Great North 10KM:
This year’s Great North 10KM was always part of my plans for this year but has seemed to sneak up on me and has arrived right in the middle of an injury slump (likely as a result of over-training / starting to run again too soon after Edinburgh) as I get ready for my first ultra-marathon in two weeks.
However, with some panicky physio appointments, a YouTube crash course in applying KT tape, pain killers and some enforced rest. I’ve managed to patch myself up and make the start line. Initially, this race was to be another easy run in my ultra-training schedule, but now it’s taken on a whole new meaning as my fitness test for Ultra North.
The route of this race has changed this year from its usual stroll along the Gateshead quayside, starting and finishing at the Gateshead Athletics stadium, to a higher profile event beginning on the Great North Run start, across the iconic Tyne bridge before going back through the town and finishing on the Town Moor.
It was great to try out this new route with new challenges and a far larger crowd of supporters, and that certainly kept me going as I tried not to think of my injury too much despite being reminded of not only the pain but the totally inadequate and some might say pathetic attempt at taping up my dodgy knee.
I have to be honest and say although I enjoyed the course and the atmosphere, I don’t remember much about the run itself. This run was not my fastest 10 km and certainly not my slowest. I’m happy with the time but not as much as the thought that I might make the start line of Ultra North in two weeks.
Chip time: 58mins 05 secs
Placing: 1821 (out of 4500)