Last year was the Anniversary Run (of the 2012 Games) in the Olympic Park which took us on a 5 mile loop of the park itself but not going into any of the venues.
This year though we would get to finish in the Olympic Stadium. I was sold and signed up.
The Olympic Park for me still holds the excitement of the Games even though it was three years ago. I love going there. So arriving this morning I was excited about the race.
Today was actually a 10km race rather than the 5 mile that it was last year. Luckily I had met someone in the pub a few weeks ago and after a few drinks were talking about running. We realised we were racing on the same day both in the Olympic Park but I was insistent that mine was a 5 mile and he was sure his was a 10km. A quick check on the trusty smart phone and it transpired he was correct. So there is good that comes out of trips to the pub otherwise I could have been searching for an extra mile for the finish line today.
The atmosphere was great at the start line and it is so nice not freezing your tits off waiting for the gun to go off. After a little delay Paula Radcliffe fired the gun and across the line we went.
It was pretty crowded at the start and was a bit of a bottle neck so I didn't get into my flow until we approached the 1km mark. After that I felt like I was on pace. I was hoping for a PB.
The KMs were going by pretty quickly but the heat was getting stronger. I was sweating and looking forward to the one drink stop at about 5.5km. Prior to the drink stop was a run through shower which was a real treat. The park is surprisingly undulating with some steep climbs which were tough in the heat but in my head I just kept thinking that what goes up must come down right?
7km, 8km went by and then we were heading towards the stadium. 9km went past. I wasn't on track for a PB but wouldn't be too far off so pushed on through. We entered the stadium and ran around (the inside) for about 200m. Then I could see light at the end of the tunnel. We turned a corner and hit the track. It felt cool. The crowd were loud and it was impossible not to watch them. As I rounded the far corner I spotted Steven. I waved. The crowd cheered. I felt like and Olympian.
I carried on for the final 100m and crossed the line. Paula Radcliffe was next to the finish line and I caught her eye as I finished. She congratulated me.
So my results were:
Time: 37m 24s
Place: 60th overall
Gender place (35-39 age group): 12th
So no PB (missing out by 59 seconds) but an awesome run and a good result in the heat. It wasn't an easy one but certainly a good 'un as they say.
I have already signed up for the race next year so let's see what 2016 brings?
The Olympic Park:
The finishing stretch:
The result:
The prize:
My last few hundred meters:
The mighty Paula:
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