Lincoln 10k

Today was my fourth running of the City Of Lincoln 10k, having started my running journey training for my first one in 2009. On that occasion I managed to post a 1.03.27 finish time which placed me 3357th of the 5000 runners who rock up for this event annually.

We are having somewhat of a warm spell at the moment and although it was a cold start with the clocks going foward overnight, I could tell that it was going to hot up quite quickly so elected to run without a base layer for the first time since October. This turned out to be the right choice as just from walking from our parking spot on Lee Road, it became apparent that it was going to be scorchio for the time of year.

After a good half an hour at Yarborough Leisure Centre warming up, using the facilities and watching the zumba warm up, I headed for the start and my place in the red sub 50 box. It did not seem as congested this year in this box as I seeded myself towards the back.

At 11.00am almost on the dot we were started and we were underway. My plan of attack for todays race was to hold a 7.30 pace all the way round until mile 5 and then have a look what was left in the tank. I found the first mile tough going as I felt that it was too overcrowded and I was getting held up by slower runners - next year I think I'll seed myself maybe 10 metres nearer the front. The first mile beeped up on the Garmin at 7.33 and although a little slower than target, did not concern me because I felt good and if anything knew that I could increase the pace a little.

Mile 2 was still far too congested, and gain although comfortable, by the time I had dodged people going down Nettleham Road, I found that I had posted a 7.28 mile split ! Thankfully though as we headed up Newport, and along Yarborough Crescent the race began to string out a little bit and I managed the fastest mile of the race so far in something like 7.17. i was now enjoying the race after the earlier argy bargy, and still felt really good. Both miles 4 and 5 were something like 7.20 pace which meant that I was on for a big personal best time if I could just keep it going for the last mile or so.

It was definately tougher heading back up Nettleham Road for the last time, but a sensible pace was maintained until I was safely around the Cathedral turn and then it was as fast as I could across the cobbles and into the castle for a grandstand finish.

45.53 and a 2 min PB ! Three years ago I could not have dreamt of running so quickly so I am over the moon with the progress that has been achieved. Next challenge for me is the Lincoln Wheelers 5m time trial on Tuesday.

Stapleford Duathlon + a catch up !

It was yesterday morning that I had a go at my second duathlon - this one being put on by Lincoln Tri as part of a series of Duathlons spread across the year.

Whilst not overly impressed with my finishing position of tenth on this occasion, I was happy with the time of 51.18 which compared well to some of last years finishing times from athletes I didn't think I would ever get near too, so mixed feelings about this one !

Run 1 12.55 (3k) - the runs for this event were on paths leading through and then around Stapleford Woods - a near out and back course. From the off I felt very good and managed to post a 6.40 first mile which was far too quick on one hand, but the fastest I've ever run on the other. I started to peter out on the way back though, but managed to keep the pace at 6.55 to complete the first run under 13 minutes.

Bike - 24.50 (13k) - the Planet X deep rim tub is now on the back and I'm still not sure if this is any quicker. On the day, I felt very quick and the speedo was telling me that I avaeraged 19.7mph but not sure how true this really was. I managed to overtake three people on the bike course so rode well, but think I could have gone faster.

Run 13.34 (3k) - the second run consisted of my jelly legs trying to keep with my earlier run pace but failing me slightly ! My mile split said 7.01 which was still fast but again need to play around with the Garmin to be sure. Overall, a good training morning, and pleased with the early season speed. My first Triathlon of the season is on 22 April, so just five more weeks to gets things right.

The catch up !
I'm now on week 13 of my Ironman training plan and things are going nicely. My swimming is coming on fine having taken advantage of Wednesday night club coaching. I have been slow to start a 2nd swim session though at the local pool and need to address that this week !
My running continues to improve and my distances are at 8-11 miles on a Tuesday and 6 miles on a Friday. My cycling is the great impover though as being a member of Lincoln Wheelers has opened up regular long rides, time trialling and even chaingang rides - this is where I have spent the majority of my time.