Olympic Challenge: London Winter Run

Today was the London Winter Run. It was 10km. It was in aid of Cancer Research UK. It is a good way for runners to stay motivated to train in the chilly and dark winter months.

The race had promised snow zones along the way and warm hugs from polar bears at the finish. Enough said. I was game.

The weather in the week leading up to the race was extremely cold and snow was making an appearance across the UK (with tiny bits in London.) Maybe the snow zone wouldn't be necessary as we would have the real thing?

This morning though it was snow free but it was still cold. The sky was clear and the morning sunrise across the river was fantastic.

The warm up at the start line was necessary. The atmosphere was building. They played "Let it go" from Frozen many times. Good job I like that song.

A quick Mexican wave from all of us and a good luck message from Jo Pavey meant that we were seconds away from the start. I really admire Jo and starting just behind her was pretty exciting. My PB (set at the Kew Gardens 10km back in September) was when Jo was running in the race too so maybe she would be my lucky charm today and help me beat that record?

The route took us all the way along the Thames towards the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. I love running by the river so it was a real treat. I was pretty near the front of the pack so it felt a little like having the city to myself. There was a group of 3 or 4 of us running at a similar pace which was a good motivation for me to keep going.

The KM signs were shooting by quite quickly and I passed the 5km mark at 18 minutes so I was making good progress. The head wind on the way back was challenging at times but the sound of the bells ringing as we ran passed St. Paul's Cathedrals was fantastic. London is indeed a super city I never tire of. We passed through a few snow zones which was fun. I got a "snowflake" stuck on my nose.

On the home stretch we were running back along the embankment towards Whitehall where we were due to finish. 800m to go until polar bear hugs the sign said. 500m to go. I knew I couldn't get a PB but could I make it in under 37 minutes?

I crossed the finish line. 37m 2s so just outside my goal but I was 15th out of 16,000 so I am pleased with that.

I got a polar bear hug as well as a medal. Who can ask for a better Sunday eh?

The city looking beautiful at sunrise