NEWHAM GREAT RUN
SUNDAY 19th JULY 2015
Getting ready to run.
This would be the first time I would take part in this race.
The great thing about it is that it takes place in the Olympic Park and ends in the Olympic Stadium, imagine that running in the same stadium as the 2012 Olympics took place. Hallowed ground really when you think it was the same track where Usian Bolt, Shelly Anne Fraser, Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis and many other great Olympians won their medals.
I did not get to see the inside of the stadium during the Olympics, I would have loved too but it did not happen, so this was a great chance to do just that.
The great thing about Queen Elizabeth Park in Stratford is that is has great transport links, rail, bus and tube, so it's very easy to access. There were a lot of families their supporting their runners.
The weekend was packed, can't say I was even feeling like running to be honest, but I looked at it as a good way to get a training run in and bag a medal, better than running on a Sunday morning all by myself!
My wave was supposed to start at 9:50 and we started at 10:05, there were 17000 people but they were well spread out so things did not feel crowded.
The day was hotter than expected it was suppose to rain which it did first thing in the morning after that the sun began to shine and shine and shine! Personally I prefer a little rain when I run, keeps things nice and cool, but no such luck!
ROUTE
The route was great through the Olympic park, nice views and scenery. Lots of room to run.
TOILETS
There were quite a few in the beginning and then they were spread out, I did not need to go whilst running so saved myself from that horror. They are not my fav place to go during a race, but sometimes needs must!
FELLOW RUNNERS
It has been a while since I have taken part in a run and I always forget how some people like bad drivers, cut in, cut across, run in front of you, It took a little while to get used to that, but other than that all was well.
WATER STATIONS
The first water station was quite a few Kilometres in, so if you run this race next year, run with a bottle when you start to keep you going until you get to a station. There was also Lucozade available but for a 10k I find water is just fine.
MY RUN
I ran better than expected I really thought I would be lucky if I managed 12 minute miles I probably have not run a 10k in at least 3 years, between the 3 A's an achilles injury, asthma and adenomysis, my running has trailed off. The few races I have taken part in have been lessons in torture, due to being unable to train properly.
I managed to keep around the 11 minute a mile mark. I held back as well not sure what my body could do. I did not want to mash up myself and not be able to finish. I only stopped once to take a selfie at the 5K mark and whip off my top, it was so hot I ended up running in just a sports bra.
5k still feeling good!
I finished off quicker than I started, It was beautiful feeling running well, no aches, no pains, my body was in complete cooperation and I picked my speed the last 3K, yes I was enjoying myself but there was no need to be out there any longer than necessary.
I have always found 10k's quite a brutal distance and running injured and unwell the last few years it had become a bit of a negative experience, running is wonderful when you are fit and well, but if your not you'll get spanked every single time.
Yesterday was different my body cooperated, my body is stronger and fitter, a year and a half worth of strengh work, body Pump, boxing, Spinning and Armageddon, has made me fitter. I also think I was so happy to be running my mind was just pushing on my body and I refused to stop or slow down I just kept on going.
I managed to run it in 1 hour 7 minutes, I am proud of my time, proud of the fact I am running again, proud I finished uninjured and with a smile on my face. Proud that I am well enough to start chasing my old times and pushing myself again. I know that as long as I am careful and build up slowly I will continue to become strong and faster.
This time round I will appreciate my health and the ability to be able to get up put my trainers, hit the road and take part in a race once in a while.
Running is not longer my pure focus it is part of a range of exercise I do. I will always love running but in order to have all around fitness and ward off injury it will never again be the only thing I do.
The are people around me who are too sick to even get out of bed. I dedicated every Kilometre to someone I know who cannot run, thinking about them kept me going. I will keep going for as long as I can. This time round I just won't take my body for granted!
NEGATIVES
Only one negative, meeting up after was a bit nuts as the meeting places were not well sign posted, but that is my only complaint, everything else was well organised and executed. The medal was lovely, and the t-shirt was great, the goodie bag had a couple of edibles, nothing to exciting and the usual pleathra of leaflets.
If you want to take part in the Newham Great run next year sign up under the link below. It is a great one to do and I would advice anyone who is thinking of doing a 10k to get this one on their list.
http://www.greatrun.org/great-newham-london-run
BEST BIT
Running into the stadium, that was pure magic, it is more impressive in person, and to think I was running on the same track as a bunch of famous athletes, really blew my mind.
So grab some friends, sign up and then line up.
LESSONS LEARNT
Push yourself, you are more capable than you think.
To be an all round athlete, try not to stick to one sport.
Strength train, you will reap the benefits, not only will strength training make you look good, you'll run better as well.
Thanks to the other half for accompanying me and as always supporting my madness.
