Taking part in my first Glasgow 10K road race was, I feel a bit of mixed feelings.
On arriving around 20 minutes later than I wanted to at the start in George Square, I had to try and find out from other runners where I had to start the race from as I could not find any stewards to ask where to go.
I found that the area where all the blue group runners were (the group I was in) was very, very congested so as I was chatting to two other runners who were waiting between the first group to go and the blue group who were the next group to go I decided to hang about there and set off just after the first group of runners.
GET SET—– GO
I’m off on my first Glasgow 10K.
I cross the start line and head for the first hill (ouch). Not far after the start line I hear some encouraging shouts from Caroline & Stephen (thanks guys). With just a quick look up Stephen seemed to be half way up a lamp post or on top of a bus shelter.
I start to make my way past some of the other runners and by the time we reach the top of the hill some people have already started walking. It was great to see people at the road side already clapping and cheering all the runners on.
I was looking to get under 49 minutes but had I started to fast?
I was feeling good heading towards the SECC and had not really noticed any of the distance markers until I was passing the 3K mark at 14:12 and still feeling fine, I was on course for my target time.
I liked the fact that there were lone pipers placed along the route and also all the little bands that were playing at points around the course, the cheerleaders should also get a mention.
I pass the 6K marker at 28:42, started feeling it in my legs a little bit, but I know I had it in my legs to do it, or so I thought. I’m heading for the 7K marker, turn the corner and see this last hill in front of me. My mind was clear and I went up the hill as I had with all the others, confident and at a steady pace. I get to the top and bang I had to take a 30 second time out (walk). It was not my legs that gave way but my stomach, I felt sick (too much breakfast) I think.
I knew or thought that I had a little time to play with and started running again but did not pick my pace back up soon enough which told with my finish time.
I knew the end was near when I could here the DJ in Glasgow Green encouraging the runners on as they came up the final part of the race. I came under the arch at Glasgow Green, the finish line was in sight and I just went for it, opened up my stride and just ran as fast as I could to the finish line.
With this being only my 3rd race I am still learning and will eat a little less before a race especially first thing in the morning.
Well done to Laura and Robert from the club who also took part in the 10K.
Robert MacLean 40:53 128th (11th Male U20)
John Edgar 49:02(pb) 808th
Laura Muirhead 58:14 2819th
