Great Yorkshire Run 2012

Distance: 10k
Time: 47:51
Positition #489 of c.6,000




First race complete and what a day!

I'm REALLY pleased with my finishing position and time, especially as it was hot today.

Waiting to start.

The whole day was a most amazing experience, from forming up to crossing the finishing line.

I'd never even ran 10k when I signed up for this run so had not idea what estimated time to enter, I think I ended up putting 1:15:00 which proved to be a bit out.

After the the massed warm up, which yes I felt a litter daft doing, even if everyone else was. The waves slowly moved towards the start line. As we waited at the start line I heard over the pa that the elite runners were on there way back in, now that is some serious running.

Once we got started I found it a little difficult to find a pace as there was so many people about, and without sounding big headed about it, I was faster than a lot of people in the wave. I had to make an effort not to burn all my energy up trying to overtake people. After a couple of kilometers the crowd spread out and I felt I had some space.

The course is basically and out and back to Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough ground and back, which considering it's Sheffield was surprisingly flat.

Starting off it was good to see the elite runners coming home as I was just getting warmed up, don't think I'll ever be that fast.

As mentioned it was a HOT Sepetember morning in Sheffield, nice of the sun to turn up when I'd have preferred it to stay behind some clouds.The kilometers clocked off and I found myself passing quite a few people including the pace markers for at least two waves so I knew I was going well but even so I wasn't really checking my Garmin I was more focused on what was going on around me. I had to be as there was so many people about on the track including Batman, a Star Wars stormtrooper and various animals. How people managed to run dressed like that in the heat I'll never know.

The run through shower at about 7k was a great way of cooling off a bit, I didn't see anybody who wasn't happy to dart into it, to the point I think people were slowing down in it!

Many people I'd spoken to had told me how flat the Sheffield course is until about 8k, they weren't wrong! I thought there was just one hill at the end, but no, there was one before that! Knowing there was a hill to come I'd saved myself a little so I could get up the hill at a decent pace.

Running up the final hill.

I'm told I flew up the hill! I'm not too sure about that, but what I do know is I used all my reserves up coming up the hill and didn't have much left. I was really pleased to see the finishing line.

I needed that bottle of water in my finishers pack, but I was also very proud to put on my medal. I think I deserved it!

Thank you to everybody who has sponsored me so far, as I crossed the star line today I'd raised £330 plus gift aid which gives a total in excess of £400!! A fantastic result. There is still time to sponsor me, if you'd like to do so please head over to my Virgin Money Giving site.

I'd also like to say thanks to Jan for her support. She was sceptical when I said I was going to start running (as was I to be honest) but I think I've impressed both of us! Thanks also to my Mum and Dad who overcame the chaos that is the Manchester Metrolink to come to Sheffield and support me today. Thanks also go to many friends both from parkrun and Runners Forum, some of whom I met for the first time today, and some I've yet to meet.

Right that the Oscar's speech bit over with. I'll finish we a photo of a sweaty Dan showing off his finishers medal.

Got it all to do again next week at the Salford City 10k, a nice flat course so maybe a pb? We'll see.....