Colwyn Bay 10 mile

10 Miles used to be my favourite distance! Back in the days. It's long enough to really give you an idea you've done something, but it's not quite as demanding as a half marathon. So when there was a 10 mile race on offer, I registered for it. And I was lucky; this should have been the Rhyl 10 mile, but there seems to be a problem with the route in Rhyl so the race has moved to Colwyn Bay, which is nicer, and also closer by.

I also thought it would be a nice way of testing out my knees! Normally it is either the 10k, which my knees don't have a problem with, or the half marathon, which has led to me desperately needing knee supports at my last two attempts last year. So a 16k route might be an excellent way of testing the water. Could the physiotherapy I still do, plus the advice from my impromptu running coach, keep me going this time?

Marjan would come and support me, so slightly too early we met up so we could drive to the venue together. There was still be plenty of parking space! And plenty of time to go to the loo, and then get my race number. And then go to the loo again. And some 10 minutes before the start I made sure to be somewhere near the front. There were three distances: 5, 10 and 20 miles, and everybody started at the same time. Some 600 runners in all!

At the start. Pic by Run Wales

It was an absolutely gorgeous day! It was sunny, and there wasn't much wind. We would run East from the start, so I made sure to wear my sunglasses. I was wearing a T-shirt under my club shirt. And I had two knee supports in my running vest. I was hoping I would not need them! 

At the start I made sure to run at a decent base, but not too fast. I wasn't chasing anything. This was guaranteed to be a PB on the distance, given that I hadn't done a 10 miler since 2012, and these had been off-road. And it was a big race; I didn't expect to have a chance of having a podium position anyway. So I could just run in ways that I thought it would be good for my knees.

The route was straightforward: just follow the coastline until the turnaround point, and then follow the coastline back. And it was nice! People were in a good mood. I had a nice chat with several other competitors along the way.

I fairly soon realised I was wearing a bit much. Maybe these people in tank tops were on to something! But too late now.

My knees were feeling OK. I was trying to do everything my coach had suggested today. And it seemed to work! When I hit 10k, I knew there was only 6k left, and these knee problems arise slowly. No sign of them yet! And 11k was still good, as was 12 and 13. It was going to be fine!

When I knew there was only 5k left to go I wondered if I could still overtake any women, but I didn't see any that seemed within reach. But in the last mile I spotted one. I thought I could take her on! I had no idea if she was running the 10 mile or 20 miles; those doing the latter were just doing the course of the former twice. But it was worth a try. And I managed! I still had fuel in the tank and got past her. And from the colour of her race number I saw she was indeed also doing 10 miles.

My estimate for my time had been 75 minutes (well, rounded off from 79). I wasn't far off! I was just over 76. Well within the error margin. And behind the finish I spotted Marjan again. 

At the finish. Pic by Marjan

Afterwards

I drank some water, got my medal and T-shirt, and asked how I had done. I had come second in my category. So no additional medals. Fair enough! The winning lady in my category had only needed 69 minutes. Not something I could do. 

I should stick with my coach’s advice as it seems to pay off, so Marjan and I went back to the car, where I drank my recovery shake. And then we went for a coffee at the seafront. A nice way of finishing things off!

In the end it became clear I had done it in 1:16:13 and come in as 7th woman (of 101), 36th person overall (of 206). Excellent results! And what was more important: I had faith I might be able to do a half marathon again…