Run > Race

Bupa London 10,000
Race no: 826 ( no pen allocation!)
I had received an mail from UKA offering a championship start plae in this race so felt I couldn't pass up the experience. Drove to London and parked one side of Green Park easily.

Championship runners were to assemble at the British Academy and then be escorted to the start line. After leaving Aidan I went for a short warm up jog around Carlton House Terrace and my calf started to seize up straight away - In a moment of sheer panic I went and collected my bag and found Aidan saying that I couldn't do it - however, as the runners were assembled and first the men then ladies were led off I found myself really wanting to and reasoned that I could just take it slowly.
The start line was very impressive, Mo Farah, Mara Yamauchi, Japanese Olympic Marathon team and lots of club runners from all over UK. I saw at least 7 RRR's green vests. I started well, conciously slower than my usual pace but by 3km the calf was tightening and I gave up running before it became too painful. I walked the final 7km. Other runners wre great, trying to cheer me on to run or asking if I was ok - I tried a jog as we approached the Mall but it was too painful so walked over the finish line.

At least it wasn't a DNF!
On the way home my calf was as solid as a rock, lots of ice, gentle massage and elevation whenever possible and emergency physio booked for Monday!
The route around central London was lovely - it was great to see the city ready for next week's Jubilee celebrations in the glorious sunshine.

This a a great 10K, a huge event organised by London Marathon team and would be a wonderful experience for anyone fit enough to do it.