People who know me here, probably remember my excitement about every new run I plan, and how I am thrilled to estimate my finishing time. It just give me sense that I'm moving in the right direction, no matter how slow.
On Sunday, April 15th, in Hilversum was organized Hilvesum City Run where I was running 10km. My first 10km race
Before I describe that day in short, I have to tell that I was really nervous for days before the event.
Once, I had kind of small injury (10 days before the race). Slight pain from heel over knee to the hip (right leg). It was very hard to define what exactly hurts, because the same movements didn't always cause the same amount of pain. Very strange... I tried one day with walking (10km) and next day I waked up with terrible pain in my right calf. It was really hard to walk or to stand on that leg. That was 7 days before the race, and I became kind of frustrated and really afraid of what could happen if I force during the race day.
In those days I thought : what if my legs "forget" to run, but I had no other option then rest and stretch.
I did some stretching through the day everyday, and skipped next 3 trainings and that actually helped. In 7 days before the race, I ran only once...
Before the injury that I mentioned, my plan and wish was to finish the race within 58' . But, even if my leg recovered, I changed my plans, because it was warm and the air was somehow heavy. And, also, there were a lot of people, I just set realistic goal, to finish the race in one hour.
I went to Hilversum by bike (6km). And, again, I almost came late there. It is my big, big minus...I make pressure where there is no reason. I didn't find so nice starting position, so I already knew there would be a big difference between bruto and netto time.
The race started at 12 o'clock.
In first 4 km my pace was between 5' 44" and 5' 55" per km, which made me more confident that I will finish the race on time. I was so focused on pace, that I didn't even pay attention to supporters, musicians and also I didn't even look behind or aside to see other people who were racing, too. .I was only thinking about the pace, pace, pace... It is not that I didn't enjoy the surroundings. I was only afraid that if I do any other interaction, that may distract me and make me slower. What a nerd I am sometimes. I really regret being so dorky.
Here is how the route looked like. It was actually 2 rounds of 5km.
5th kilometer was kind of difficult. It was warm, my heart rate raised a bit, and again I had problem to keep my breathing balanced. It was just a bit annoying, but I didn't want to risk, because it was only half job done, so I slowed down a bit.
Second part of the race was challenging. I was thirsty. There were people offering water, and once I took it, but it was impossible to run and drink, so I just tried to forget about being thirsty. Pace in that time 5' 57".
Last km was even worse... I couldn't wait to reach the finish line. Last 500m seemed so long. In one moment it crossed my mind to stop. Oh, no, noo....I had to get together to myself... I started to think and ask myself : If I stop now, how would I ever run half marathon in June if the weather becomes even warmer?
Finally! I crossed the line with bruto time 58'43 " (58' 13" netto time).
Take a look what a beautiful two sided medal I've earned :)
Thanks to inaccurate GPS and according to Strava, it looks like I ran only 9.7km. Also, it looked like I made cuts and ran over houses. I wish i could..
And, there's me..Happy after all :)
Next running events:
May: Naarden, Wallenloop 14.5km
June: Amersfoort, half marathon
Let's see what will happen!
Happy to be a part of Runningprotect community