Valencia 10k

Another week, another race, this time in Valencia. I have to say, I've seen alot of Spain over the past five years, I've been to almost all the major cities and plenty of small towns too and Valencia is one of my favourites. It just has a nice balance between modern and historical buildings, the centre of the city I guess has changed little over the past one hundred years, but it has aged well while there are iconic, modern buildings a short walk away, the prime example being the Palau de les arts Reina Sofia.

Anyway, now to the race. As I expected it was a flat course that was perfect for attempting a PB. I was on course up until about the midway point, I was at the 5k mark in 20:05 so a sub 40min time was still within reach but it the second half I just didn't have the strength to maintain the same pace. I completed the second 5k in 21:47 to finish in 41:52 and an average of 4:11min/km.

This seems to be a familiar story of my last few races, I haven't reached my goal but I'm not too disappointed as I understand why I'm not running as fast as I'd like to be. Through the first half of the race I had the pace to get a new PB but I just didn't have the stamina to sustain it, and for that I have to look at the enforced break over Christmas as the primary cause. Since I returned I've been gradually building up the mileage again but I hadn't been beyond 12k before today, and it just isn't enough. Hopefully I can get up to speed quickly as the half-marathons come thick and fast from here with three in the next six weeks. I set PB's at the same races last year, while I don't expect to do the same list year I'd like to think that by the time the third comes around I'll be close to my best.

Before I close this post I'd like to say how proud I am of my girlfriend. In Valencia she ran her first race, a year ago taking on a 10k was probably the furthest thought from her mind when she took her first tentative steps to take up running but the transformation has been huge and well-earned. A 10k is a big landmark and to get round running all the way is a great start, I'm already looking forward to joining her on the start line for many more races and watching her improve.

All the best

Maratonero