Owls Count

I knew, from my recent 10 mile races, that I had the opportunity to take several minutes off my PB and that a time of 1:35 was possible. However, I also knew that it would require hard work towards the end – I have done very few runs of over 10 miles this year. So my plan was to go off with the 1:35 pacer.

As I live in Reading, I decided that I would not turn up early but, instead, go straight to the start. On the way down to the start I meet one of my former teachers. His son was running. I nearly misjudged the journey to the start – I forgot how crowded and slow the last part of the trip would be. By the time I had had a toilet stop I was lined up, just behind the 1:35 pacer, with only a handful of minutes to spare. (So, maybe, that means my pre-race was spot on!)

7:36
The first mile was the usual crowded affair. Too many people for the early corners. I keep close to the pacer and take care with my running. A slightly slow first mile, but there was some uphill and it was well within expectations.

7:22
Settling into a comfortable pace. The amount of people means that the pacer is a little way in front of me, but I am running well and feel comfortable.

20:38
The start of these three miles includes a sharp uphill. We went past the three mile marker, which I take note of while failing to take the mile split. I keep my pace strong as we go through the university and take on some water. On heading out of the university, and not noticing the four mile marker, I put in some effort and on the downhill I catch back to the pacer. On getting to the pacer, at exactly the five mile point, he comments that they are a little ahead of schedule.

7:04
The pacer slows down and I slow as well. However, I reassess this after 100m and decide that I can maintain the previous pace and I work away from the pacer.

7:18
Shortly into this mile we go through 10k and they have a clock out at that point. I realise that I have gone through 10k at a faster pace than my current 10k PB – I guess there may be a PB coming up at that distance soon!

7:15
Uphill at the start of the mile past the pub. I keep the pace strong going up the hill and power off the top.

7:16
I am starting to feel the early pace, but keep pushing to maintain the speed.

7:03
There is some downhill, which allows me to keep a quick pace. I finish the mile and realise that I have gone through 10 miles well inside my PB.

7:15
We turn onto the long stretch down the A33. I am really struggling to keep moving well, but manage to keep the pace strong.

7:54
My pace starts to drop. I want to be going faster, but this is as fast as I can go. However, I realise that I just have to keep moving forward to get the PB.

7:32
We are close to the finish and I get the pace up a bit, but it is still slow.

0.37
Sprint finish. I overtake a few people inside the stadium. There should always be a good sprint finish!

On finishing I felt very tired and came close to falling over. It was a real struggle to keep moving. Eventually I continue on and then spend nearly an hour locating my support crew, who had my clothes, food, money, keys, and phone.

Then it was home, for pizza and a shower. Overall, I am really pleased with my run. I ran well.