Bagpuss,

You'll be fine. I did my first 10K in May in Edinburgh with a crowd from work, with probably a similar amount of training to you, and found the day such a buzz. A few of the folk from work hadn't done as much training, but everbody both enjoyed the day and did a bit better than they expected. With your expected time you'll be nowhere near the tail end, so don't worry. Good luck on the day.

Don

Thanks Don, I have been given loads of encouragement, just need to get on and 'do it'!!!
I bet Edinburgh was great fun. This 10k is quite rural......lots of 'organic' smells to take in on the way. Legs a bit sore today, so a couple of days rest now.
Thanks for the encouragement.

Lyn.

When I did my first 10k, I just kept telling myself that I was going to get a PB, no matter how slow I went. That way, I didn't get nervous, I just got exicted by my possible PB.

Lyn,

Also enjoy your drinks after it all! One of the unexpected outcomes of me taking up this running malarkey was getting in touch again with an old boss, the best I've ever had. From something like 18 years ago I had remembered that at that time he was a keen marathon runner. Meeting up with him a couple of months ago I found out that not only had he kept up his running, his main social scene revolves around him and his club buddies picking runs, often abroad, which involve serious training to do a reasonable time, but balanced with taking in the local brews afterwards and making a short holiday of it all. Run hard, drink hard seems to be his philosophy. I'm sure some here might caution on the drink hard, but I think there is a balance. Have a good run on the day, and have some wll deserved drinks afterwards.

Don

Just enjoy it! I only started running earlier this year at age 49 and ran 51 mins. You have done the distance in training so start at the pace you know you can run. Then if you feel strong you can run a bit faster later in the race. It is good fun. Size, shape and looks count for nothing. You will see many strange looking people all trying to do their best.

Alan, Don, Grant,

Thanks everyone for the encouragement. A few months back I could not even run up the road, I never, ever believed I would be a 'runner'....but how things can change. This website is really good, blimey....me chatting to real runners, I have started to feel the part!!!

I really enjoy chatting about running highs, low, problems etc....makes you feel like you aren't on your own any more.

I am thinking of having a gait analysis as I have a bit of a shin problem, even though I have taken it very steady. Is that a good idea???

I am now looking forward to tomorrow...in a funny sort of way. Still a bit nervous, but I know that I can do it, so no drink tonight and lots of pasta.

Thanks everyone....really appreciate the encouragement.

Bagpuss (Lyn).

My biggest problem was also my shins.Gait analysis and a pair of Brooks radius 06 from Runners needs in Liverpool street done the job for me.

Shucks, being called a 'real runner' , I too couldn't have imagined where I am now at the start of the year. Very best of luck tomorrow Lyn, hope all goes well.

Don

Thanks guys, think i will get my footwear sorted....although better be sober for that, interesting gait at 11:30 on Saturday nights!

Had some 'shopping therapy' this afternoon to calm my nerves!

Lyn.

DONE IT.........!!!!!!!!!11

Well folks, a really big thank you to you all for the kind words of encouragement. I did it in 59:34......bit of a struggle, I knew I was on the 6 min KM marks and had to 'gain' a few seconds to get in by 59min and something, rather than over the hour. I was pleased to get round, but the time was a good one for me. It was hard, sun quite warm, first hill...hard, legs a bit jellyfied, met some really nice folks, they didn't all come sprinting past me!

It was good experience, I will work on making it a bit more 'comfortable', but it was a good challenge......10 miler next!.........

Had a recovery drink, followed by a most welcome pint of cider.......best its ever tasted!

Thanks to everone, good luck Dave IPA for your 10k.

Also raised £350 for a local childrens Hospice.

Thanks everone,

Bagpuss (LYN)

Well done, Lyn !!

And having achieved your target in a tough one (sun, hills) you'll feel so much more confident next time. Doesn't it all somehow seem more 'real' after the first ? Now you just need to sort your winter training schedule.

Well done again.

__________________
Don

Thanks Don,

I feel great, I haven't done much for years that has really 'pushed' me. I have always been active, but not fit, and I have always had poor stamina, so hopefully things can only improve.

I love the outdoors....even in winter, the hot July sun played havoc with my running, I just feel frazzled, so roll on some lovely frosty mornings.

I will be keeping a eye on the 'postings' for future help and advice and general 'running chat', what a lot of friendly people on this website, great find.

Thanks again......will definately be seeking out a couple of Jack Daniels tonight now.

Lyn.

Well done Lyn,enjoy that drink you deserve it.Hope I can run as well in 2 weeks time in Southend.

Hi Dave,

Good luck for your run, not sure what kept me going today, but something did.

I may have to do it again in a couple of weeks or so, as my training partner who I meet up with once a week to run, was not well enough to do it today. It was her who 'made' me do this in the first place....and I'm very glad she did.

Hope the practice goes well.

Lyn.

Well done Lyn, a very big pat on the back from me.... I know we started training about the same time and I don;t know if I would be confident to do a 10k yet so good for you....

Nellie (Lyn)

__________________
NELLIE