A quick summary of the Victoria Park Easter 10k. This was my first ‘race’ of 2017. Not being anywhere near PB shape, I was hesitant to sign-up for any events. However, after some contemplation, I thought that this shouldn’t keep me from doing what I enjoy. I alighted from Mile End tube station and walked to Victoria Park with Sania (around 1.5 miles). Here I met-up with Jamie Xavier.

After a brief warm-up, we funnelled into the start pen and set-off just after the scheduled 10am start for the 10k. There were also 5k and HM events on as well. This was a 3 lap course (of 2 miles) and a final 400m stretch at the end (to make up 10km). The first couple of miles felt very comfortable as we cruised along. The first 5k was done in just under 21 minutes. After 6km, the legs felt a little heavy, but nothing sinister. Our average pace was around 4:10/km (some faster and some slower splits). Having not run at this pace for a few months, it was mildly testing. I felt this was around a sub-40 effort level, based on previous runs I have done.

Kilometres 8 and 9 were little slower. When we got to the 9th km, I asked Jamie if we should pick-up the pace so we could finish in under 43 minutes, to which he agreed. We then ran the final km in 3:59, with a steady finish. My final chip time was 42:29, which equates to around 7 minute miles, and was what I had intended to do. So all-in-all, a successful run.

We then stayed around for a while after. Following this, Sania and I walked back to Mile End and went to Spitalfields market for some brunch. We also had a quick visit of the Rapha clubhouse as we were in the area. A great day and start to the Easter weekend. My next race planned is the Velo Park (runthrough) 5k in 2 weeks. A testing course, and I will be pleased to do this in sub-20. Until the next one…