Title: First Time For Everything

Well it was my first 10k race (at least on my own... I was in the Ragnar with work, but that doesn't really count). Wasn't really sure what to expect, but found all the staff were really friendly and helpful and the setup was nice. I was surprised how many people were there as well. I've only been running since January, and have only done 10k a few times before when training for the relay, but today I was armed with some energetic music and wanted to set out to ty and get to the finish within 50 minutes which would be a new personal best.

The race started and I was immediately overtaken by quite a few people, but that was bound to happen to an amateur. I probably shouldn't have even been anywhere near the starting line, to be honest... And so it began. The first loop I was just finiding my way around. The marshalls were really encouraging and the only bit I didn't like as much was a sharp 180 along the canal, but the rest of the course had some nice parts to it. By the 6th km I already knew I was on track for a new PB and I was going to ease up, but thought to myself I could push on at pace.

Then the knee pain started... I have dodgy knees and I strike close to my heel, so 6k is where it normally starts anyway. Then the fatigue. That last loop was agonising. Trying to keep my pace and push myself to that new PB, running through the pain and trying to adjust my strike to more of a forefront one. It worked to a point. By the 9th km the pain had gone, or at least become duller and more ignorable. The finish line was close and whilst it wasn't possible to muster a sprint, I kept pace and as I crossed the line and saw the clock read 45 minutes and a few seconds, I knew that I'd smashed my previous record.

That was a very happy moment for me. Someone who's gone from zero to a 45 minute 10k in 9 months, lost 35kg in weight and initially hated running with a passion (which, I discovered, was down to only running on treadmills) I was now addicted. The email result came in, I've never felt prouder of myself and immediately signed up to the November run and the 5k Hallowe'en race. I started blogging my runs and have actually been fairly good at keeping it up to date as well. Running has changed my life for the better and I can't wait until my next race day.

Title: First 10K

Great experience and sense of accomplishment running my first 10K.

A well organised event at the QE Olympic Park.

Title: 1st race in England!!!

Emotional  and proud!   Our family on my Mums side are West Ham United fans!!
     Surreal  running around the stadium with my brother.  Well running behind him!!!
Well done. Thank you to the lovely woman volunteer who gave me  loads of crisps