My first 10k

It’s almost six years since my first ever race, the Wimbledon 10k. It had taken me six months to go from non-runner to getting to that start line and on race morning I was nervous. So nervous that I forgot my timing chip and despite only being a few minutes down the road when I realised, I decided not to go back and get it. I was worried I’d be late.

A lot has changed since then but a lot has stayed the same – I still get nervous on race mornings, no matter what the distance. I no longer think I need to eat a whole pizza and garlic bread the night before a 10k – though that doesn’t necessarily mean I don’t do it.

Last year’s WR 10k

The biggest change is that I now help others learn to run. A few of my runners are taking part in their first 10k next week, the Women’s Running 10k in Finsbury Park. They’re nervous and there’s a bit of doubt in their minds – part of them thinks they can’t do it. But I know they can.

There was a big hill in the Wimbledon 10k. I was scared of it. I thought it might end my race. I lived on the edge of this hill and instead of getting out there and running up and down it, I shied away from it and let it intimidate me.

I did the Women’s Running 10k in Finsbury Park last year. I know there’s a couple of hills, but I know it’s nothing that they can’t handle. My runners have prepared for their race much better than I prepared for my first. They run up and down hills with me and knock out speedier intervals. They’re ready.

On race morning they’ll be nervous, just like I was but I’ll be there with banana bread and cheer to help them round. I’ll let you know how they get on. If you’re doing the race (there’s still time to sign up) let me know and I’ll bring you some banana bread and some cheers too.