jelly by the time I reached the top and so I was okay with that. However, after that more hills just seemed to keep on coming and as positive as I tried to keep, I was actively swearing at them by the time I reached what turned out to be the last one! And yes, I know that swearing at hills won’t achieve anything, but believe me, somehow it helped!
My plan for the race was just to stay positive and determined and to keep checking on my pace. I had it in mind that I could afford some 9+ minute miles, but that in the main, I had to be running more of the 8 minute kind if I could. I suppose it’s not rocket science. I was also aware that some of those hills might take me above 10 minute mile pace and I really couldn’t afford that, even briefly.
The first half of the race went better than planned, although I did go out far more quickly than I’d wanted for my first mile. But by the time we turned to head towards the finish for the second half and those hills hit, my plan was coming slightly undone. The sun was also now firmly fixed in the sky and it was getting a little bit hot. There was nothing else for it than to grit my teeth and just keep plodding on, staying as close to those I’d been using to pace me as possible.
For the second time running in a 10k I missed the water station, which was a bit of a disaster. I did ask if there was another further on and was told ‘yes’, but it turned out that they meant that there were two other volunteers just across the road. And I missed them too!
By the time I’d got myself to the final mile or so I was parched. However, I’d had an energy gel – the first time I’ve used one, disgusting by the way – and so just kept on going. The plan was to attack that final mile, but usually I’m not capable until around the latter part! However, today I’d found another gear pretty much instantly.
Much of the final stretch at Pontefract is downhill, which means you can pick up some pace if there’s any energy left. I wanted to be running somewhere in the 7+ minute mile pace, but I was still a little surprised to see just how quick I was going; I was close to 6 minute pace. And the added bonus was that by the time I spotted my wife and son at the roadside I felt like I was really travelling! In my head I must’ve looked great, but I’m sure their eyes would tell you something very different!
At the bottom of that final hill you almost turn back onto yourself and into Pontefract park towards the finish, which you guessed it, is up a slight hill! I must admit to feeling knackered at this point but I just kept pushing myself to keep that sprint finish going. And with spectators on either side of the course cheering you on, it’s really pretty cool provided you’re not in a complete mess!
In the end I clocked in for a 55 minute run. That much hoped for 54 wasn’t too far off and where usually I might beat myself up about missing out, today I was just happy to get around a tricky course and feel like there wasn’t a great deal more that I could have given.
I bumped into a couple of old friends afterwards once I’d met up with my family again, so that put an added sheen on the day. Both had run way quicker than me, but both also said how tough they’d found the course. Maybe it wasn’t just me swearing at those hills then!
Same time next year? Why the hell not!
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