Bugger

The day started quite well apart from the bad night's sleep and J coming in at 4.40 to say 'the race is on today'. A little bit of an upset stomach but I felt okay by the time the race started. I started in front of K from work who was going to try and crack her PB of 1.58. The first k was a little slow (5.54) but it did take 20 seconds to get across the starting line. I sped up for the second but already had a feeling that it was going to be hard to sustain the pace. My legs felt rubbery and I just lacked energy. The first half wasn't too bad apart from the head wind. I went too fast up one hill and actually felt a little nauseous for a while afterwards. I knew then that I wouldn't be able to push it too much.

I got to the turn around in an hour and 44. not too bad but I was going to have to speed up to reach my goal. I missed a few markers after that and got to the 15k mark in about 1.21. at this point it was still doable but I was starting to struggle. Nothing specific just a general lack of energy. By the time i got to the 16k mark I knew there was no way that I'd beat my time unless I ran my fastest 5ks and that was very unlikely to happen.

the rest of the race was a struggle. I started to take a wrong turn (luckily someone called out) and I must have looked like I was struggling as a few people tole me "Don't give up yet",
You're nearly there', etc. By about the 18k mark I felt like crying in frustration and it was an effort not to walk. I got overtaken by those who still had some energy and only overtook those who were finding it even tougher than I was for the next 3ks. It was already over 2 hours by the time I got to 20ks. An old gut tried to race me overtake and race me for the finish line - I must admit that I sped up and he said 'that was mean' and let me go first (not sure why I felt compelled to race at this stage but G said that I was running well at the end!).

The final result: 2.07.29. I am fairly disappointed but I must take what consolation I can get. I learnt how to really hang tough and I didn't walk. I know that I need to do the speed work if I want to get faster so that is something I will try to fit in.

As for J - 10ks in 49.59!! He came second in his category (10-13 year old boys) and the boy who came first was much older and fast! He said it was the most fun race he has ever been in and he managed that with one shoelace undone for much of the race. I think I have found my running partner.

Don't want to edit - sorry if there are mistakes!