Tidworth 10k - Post Race Report

I only had two beers last night, and was in bed by 11pm in preparation for the next day. When I awoke at 8am I made myself scrambled eggs on toast, leaving enough time for it to go down before the race.

I was excitingly nervous on the journey up to Tidworth, eagerly anticipating what would lie ahead.

The weather was kind and the sun was beaming down on us by the time we got there. The morning dew still lay on the grass and the air was crisp and fresh.

We arrived about 9.30am and watched the 3k fun run at 10am. Leading the winning crowd of the 3k were all pre teen boys. It was quite amazing how fast they were!

The 3k race finished quite quickly and I got ready for the 10k by pinning my race number to my shirt. After a brief warm up the countdown begun!

Chillingly waiting for the race to begin.

5...4...3...2...1... and off we all went!

I began near the back of the race pack and started off slow an steady. But round the first corner I soon found myself overtaking other runners not keeping up with my pace. The crowd soon dispersed and I found myself overtaking more and more people, especially on the down hills where I zoomed past everyone else!

The high point on the run was Sidbury Hill. I first saw it coming over the brow of another hill, and saw the long line of runners making their way up. I flew down this hill and started my ascent.

I managed to keep running and overtaking the odd runner for about three quarters of the way up, when I decided to walk the last bit up and avoid a big lactic acid build up in my legs!

More down hills once again, then it was full circle and back along the route we came through on the way up. Back through the army camp we turned on to new ground for the last couple of km.

My legs were feeling a little tired. I knew I was nearly there but the last km was dragging. I felt this run was quicker than what I had done before, but couldn't be certain.

I turned the last corner and raced on to the field with the finish line in sight. My adrenaline rushed, a short down hill before the finishing straight. My legs kept going and I sprinted towards the finish line. Eyes fixed on the clock, I saw the seconds first, then focussed on the minutes....

53m11s. A new personal best for me. I also achieved my fastest 5k distance on the course as well. Bonus!

It was a great experience, and I'm sure it won't be my last.

Post race - not my most flattering angle!

Cerian and I spent the afternoon in the pub, where we both had a mega bacon and cheese burger. Just what I needed!