Back Again At The Stockport 10

I did the Stockport 10 last December, making this the first race I've completed twice. Shows that even after all those miles I've done (2,482 stat fans) I've still not been at this running lark that long.

This is one on my favorite races and I'm glad I came back. It has everything a runner wants from a race: good value, a famous goodie bag, brilliant long sleeved technical t-shirt and a what an atmosphere.

A number of my running friends were at the race today; last year I think I only knew a couple of people - how things change - it was a pleasure to run with so many friends.

I also had the opportunity to meet some parkrun royalty in the form of "King" Danny Norman, UK Communications Manager and co-host of the excellent the parkrun show, though it was surprising to see him so far north without a nose bleed!

 I have a bit of an issue with this race, last year I finished in 78 minutes and I felt I could have done a lot better. It was also the last race that Simon beat me at, at least on time - Simon runs so well he'll get me on age grading!

Myself, Danny Norman & my good running buddy Simon. 

The race started and finished on the track at Woodbank Park stadium. It starts with one and a half laps and its stunning to see how fast the leaders are going, I'm not sure I could go that fast just for 400 meters let alone 10 miles!

The course has been changed this year taking out the second part of the hill climb at half way (thank you God) but adding in a second off road down hill section. To be honest I was surprised at how much off road there was now but I can see why it has been done. It's a lot safer for all than running down the roads with traffic.

Down is a lot easier than up. Towards the end there is New Zealand Road: I didn't think it was that bad last year. I guess I must not have been trying as I felt it this time round. It felt like it was never going to end, on and on the climb went. I was so glad to get to the top but then I had to get the legs going again on the flat!

Entering the track with 200m to go.

 The last mile is flat and through the park but by that point I just wanted it to end - a sure sign I was putting enough into the race this time round.

I finished in 68:35 which is just short of 10 minutes fast than last year showing how much I've improved in a year.

What was in the goodie bag this year I hear you ask. Well, a bag of crisps, some sweets, a bouncy ball, notepad and a candle. Quite normal for the Stockport 10 but still one of the best bags around.

This was the last road race of the year and apart from some cross country in January I've not got a race until the Mad Dog in February. Lots of training between now and then: my 16 week training program towards the Greater Manchester Marathon starts next week.



Target for next year another 10 minutes off? I'm not so sure......

Back From Injury

I've been out for about two and a half weeks with my first real injury since I started running. Not 100%what the technical name for it was but I classed it as "hurting like a bastard at the bottom of my leg" which covered it for me.

I was going to blog about being injured but found that anything I typed was full of frustration and swearing.

I did my first run back on Saturday at my home parkrun of Oldham and clocked a 20:53 far from my fastest time round Alexandra Park but I was pleased to have completed the 5k.

Coming back from a lay off was always going to take time, what I hadn't appreciated was there is actually more frustration than there was being injured. I'm okay to run now and everything feels fine; the problem is I can't do what I could a few weeks ago.

I went out today at lunch and did the usual mid week run to Old Trafford and back (3.5m'ish). My plan was to run 5k at 7 minute miles then cool down for the last bit. Not a problem thought I. I run half marathons faster than that. Not at the moment I don't. By the end of the 5k I had to stop to catch my breath, something I've not done for a long time.

My problem has always been I want to be straight back into things, I need to remember here that when I started running I didn't dive straight into a 10k so need to build that fitness back up and it may take a few weeks.

The Leeds Abbey Dash is a week on Sunday. I booked it originally as a race I could break my 10k pb at, a good fast course perfect. That isn't going to happen now and I know it. Not going to stop me running it, bottom line is I run because I love it. Yes it is a fantastic feelings to break a pb but there will always be the joy of running no matter what pace it is.

With that in mind I will be out for the first time in what feels like years with my running club tomorrow night. Sessions are usually an hour so that will be a good test of my stamina. Really looking forward to running with my club mates and enjoying a run.

The Stockport 10 in December that is another matter. I'm going to smash that!