Ray Harrison 10k Road Race

Billingham, Sunday, August 18, 2013

Katy Walton

It had been a month since I had ran a race so decided to enter this one on the day. We got to the Billingham Synthonia Stadium at nine thirty and I ran to register. Finding no queues I was in and out with my number quickly so ran back to the car to prepare for the race. With time ticking on I decided to go to the stadium to see who was here and have a quick warmup. I was delighted to find two Striders (Nicola Whyte and Debbie McFarland) inside covering from the rain outside. Once again more Striders who I had never met before.

We made our way to the start and as unusual Graeme and the kids wanted a photo (embarrassing!) and a last word from Graeme “don’t go off too fast, there is a downhill start take it easy …” The horn sounded.

Setting off down a hill trying to hold back, over the metal bridge, down to the roundabout into a built-up area, I wasn’t feeling very energised. I was willing for the 1k board, feeling tired and it felt like I’d run for ages but still no sign and then my watch beeped, first mile. A wave of relief came over me, and slight disappointment as I like seeing the boards tick up as you kill the kilometres.

Heading up a slight incline wind blowing the wrong way I pass the 2k sign and head back toward the stadium. The race was a short loop 3k and then a large loop 7k. Shout from Graeme and the kids spurred me a little bit but I just didn’t feel great.

The route headed out towards some chemical plants and then past another plant that smelt like rotten eggs, I did wonder if it was safe to breath but had no choice. The water station was welcomed dearly.

I rounded a corner and there was a 5k sign, wow I’m half way, very relieved because it had come round quite quick and at this point I was beating my Durham parkrun time.

From 7k up to 9k I was running into the wind again with a slight incline and cars passing on my right. Passing the 9k sign I pushed myself to go faster (actually it was downhill so was going faster anyway with out me having to add the effort) to the end.

I was pleased to finish, some days you’re good to race and some days you’re not. This day I was not.

On the whole a good well organised race.

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