Race number 2 of the year Siglion Sunderland City 10k
Race day arrived this morning woke up with the usual mix of nervous excitement wondering can I do this today? I feel tired blah blah anyway I knew I could so made my way to Sunderland
Now Sunderland 10k an event I have volunteering at for the last couple of years (once at stadium of light then last year at its new home of Keel Square) both occasions it rained this year marginally better a few spots on the way there and in tail end of race anyway moving on this year it was my first time actually taking part in this race.
Arrived with tonnes of time to spare the parking location I chose wasn't as busy as I had imagined it to be.
Then did a warmup run to Keel Square just to let my muscles know that something was going to happen.
Caught up with some friends wishing them luck (both 10k and half)
Went to the assembly area but knew it was going to be a longer wait to get going as the earlier kids race was delayed due to a car on the course. 10am came and went and after what seemed like an eternity just after about 10:15 away we went.
I set out with the aim of run to feel, whatever was going to happen would happen, whatever time I would get I would get. Knowing my 1:13:10 pb may be unrealistic to beat today i set out with the aim of seeing what happened and how I felt.
Set off to cheers from fellow Tyne Bridge harriers members watching the 10k before their half marathon set off gave me a boost but I set off comfortably as quite crowded at the start.
Official finish time 1:17:23
Mile 1 11:16
First mile winded round the streets of Sunderland busy in places so took some gaps on the paths and just kept it steady. 1st mile ended at a water station decided to skip water at this point as felt ok and was on wrong side of road and was focused on my steady pace
Mile 2 11:11
Spent this mile keeping it steady and wondering am I on the right route where's the bridge? Should I not be seeing it by now but surely enough turned a corner saw the bridge at the top of a hill and focussed on it keeping my rhythm going and determination not to stop for a brak. I succeeded
Crossed wearmouth bridge plenty of people supporting.
The end of mile took my breath away a lovely downhill section down to the river loved this hill and finished this mile strong
Mile 3 12:35
In awe of the view of the scenery I carried on strongly but made decision to grab some water at the water station. I loved the water pouches instead of bottles so much easier and better for the environment too.
Following the river I then wasn't prepared for the climb up from the river
Made the decision to walk this one till it flattened in the view that it may pay off later.
What went up then came down to a spectacular view of the marina after high 5ing a Marshall fantastic Marshall support finished that mile strongly
A quick time check roughly 36 minutes at 5k I knew it would be hard work to beat 1:13
Mile 4 13:29
Ahhhh the sea roker pier fantastic I just love running by the sea enjoyed it so much my pace slowed and I was encouraging others
Had to take hat off (again) too windy for hats today
Arrived at roker park had been warned of the hill again decided to walk whilst having some more water from water station. Followed by a few more walk breaks.
Mile 5 12:32
Decided at about 49 minutes there was a slight chance of pb but I had to work for it. I didn't acre at this point I was having a lovely run so scenic and stunning time wasn't everything exiting the park I picked up pace and saw the sea had a burst of energy carried on at a steady pace encouraging other runners
Mile 6 13:23
First half of this mile I was steadily running along felt good headed down a hill but then realised after going along after the downhill that an uphill was coming, at 5.5 miles i could tell today wasn't the day I didn't care I decided I would then be happy with sub 80 walked up the hill and was encouraging others could see the Bridge again in the distance and gave what I had left
The last 0.27 2:59
Arrived at the bridge where hours earlier I had ran it as warmup and knew I only had 400m to go saw some people from my club encouraging me
I kept this steady really I hadn't looked at watch much in this race and I would finish when I finished
The home straight lots of support including friends and club runners shouting my name I feel I finished strong and put hands up in the air.
Moments later I was bursting with pride as running ninja friend Helen finished her 10k battling demons she has faced gave her a hug could tell she was emotional
We ninja friends then formed a ninja queue where ninja cath was volunteering giving out medals
I then went to the finish after getting goody bag to wait for my mum to finish and watch the remaining 10k Finishers and cheer friends finishing the half marathon.
I then saw Aly Dixon and Paula Radcliffe racing to finish the half, aly just popping Paula to the post
After a while we got cold at moved towards the bridge as was waiting for my friend Debbie to finish and on cue I saw Debbie decided to run back towards the finish with her as my cool down as felt she could use the encouragement
So until the next race technically relays on Wednesday coming
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