Yippee my first race in ages. I hate to admit it but I was actually nervous. Fancy being nervous before a 10km race!!!! I felt I didn't deserve to be especially with so many lining up to do the 1/2 Marathon!
I had a busy Saturday morning so laid down for a nap and woke up 3 hrs later.....unfortunately this mean I was not able to go to sleep that night until after midnight. So on only a few hours sleep Allan and I dragged ourselves out to Doomben to watch the half marathoners get underway. Due to the traffic we got there 5mins before they took off. I was screaming out to Tesso but she had her earphones on so didn't even hear me.
The 10k started 20mins later so I thought I would duck off quickly to the loo. Figures - the line up was so long I got out of there just as the 10k was about to start. I had enough time to take my jumper off and get in line. phew!
The gun went off and away we went. It was gut wrenching. The first km I was uncomfortable and was totally depressed when everyone just kept going past me. I had started at the back of the pack so where these people were from that kept going past?????? I think they were doing it just to make me feel bad - and I did. It was terrible and anyone that has been injured or come back after a long time off will know what I am talking about - where you have runners constantly going past you.
I settled down by the 2km mark and was getting excited as we started to see all the half marathoners on their way back so I was able to cheer up and high five everyone. The race just got better from there. I was calling out to everyone I saw and they were all being very supportive back. Bub settled down and stopped jumping around so I was able to enjoy the running at last. By 3km I had a lot of pressure on the bladder but looking at the toilet they had on offer I convinced myself I didn't really need to go it was just the bub pressing on my empty bladder making me feel I needed to.
The turnaround point was exciting because I thought yah halfway there. It all happened so quickly. Marianna and Kerryn from PCRG were running around the same pace I was so it gave me the opportunity to support them and encourage them to a good run - which they did.
I had several walking breaks during the run - at each water table (except first one) and then at about 6km for a minute to ensure I was not overheating.
The last km was great and I was looking forward to the finish but not because I was exhausted - because I wanted to get there quickly so I would see all the half finishers come in!!!
My final time was
0:55:28.1 according to official results this morning.
I hung around for a while after the race catching up with everyone but as soon as Allan put me in the car to go home I fell asleep. He couldn't carry me indoors but gently woke me when we got home. I was a bit dazed so he put me to bed (guest bed because I um needed a shower). He woke me up 2 hours later for a shower and some hot lunch. I felt much better after all of that. I can't believe I was that exhausted I slept in my skins & running gear! Gross.
All in all a great day!