Kat Francois
(Fit Fabulous and Fierce Founder)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/717206488345582/
SUNDAY 19th JULY 2015
This would be the first time I would take part in this race.
The great thing about it is that it takes place in the Olympic Park and ends in the Olympic Stadium, imagine that running in the same stadium as the 2012 Olympics took place. Hallowed ground really when you think it was the same track where Usian Bolt, Shelly Anne Fraser, Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis and many other great Olympians won their medals.
I did not get to see the inside of the stadium during the Olympics, I would have loved too but it did not happen, so this was a great chance to do just that.
The great thing about Queen Elizabeth Park in Stratford is that is has great transport links, rail, bus and tube, so it's very easy to access. There were a lot of families their supporting their runners.
The weekend was packed, can't say I was even feeling like running to be honest, but I looked at it as a good way to get a training run in and bag a medal, better than running on a Sunday morning all by myself!
My wave was supposed to start at 9:50 and we started at 10:05, there were 17000 people but they were well spread out so things did not feel crowded.
The day was hotter than expected it was suppose to rain which it did first thing in the morning after that the sun began to shine and shine and shine! Personally I prefer a little rain when I run, keeps things nice and cool, but no such luck!
ROUTE
The route was great through the Olympic park, nice views and scenery. Lots of room to run.
TOILETS
There were quite a few in the beginning and then they were spread out, I did not need to go whilst running so saved myself from that horror. They are not my fav place to go during a race, but sometimes needs must!
FELLOW RUNNERS
It has been a while since I have taken part in a run and I always forget how some people like bad drivers, cut in, cut across, run in front of you, It took a little while to get used to that, but other than that all was well.
WATER STATIONS
The first water station was quite a few Kilometres in, so if you run this race next year, run with a bottle when you start to keep you going until you get to a station. There was also Lucozade available but for a 10k I find water is just fine.
MY RUN
I ran better than expected I really thought I would be lucky if I managed 12 minute miles I probably have not run a 10k in at least 3 years, between the 3 A's an achilles injury, asthma and adenomysis, my running has trailed off. The few races I have taken part in have been lessons in torture, due to being unable to train properly.
I managed to keep around the 11 minute a mile mark. I held back as well not sure what my body could do. I did not want to mash up myself and not be able to finish. I only stopped once to take a selfie at the 5K mark and whip off my top, it was so hot I ended up running in just a sports bra.
5k still feeling good!
I finished off quicker than I started, It was beautiful feeling running well, no aches, no pains, my body was in complete cooperation and I picked my speed the last 3K, yes I was enjoying myself but there was no need to be out there any longer than necessary.
I have always found 10k's quite a brutal distance and running injured and unwell the last few years it had become a bit of a negative experience, running is wonderful when you are fit and well, but if your not you'll get spanked every single time.
Yesterday was different my body cooperated, my body is stronger and fitter, a year and a half worth of strengh work, body Pump, boxing, Spinning and Armageddon, has made me fitter. I also think I was so happy to be running my mind was just pushing on my body and I refused to stop or slow down I just kept on going.
I managed to run it in 1 hour 7 minutes, I am proud of my time, proud of the fact I am running again, proud I finished uninjured and with a smile on my face. Proud that I am well enough to start chasing my old times and pushing myself again. I know that as long as I am careful and build up slowly I will continue to become strong and faster.
This time round I will appreciate my health and the ability to be able to get up put my trainers, hit the road and take part in a race once in a while.
Running is not longer my pure focus it is part of a range of exercise I do. I will always love running but in order to have all around fitness and ward off injury it will never again be the only thing I do.
The are people around me who are too sick to even get out of bed. I dedicated every Kilometre to someone I know who cannot run, thinking about them kept me going. I will keep going for as long as I can. This time round I just won't take my body for granted!
NEGATIVES
Only one negative, meeting up after was a bit nuts as the meeting places were not well sign posted, but that is my only complaint, everything else was well organised and executed. The medal was lovely, and the t-shirt was great, the goodie bag had a couple of edibles, nothing to exciting and the usual pleathra of leaflets.
If you want to take part in the Newham Great run next year sign up under the link below. It is a great one to do and I would advice anyone who is thinking of doing a 10k to get this one on their list.
http://www.greatrun.org/great-newham-london-run
BEST BIT
Running into the stadium, that was pure magic, it is more impressive in person, and to think I was running on the same track as a bunch of famous athletes, really blew my mind.
So grab some friends, sign up and then line up.
LESSONS LEARNT
Push yourself, you are more capable than you think.
To be an all round athlete, try not to stick to one sport.
Strength train, you will reap the benefits, not only will strength training make you look good, you'll run better as well.
Thanks to the other half for accompanying me and as always supporting my madness.
Kat Francois
(Fit Fabulous and Fierce Founder)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/717206488345582/
