Mens Health 10k 2008
I should be really happy. I am, but perhaps for the wrong reasons…
09:55 6.2 miles 39:45
1km 3:45 (6:05 min/mile pace) 2 3:48 (6:08 ) 3 3:53 (6:15) 4 4:01(6:20) 5 4:02 (6:31) 6 4:10 (6:44) 7 3:59 (6:26) 8 4:07 (6:39) 9 4:05 (6:35) 10 3:48 (6:18) Average 6:25 min/miles
I got a PB. I broke 40:00 for the first time. I didn’t smash 40:00 minutes though and get sub 39:00 as planned! I could blame the fact that it’s a surprisingly hilly course, and it would be fair to do so, but I prefer to blame my subconscious!
I didn’t force things up the hills. I didn’t charge past people on the downhills. I pushed hard, and indeed attempted to throw up over the last 100 meters as I made sure I broke 40:00, but I didn’t push as hard as I could have done. Don’t get me wrong, I gave 100%, but if it wasn’t for the devil in my subconscious whispering “WHWR, WHWR…” I would have given 110% …and that’s why I’m happy, I know I’ve done no harm for next week!
So, although happy enough to break 40 minutes, I feel a bit deflated with my time. I shouldn’t, and truth be told the fact that my legs don’t feel remotely tired is a good thing, I just assumed I’d be faster. Just goes to show that we should never assume… makes an ASS out of U and ME and all that!
Anyway, no damage done, and roll on next week and the big race… 95 miles, not 6.2! Special mention should go to Crazyboy rather than me today. He ran 42:20, 1 minute and 13 seconds faster than Thursday night, and just under a minute short of his PB. He is running so well at the moment and improving towards his old self rapidly… PB next time fo’sure!
What does PB stand for Crazyboy? …Proper Bo!
June 16, 2008 at 5:51 am
Good run Neal?!?!?!? Anymore races planned this week? I’m sure there’ll be a hill race on Wednesday somewhere for you to do???
Are you at the club tonight? I’m going but will be taking it easy.
Final week ….
John
June 16, 2008 at 4:01 pm
You’re mental. But a PB is a PB, so huge congratulations.
Joking aside…you’re not really running a hill race on Wednesday? Are you?
Take care and REST.
Ps: I fear you could be getting an ear bashing from the pastor man tonight.
June 16, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Thanks both. No hill race planned but if anyone knows of one…
Just following the words of the mighty Jezz Bragg… ‘reduce overall mileage but maintain intensity’
…I feel great and really ready to race so it must be working for me somehow!!
June 16, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Well done on the PB Neal! The way you’ve been running I doubt it came as too much of a surprise though. Great to run a PB whilst keeping something back too.
I had a similar experience in the Cairn Table hill race. Apparently I beat Tommy Begley who by all accounts is normally a good hill runner. Must have been having an “off” day.
Like you, I was very concious of not wanting to push too hard and held back a bit.
June 16, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Neal, you are obviously in great shape. Not sure if that race was the best idea, you can easily pull a muscle in a fast run, but it has not done you any harm from the looks of it. Good news.
See you on Saturday morning for THE BIG ONE!
June 16, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Well done getting a PB Neal. I can only dream at running with any sort of speed at the moment never mind getting a PB.
Great result and double bonus that you didn’t hurt yourself.
Marco