The first of April marks the official countdown to the ABP Southampton 10km race happening in just 25 days (which I am afraid is no April fools). After completing the 5km Glow Run in February my training plans seems to have been put on the back burner as I haven't been sticking to my regime as strictly as I should. However, with only a handful of days left it's time for me to really get back on it. Silence is golden, or is it? - After completing registration online I have noticed that the rules and regulations for this race state that no music is permitted during the race. I had a bit of a freak out yesterday as running to music gives me that extra boost I need. On the occasions that my phone battery dies mid-run I really find myself struggling.
Half the run of traveling is the aesthetic of lostness - I've been checking out the twitter feed for #abpsouthamptonhalf and #abpsouthampton10km and noticed a lot of people are conversing about the best way to tackle the route. I however, am trying not to look at the route as I think not knowing what's next will help keep me motivated. All I know is where it starts and finishes and at some point I am going to have to tackle the Itchen Bridge.
Slowly but surely - Darren and I have been acting as motivators for each other and have been comparing our distances/times. He is considerably faster than me but I am trying not to let this act as a barrier to success. I try and pace myself throughout the race and just focus on achieving the distance.
As you can probably tell, I'm feeling pretty nervous as I haven't covered this sort of distance before. When I booked the race I genuinely wasn't sure if it was achievable, however now I am covering distances of 7km in training I think it's safe to say I am feeling a little closer.
P.S. If you want to read more about the story behind my running and donate money towards The Countess Mountbatten Hospice then please check out my Just Giving page here as every donation helps achieve a little more happiness.
