Cardiff 10k, 3 Sep 2023

I love a big city 10k running race. The closed roads, mass start and supportive atmosphere makes for a good morning out! The Cardiff 10k route also conveniently included a large section of my usual Cardiff training roads and favourite park straight! I did a very small taper for this race (ie no big ride the day before 😅) with the aim of doing it as prep towards my next half marathon. My legs felt really good after some cracking training sessions in the week so I was excited to see what I could do.

It was a beautiful morning, the sun was shining and I had a delightful walk to the race start. I was allocated to the start pen just behind the elite runners, warmed myself up and off we went! I set off with the aim of trying to set off at just under my previous PB (38:59) pace and see what happens. I felt really comfortable for the first 3 miles and passed the 5K course marker at 18:40. However this was sadly probably too quick as I then suddenly really felt it in my legs, uh oh! The next 3k was a long straight through the park that I knew very well, however it felt like it went on forever! I became frustrated with myself for setting off too fast but I stayed strong and focused on keeping the legs turning over to try and bring it home in good time still. The final 2k was a slightly uphill, horrendous run up and then loop back on yourself road. Again it felt like it went on forever before we turned and the finish was in sight. I managed to pick up my legs for the final 0.3mile stretch (averaging 5:40 min/mile pace!!) and crossed the finish line in 39:38 (chip time).

I was 12th lady overall which was my best big city race finish! I was pleased with my performance given a lot of the surrounding circumstances and excited for what’s to come in my running legs!

Megan Powell