In Which I’m Not In Berlin
Quick catch up:
I’d signed up to run Berlin marathon for charity, and agreed to raise £500 for the cause. The marathon was yesterday, in Berlin, but I wasn’t in Berlin and I definitely wasn’t a marathon. (How would that even work? Why would you even think that?)
The reason I wasn’t in Berlin is because I was in Scotland. The reason I was in Scotland is that I now actually live in Scotland, and so find myself quite often in Scotland, what with living there and all that. I work there too! In Scotland.
“But you live in Yorkshire! In England!” You cry.
No. Scotland now. Keep up.
ANYWAY that’s why I wasn’t in Berlin, because I’d met a wee Scottish lassie and we decided to move here (Scotland) last month. Moving ain’t cheap, and so Berlin has been deferred until next year. The charity is fine with this, which is good.
So what with living and working in Scotland (Edinburgh to be precise) I looked for a run somewhere around to take my mind off Berlin and found a run three miles from my front door. Can’t get much more local than that!
Sunday
The 10k route was a relativity flat, out and back route starting and finishing at Musselburgh race course, just outside Edinburgh (in Scotland.) Hayley (wee Scottish lassie) dropped me at the race course at 8:40 and went off to park up while I lined up and watched people stretch and looked at clouds and stuff.
There was a half marathon going on too which started a way away but finished at the same bit as the 10k which meant less runners doing the 10k. Just over a thousand (according to results.)
Turns out I must’ve been quite confident on signing up as I was right behind the elites. Bet they felt nervous when they saw me looking all athletic and with my number hanging off.
Few minutes to go. Minute to go. Ten seconds. Go.
Hayley and her little sisters were at the start cheering me on and the elites sped off into the distance like the chuffing show offs that they are.
I wanted under 50 minutes but decided the run the first half on feel and without looking at my watch. Needed a pace of around 8 minutes a mile to get under 50. The weather was nice and overcast and at 2km I was feeling quite well.
This event would be ideal for someone’s first 10k run due to the lack of hills, but unfortunately there was a lack of support on the route. A few people were knocking around outside their houses but nothing major. Unless they were all waiting on the 1/2 marathoners coming by later? How should I know, do your own research.
4k went by then before long the turn around and the 5k sign. I was averaging 7:45 a mile! Quicker than I thought! Just realised that this is gonna be a very boring post as not much happened. Didn’t see any fancy dress or cats or anything so if that’s what you’re after then you probably want a refund.
Got a bit of an ache in my right knee so took it a bit easier as York marathon is coming up next month. Walked a little at each km marker and had a sip of water too. Before long, race course was back in view and I could see the end. Gave Hayley a wave as a flew by and then I was done!
WELL under my 50 minute target! Chuffed! Rest of the day was spent relaxing, visiting, and drinking beer. Standard recovery.
Next up: York Marathon! (5th year in a row!)
Marc Hemingway 