City of Salford 10k

Distance: 10k
Time: 46:22 (pb)
Position: 240 of 1363

Another Sunday morning, another race number on the shirt.

Jan is expecting a rant after today's run so I wouldn't want to disappoint...

The City of Salford course was, as I was told pre-race, a flat fast run with the only climbs being a couple of bridges. As the pb time shows it was a speedy run. However. It would have been so much faster if I hadn't had to do the first kilometer at what was nearly a fast walk because there was no room to run - the taped off track was so small we were practically falling over other runners. That's before we got to the bridge: it was down to single file and I had to stop and was able to hold a conversation with a fellow runner!

So that's the rant out of the way.

It was a very hot morning in Salford (well Trafford Park) this morning and once I got out on to the road I was able to stretch my legs. I started running with Simon who I know from parkrun - he was looking for a slightly faster time than I was aiming for. So I thought I'd keep pace with him if I ended getting a little ahead fine, if I couldn't keep pace then not a problem.

Mass warm up, six people joined in.

Keeping a decent pace round the sights of Trafford Park industrial estate over the first few kilometers was okay; it was warm but if felt like a nice warm morning nothing more.

The City of Salford route didn't take in much of interest, we walked past MediaCity:UK as part of the first kilometer then past the Imperial War Museum North but other than that there wasn't a lot to see.

Just before the 5k mark I ran under Old Trafford home of some small football team that play in one of the minor leagues. Could have done with a marshall in there as when I came out I nearly ran into a bollard - that could have ended the day early!

I grabbed a bottle of water on the way past, but this time more went over my head to keep me cool then went into my mouth, the heat was starting to tell....

The start/finish line.

As we doubled back to go past the Imperial War Museum for the third time the heat an the pace was starting to get to me. At one point I did wonder if I'd be able to finish without walking part of it - then I looked down at my Leukemia Research "Unstoppable" wrist band - I wasn't stopping people don't pay sponsorship for me to walk the races, no matter how hot it is!!


The wrist band (not a great photo I know)

The last kilometer was a killer, especially as I had to practically run to the finishing line before veering off and running down the waterfront. Seeing Simon going back the other way gave me a push, but then seeing the finishing line for real I gave a big burst of speed and swerved past a few runners as I crossed the line. I think I may have also helped another runner with his sprint finish with a big shout at him!

Walking back from the finish line.

It was a tough run in the heat, but it felt good and I feel I've earned that pb. I makes me think what kind of time I could clock up on the course without the chaos at the start and the heat zapping my energy. Maybe I'll be back next year....? We'll see.


So that's two of my three races completed, so far I've raised £340.00 - over £400.00 including gift aid which is a fantastic I really never thought I'd be able to raise so much money. But remember, there is still time to sponsor me if you haven't already (or you'd like to sponsor me again!), head over to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DanYarwood

No race next week, will I be resting? What do you think!