Southend 10k 5^th October 2008.

Since I first tried running without socks as part of my tri training my running style has changed.  I found that if I landed on my heels the trainers rubbed my Achilles but if I landed more mid-foot or on my toes they didn’t.  The more I ran like this the more I realised I was running faster, easier.  I noticed this most on the Blackwater tri run leg, despite a distinct lack of training my pace on the run was a pb.  That’s a pb for all runs not just the tri. 

As always though, there was a downside.  The few longer runs I had managed with this new style had resulted in a pain in the side of my foot.  It came on once I’d finished and would linger for a day or two.  It wasn’t too bad but it did stop me training and I was a bit worried that I was doing myself an injury.  So, we went off to the running shop at Bluewater for a gait analysis and maybe some new trainers.  The last time I was analysed I was pretty-much a beginner so I was due a check over.

The lady in the running shop was really helpful and it was fascinating to see myself run.  Watching the video it was pretty obvious that I’m a neutral runner, everything was nice and straight and there was no lean in my ankles.  I had been wearing shoes with support and it turns out I no longer need that so £85 later I’ve got my shiny new neutral trainers.  I do love getting new kit!   Unfortunately I didn’t have time to wear them in before the Southend 10k but at least now I know that my running form is pretty good (but still very slow).

So, race day dawned.  Wet.  Very wet.  I tried to tell myself that we’d had good weather for the last two years so we were due a dodgy one but it didn’t help at all.  I was not looking forward to running in a rain storm even with my waterproof jacket. 

We got there quite early as we normally do, we like to relax before an event and not arrive all stressed out just before the start.  Usually the hour or so before this race is a very social time, everyone congregates in the field near the finish area and we normally see a few people we know.  This time, although the rain wasn’t too heavy, most people seemed to be waiting in their cars until the start.  We walked Charlie round the field a few times and then it was time to brave the elements and get ready for the start.

I was in two minds about taking my ipod because the weather was forecast to be so bad but what with the foot problem (and if I’m honest motivation problems) I’d not trained very much and thought the music would help keep me going in the tough spots.  It was raining quite hard by the time we lined up at the start.  It didn’t feel too bad in the crowd while we waited for the gun but I was dreading hitting the seafront where there was no protection from the elements.

The siren went and we were off.  The crowd thinned pretty quickly and as I headed towards the seafront I could feel the blast of the wind and the rain hit me full in the face.  Strangely enough I felt quite elated, I felt that although I’m a slow runner and I’ll never win any prizes I’m still a real runner.  I had to be to even think of running in this weather! 

I remembered my form and kept on my toes, I struggled not to start too fast, it felt quite easy and I was tempted to go all out but experience has taught me that’s a bad idea so I held myself back slightly for the first km.  Normally there’s a lot of support along this stretch but there wasn’t as many crowds as usual, I was pleased to see any considering the weather.  And, I always feel for the marshalls, as bad as running in this weather is it must be far worse to stand and marshall so thanks to all those who give up their time.

Once past the pier and out of the shelter of the sea wall the full force of the wind and rain hit.  It was not nice.  The headwind sapped what little speed I did have and the rain was dripping down my face.  I had got to the point where I couldn’t get any wetter and it wasn’t pleasant.  My feet were squelching but it was the wind that was the most demoralising aspect.  I tried to console myself with the fact that if I was facing the wind on the way out it would be behind me on the way back.  It really wasn’t much consolation but it helped a bit. 

I was going along quite nicely, keeping pace with people who normally would have pulled ahead and lost me.  I got into a nice rhythm and although the wind and rain were awful I felt fine.  What really pleased me this time was how far I’d got before Jon passed me coming back the other way, the first year we ran this I’d barely got to the casino, this year I was almost 4k in. 

The rain began to ease off as I approached the halfway point.  Everything was feeling fine, no pain in the foot, heart rate a bit high but manageable, legs still had energy in them.  I checked the time and was pleased to see I was pretty much on time for a reasonable run, that surprised me a bit as I felt the headwind had slowed me down somewhat. 

The second half of the race was better.  As sod’s law would have it the wind had dropped and the rain eased off, typical when the wind was now behind me and I could have done with the help!  It was still drizzling but at least I began to dry out a bit and my hair was no longer dripping.  I began to tire somewhat by 7 ½ Km but instead of slowing down and conserving my energy like I usually did I decided to keep at it.  I know I can do the distance and if I’m ever improve my performance I need to start pushing it harder. 

It was tough, my legs were beginning to feel the effects but I didn’t have any pain anywhere else like my hip or foot so knew I just needed to keep going.  I really had to grit my teeth between 8 ½ and 9 ½ Km, my legs were beginning to feel like lead but I wouldn’t let myself stop.  A lovely marshall was telling us only 500m to go and that was just what I needed to hear.  There was no chance of a sprint finish but at least I could keep the pace up and get to the finish.  I love the finish line at Southend, you turn off the seafront and it’s a lovely little downhill before you enter the park.  A short sprint on the grass and you’re over the line. 

1:03:30!  Not exactly the result I’d planned at the beginning of the year but it was still a pb so I was really happy with it.  I was also really happy that I’d managed to push myself and not get into a negative thought cycle as has happened so many times before.  Even with so little training recently I really feel like my running is coming together now.