The Forum of Benfleet Running Club

TracyB · Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

I've entered this race (Sunday 6 Sept) originally for a PB as I've not done a 5K race for years, and only really got running 'properly' in the last year and half.

However, now have a 12m training run on the Saturday before, so offered to do this with a newbie running friend at her pace. Getting nearer, I really want to race it and try for a sub-30.

Anyone from BRC doing this one?

Stress Head · #1 Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 120 Location: Benfleet

Hi Tracey

I think Dawn & Cynthia are travelling up to do this one. Not sure if you know them but they'll have their BRC vests on.

Sarah

TracyB · Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

Hiya Sarah,

No I don't think I do know them. Will look out for vests, but I don't have mine yet. Ooohhhh could borrow Mike's...no, he's at Essex Way. Oh well... was a thought.

Going to swot up for quiz night

Stress Head · #1 Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 120 Location: Benfleet

Tracey,

I'll need mine Sunday too but I have a spare if you want to borrow it? BRC colours are sure to bring a PB!!! Might be a bit big now you've lost all that weight though!!!!
I'll stick it through Mike's letter box later on.

Cheers & Good Luck

S xx

TracyB · Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

Hi Sarah,

That would be lovely thank you. However, a bit concerned about grounding my sweat into your clothes :dontknow:

Is it really all that weight?

I have more to go too...

Not heard from my friend and she's off work so def going to Race it Sunday! My first proper one with the aim of speed! (a little speed anyway... )

Thanks a lot.

Tx

TracyB · Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

Sarah,

Thanks for the top. Fits lovely

My first race as a BRC member

Will let you know how I get on but hoping for a 5k PB.

Enjoy Essex Way

Tracy x

TracyB · Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

Planned on sub 30 - first race with 'training-to-be-proper-runner, not-a- leisure-plodder' head on, with BRC colors - thanks Sarah (making me remember my manners, was after all representing BRC).

Extremely slow start for 12000 woman who all seem to be using the ladies (20mins wait even though I used the ones at Hyde Park Station too.

Managed to make it over to the start for the 30-35min start group (planned on 25-30 but missed it due to loo queue).

First mile 11+mins
Second mile caught up some time to 19:53 mins
Third mile 30 mins (plan on 29:59 redundant)
5k = 31.35 (not happy)

This is the slowest experience I've had but maybe cos I was in most aggressive mood to race and achieve, telling myself it's 'only 5k' and in race mode for the first time in my life. I even found I was putting my hand out to let people know I was overtaking - also never overtaken anyone in a race before - kerb hopping, off the route to the path, latching on to 'runners' pushing their way through so I could use that space..... Why do people that are clearly walking and talking get in the 30min wave... when they know they can't walk it in 30, and there was even a wave just for walkers!

A nice run otherwise, the reggae band (red red wine) were really good, and passed them twice, the steel band were good to, and one supporter shouting 'come on Benfleet'

really cheered me at the point I knew I wasn't within my target time.

An excellent goody bag, hand-woven recycled materials, t-shirt, luc sport, apple, granola bar and free samples of vits and lipstick.

Rant over

Karl C · Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2009 7:03 pm Post subject:

Well done, don't you look swish in club colours ? (All them women and you didn't expect long loo queues and lots of chatting..lol.)

TracyB · Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

Yes but they could still move faster. Garmin reads 3.19 miles so the Boss says I could knock a minute off my time, although the .09 is probably due to kerb hopping, crossing across and taking widest part on bends to find space .... not one I'd do again... def too many women

Stress Head · #1 Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 120 Location: Benfleet

Been away for few days Tracey hence late response.

Don't be too upset with the time hun. I didn't realise it was such a large field. 12,000 women & a short course does not = PB potential, it was totally out of your hands!!

Remember that you're still running better than you ever have, forget about that one now and concentrate on your half marathons that you've been doing all the hard work for and I'm sure you'll see some significant improvements!!

S xx

TracyB · Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

Thanks Sarah

See you soon x

bobby · #2 Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Posts: 257

Well done Tracy sounds like you had everything under control, it seems that other people were the main problem. Did you manage to find Cynthia and Dawn after all. If not reind me to introduce you next time you are at the club.

TracyB · Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

Hi Bobby,

I hope you are well. No, couldn't find other Benfleet runners - only saw 1 vest in BRC colors.. which was 'coca cola running club'!

Hope to see you soon (probably after I've completed my halves - as I'm sticking ridgedly to training schedule).

Sarah,

Would you mind if I borrowed your vest for Battersea 10k this weekend? I've put one on my Christmas list

Tracy

Stress Head · #1 Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 120 Location: Benfleet

No worries hun. Have a good run.

S xx