Runners and Riders Club at my organization regularly participates in and conducts events that promote health of its team members. The annual 10K Walk / Run / Ride for 2015 was scheduled on Saturday, Feb 7th. I registered for 10K Run.
I had previously completed four 10K runs with my personal best being 1:01:19. My target was to complete 10K in under 1 hour. I was confident given my regular runs of about 4K and my fitness level. However, my last 10K run was more than 3 months back and I had only one 5K run in almost 2 months.
I had reached the venue by 5:30AM and the organizers had done a great job in getting everything together for more than 200 runners and 200 riders. The run was flagged off perfectly on time at 6:30AM.
I started very well and for a brief moment, I was the lead runner! After 2 Kms, we hit a steep climb and I slowed down. I continued to progress as best as I could but noticed at least half a dozen runners overtake me as I settled into my regular pace of about 5:40 minutes per km. I reached 6K point in about 35 mins and tried to push myself to complete the remaining 4K in less than 25 mins. With the last 2K remaining, I realized it will be a touch and go.
I eventually completed the 10K in 1:01:09, which is 10 seconds faster than my previous best but not good enough to be under an hour. I realized that daily 4K runs at an average pace between 5:40 mins/km and 6:30 mins/km was not going to get me to 10K under an hour. I need to figure out a new strategy.
I got some refreshments and waited for my team-mates. They started finishing one by one and it was a proud moment when the entire team finished successfully!!! The medal and t-shirt were a bonus. A great event overall. I will return in 2016 with a better plan to finish under and hour.
