Although I had clearly stated my intention to run my first ever sub 40 minute 10k at the City of Salford race (with ‘just’ 31 seconds to shave off my We Love Manchester 10k time), I had to revise this plan. As such, I started today feeling genuinely justified with my head-injury related decision (I say that as I mean it really wasn’t one of those runner’s excuses I’ve previously decried) that this was not a realistic goal and that following a rather off-piste week (see yesterday’s blog for more on that little adventure!) I was lucky to even be running it, let alone attempting any sparkling performances.
If this had been a film of course, I’d have sailed over the finish line in the face of such handicap, probably in slow motion and to the gentle rhythm of an uplifting soundtrack, perfectly timed to a soaring crescendo as I demonstrated that humans are capable of achieving their dreams if only they really believe in them. I’d have then continued to run, straight into a burning building, rescued a granny and promptly handed over my fresh medal to cheer up a crying baby before discovering that I’d actually come first and pulled off a course record. I’d then have been abducted by aliens, flayed, lightly broiled and absorbed through a semi-permeable facial membrane for dinner. Hey, I like odd films, OK?
If this had been a film of course, I’d have sailed over the finish line in the face of such handicap, probably in slow motion and to the gentle rhythm of an uplifting soundtrack, perfectly timed to a soaring crescendo as I demonstrated that humans are capable of achieving their dreams if only they really believe in them. I’d have then continued to run, straight into a burning building, rescued a granny and promptly handed over my fresh medal to cheer up a crying baby before discovering that I’d actually come first and pulled off a course record. I’d then have been abducted by aliens, flayed, lightly broiled and absorbed through a semi-permeable facial membrane for dinner. Hey, I like odd films, OK?
| Well, it'll come as no surprise to learn that I didn’t run sub 40 and I didn’t even PB. I didn’t get abducted and eaten by aliens either though so it’s not all bad. I did actually manage to run the course faster than I did in 2013, with a chip time of 42.31 as opposed to last year’s 43.45. Funnily enough, last year I had prepared much better, hadn’t had a spate of silly accidents in the preceding month and felt like I’d achieved something pretty amazing. Funny how your perspective changes! | 
Results
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Simon and I exchange post-race congratulations... and a bit of sweat.
| Actually the best thing about today, as always, was the people. I bumped into two friends (one of whom I hadn’t even known was running) before I’d even got to the start line and as one of these has been battling with injuries recently herself, if was really good to see her there and good to go. Shortly after we set off, I was particularly delighted to be joined by my now frequent, but always unplanned race buddy, Simon who coasted up alongside me and teasingly chided me for not saying hello as I went past! Running comfortably at a similar pace (especially at he start which seemed more crowded than last year), we had a good chat and he made me laugh when he pointed out that although last year we’d been delayed by 15 minutes as we waited for the trams to stop, this year we’d been delayed for 5 while we waited for the tram replacement bus. That’s the Britain we all know and love. After allowing him to sorely tempt me with the Oldham Half Marathon in October (Hmmm, decisions, decisions!), I decided it was time to focus and run my race. At 3k, I wished him well and moved off. Though I watched him just slightly ahead of me for a while I must’ve over taken again at some point so I suppose the ticking off for failing to wave can stand after all! |
Thankfully, the weather was good and despite a grim looking start this morning, the sun was shining by the time we set off and there was very little wind. Surprisingly, I found most of the people I was looking for at the end too, despite the crowds. Yesterday, during the UKRunChat challenge, I spoke with Joe about positive speech patterns and how powerful these can be. For example, saying ‘I am going to stay relaxed’ is a much better way of getting that outcome than saying ‘I am not going to get stressed’ , which in a way reaffirms the potential negative. For this reason, round about kilometre 8, when it started to feel hard and a niggly headache crept in, I stopped myself quickly when I started to think to tell myself that I was going to run as hard as I could despite my recent accidents. Instead, I started to muse that I was going to enjoy being as strong as I am and run well for today. I genuinely think that helped make a difference as I don’t remember what happened to the headache but it wasn’t there by the time I finished. The cheers of the crowd always help too, especially when people recognise the club shirt and you get a good strong ‘Go on Salford!’ (Actually, it was a Salford Harrier who took second place!). I’m still a little confused with regards to the identity of the sun-glass wearing cyclist who shouted ‘Go on Annabeth!’ twice along the route but it was nice to be recognised and it did provide a bit of impetus!
All in all a good and an enjoyable race, even if not a perfect one. Most importantly, I finished strong and following a worrying week when I was beginning to feel concerned that I’d really gone and broken myself good and proper this time, I’ve still got enough enthusiasm to be musing over that next race date. Since there’s nothing now in the diary until London next April, I think I had better get on the case and sort that out! Oldham Half you say..? Hmmmm…
