Serpentine RC/RW Last Friday of the Month 5k
April 2004

My first real 5k and first race since coming back from months and months of injury...the weather was perfect for racing: grey, hint of rain, only a slight breeze. I arrived at 1200 to register and met up with John, Mike, Pammie, Mandy and Stu from the RW forum.

Mike, Stu and Mandy, Pammie

Mike makes sure we don't miss him...his forum name is MikeFrog

It was quite chilly and the rain started, but time for a quick line up before we headed to the start point.

Mandy, Mike, John and Pammie

Feeling nervous, I warmed up a little, jogging with John. The elites went off first then 'Go!' - we were off. I started at the very back, thinking that things could only get better. The first mile and a half were good and I was pushing hard. I ran with a friendly unknown runner, and he let me know when we were at the half-way point. There were a few people behind us, which cheered me  up. A few metres later, he let me know he was moving on, and off he zoomed. Then I got stitch really badly, and couldn't shift it by altering my breathing, so I slowed a lot. But the marshals were great, and I pushed on again.

I was beginning to realise I wouldn't break my target of 30 mins, so on the last stretch to the finish I looked to the side, not wanting to see how far I had to go. Then with 250 metres to go, John jogged back to find me - wonderful sight. I managed to gasp: shout at me, JJ. And he said, don't worry, I'm going to...he barked out orders to get me to move faster, and I dragged a rather limp sprint out of my limbs. I crossed the line at 30:04, very tired but pleased to have done it.

Although I didn't go sub-30 minutes, I was running 9.5 minute miles, and I wasn't last...and John said: this will be the last time you're over 30 mins, which was lovely to hear.

Back at the Lido after the race: Fran, John, Pammie, Mike, Mandy (pic by Liam)

Everyone was pleased with their run: John was sub 26 on his first race after his knee op, Pammie got a pb, Mike did 28 when he'd expected 30, and Mandy was close to her pb.

Afterwards we headed off to Wagamamas for some well-deserved food and a beer. A great race (when it was over) and many thanks to John for being just what was needed when I was near the finish! I hope I'll be back in June to crack 30 mins.