My Return to Racing: Nice 10K

Decathlon Running outfit

I’m back. Both on the blog and to running races, and what better place to start than at the Nice Prom Classic 10K in the glorious January sunshine. I was very kindly invited to take part by Decathlon, who organised a trip for bloggers from across Europe to get together, learn a little more about the brand and to run the Decathlon sponsored race.

I arrived with Matt from UkRunChat, and met up with the PRs as well as a number of the other bloggers. We chatted with the shoe designers and met some of the friendly Decathlon sponsored athletes before heading to collect our race packs and choose an outfit for race day from the Decathlon stand.

Blogger girls race

Dames start line

The following morning, I lined up at the race start line in the Dames section (apparently all ladies run a 55-60min 10K) with two of the other bloggers on the trip; Ana from Denmark and Judith from France . I wasn’t sure what my pace would be, but intended to just enjoy the flat route and the gorgeous sunshine.

The first few kilometres were packed, as usual, before it opened out a little. The course took us up the main coastal road to the airport and back again- luckily the beach and sea make for a brilliant distraction. Everyone was given a Je Suis Charlie sticker in our race packs, with most people wearing them on their t-shirts, bibs and arms. There was something quite special about running with the French people at such a time, and it was quite emotional.

Nice 10K

Nice 10K

NICE 10K

I sadly lost the girls about 2mins after crossing the start line, so ran solo, waving at Kieran (the PR) and Matt as they sailed past on the other side of the road, and taking photos along the way. I crossed the finish line in 53.43 and welcomed the water and medal, obviously! The race would be a perfect destination 10K, plus a very PB friendly course- I hope to come back to attempt a better time next year!

Nice 10K medal

Straight over the finish line, straight into the sea!! The perfect ice bath- the boys went for a little swim whilst I only braved it up to my knees. The hotel staff weren’t overly impressed when we arrived back barefoot and soaking!

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Matt and I spent a lovely afternoon enjoying a post run lunch of salad, chips and beer, followed by crepes on the beach. It was super windy, despite being so warm- check out the crazy hair below!

Nice 10K pancake beach

Thank you to Decathlon for hosting such a fun weekend! I’ll be talking more about my favourite Decathlon kit in another post- stay tuned!

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16 Comments

  1. January 19, 2015 / 10:51 pm

    Super-jealous. I love Decathlon. Also the best ice-cream ever is in Nice!!

    • charlotte
      January 23, 2015 / 10:41 am

      I didn’t have an ice-cream- now I will have to go back to do another race in Nice just to enjoy an ice=cream aftewards!!!

  2. January 20, 2015 / 12:12 pm

    What a fun weekend. I am so sad I was not a runner during the time I lived in England. I missed out on so many fun race opportunities, especially with the rest of Europe so close. Hoping to get into the London Marathon next year, but despite having a “good for age” time, it isn’t an option for overseas runners. Ah well, there is always the lottery!

    • charlotte
      January 23, 2015 / 10:40 am

      Definitely enter the ballot! I’m actually running the Disney Princess Challenge in Feb- will have to have a look at your blog for inspiration!

    • charlotte
      January 23, 2015 / 10:43 am

      aargh, just looked at your blog and you’re running it too!!!!!

  3. January 21, 2015 / 11:03 am

    I have just one thing to say. Look at those stonking legs in the top picture. Twit twooooo!

    • charlotte
      January 23, 2015 / 10:38 am

      haha thanks dude!

  4. January 21, 2015 / 4:16 pm

    Love this race report! Coincidentally, I’m also a regular reader of Judith’s blog, who mostly writes about design but has also recently taken up running. So fun to see her face here on your blog and vice versa!

    • charlotte
      January 23, 2015 / 10:36 am

      That’s so funny, it was so lovely to meet her! Thanks for letting me know!

    • January 23, 2015 / 12:22 pm

      such a small world Mandi! xx

  5. Isabel
    January 21, 2015 / 5:12 pm

    I have to ask…that running top in the first picture where can I get one ?

    • charlotte
      January 23, 2015 / 10:36 am

      From Decathlon, I love their new range of trail running kit. Will have to post to share soon!

  6. January 23, 2015 / 12:22 pm

    This was such a fun weekend, Charlie! It was lovely meeting you! I have only one regret: not jumping into the Mediterranean with you guys 😀 See you next year in Nice!

  7. January 26, 2015 / 12:04 am

    It seems like the perfect race to get back into it! I also agree with Steph’s comment 😉

  8. October 15, 2015 / 6:53 pm

    Hi, ive entered this race for next year, just slightly unsure how and where i go to colloct my race number?? can you advise at all?

    Many Thanks

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