This is the third year that I’ve run the Nike Women’s 10K in Victoria Park, and it’s so great to see that the race improves each year. Clearly they are listening to our feedback! The past two years the race was done in the evening- We Own the Night, this year I’m so pleased they decided to host a day time event.
Ashley and I had a relaxed morning, before getting the tube over to Mile End and walking up to Victoria Park in East London. Our plan was to meet up with Zoe who had kindly got us access to the media tent as part of her crew. We took advantage of the VIP bag check and loos with no queue before meeting up with Margaret and having a team photo.
The walk to the start of the race was long, but organised, and I was glad we were in the first corral to avoid the busy course. After a fairly long warm up, the race was started (albeit a little late) by Ellie Goulding – so excited to see her in concert next week!
Our goal for the race was to run together as a three, enjoy the race but to finish under 1hr. I wasn’t running with a watch so had no idea of pace and left it up to the girls to let us know how we were doing.
Our first mile was an 8.35 pace, with the second at 8.29. The park was beautiful and sunny, and I actually felt really great despite some pre-race nerves about my current running fitness levels. The pollen count felt quite high though and my throat was beginning to get scratchy, so we walked through the first water station before picking up the pace again. Our third mile was 8.13.
There was a decent amount of support along the way, although not as much music as I would have liked. I cranked up some Taylor Swift on my phone to blare out from the speaker to motivate us to keep moving. I loved the signs along the side of the path, cheering on each of the crews.
Mile 4 was 8.17 pace, and although we told ourselves to slow down, each of us wanted to keep running strong. The course is pretty flat, although it’s over two laps, so by the time the front runners get around the first lap, they catch up with the runners at the back. However, unlike in previous years, most people adhered to the advice to keep to the left of the course and overtake on the right.
With the 5th mile done in 8.37, I started to wonder to myself what Ashley’s PB was and whether there was any chance of her beating it. We kept up our steady pace and weaving in and out. It was a relief to see the 600m countdown sign where we turned left onto the final stretch. 400m to go, 200m to go and I shouted at Ashley to gun it. And gun it she did, I don’t think I have ever seen her sprint so fast! It paid off- she managed a huge PB! We crossed the finish line in 53.05 to claim our goody bags and medals.
After finishing we hot footed it to the awesome We Run London sign before the crowds started growing. Got to love a jumping photo, even after a race!
I had such a fun morning with Ashley and Margaret, and it reminded me of why I love running. I felt great out there on the course, and loved being part of the running community again. Great confidence and motivation before starting my Chicago Marathon training this week!
Thank you to Nike for the complimentary race place & for taking on board our suggestions from previous races!
Great review and a fantastic finish time. Love the photos with the giant we run London sign; by the time I’d finished the race you could hardly see the sign amongst all the people.
I wrote a little race re-cap on my blog:
http://everydayadventures.co.uk was no-where near as speedy as you but now I have something to aim for 🙂
Looking forward to reading about your marathon training.
Well done on the race.
Amanda
Thanks Amanda, I LOVE your nails for the race!!
Thanks 🙂 I always feel more confident if I coordinate my nails on race day
Great race! I love the second #werunlondon photo 🙂
Thanks Jill, me too!
How fun! Looks like it was an awesome race and congrats on your time! I’m glad they moved the start time to during the day, I’m a morning runner not night so evening races are tough for me. Can’t wait to hear about marathon training!
Thanks Jenna! I agree- I found it so hard to know what to eat and when for the night run, plus I wanted to go to bed after rather than hang around in the park getting cold!
What a beautiful race! Your photos are just GORGEOUS!!!
Thanks Lora! Most were taken while on the run 🙂
Looks like you had so much fun! 🙂
It was, thanks Grace!!
Looks like a great race! Love your jumping photo 🙂 awesome way to start your marathon training.
Thanks Amanda! I love that picture too- it took a few attempts!
Congrats on a great strong race. I ran too and it was the perfect race to kick start my half marathon training, sounds like it has done the same for your marathon training too!
So glad you enjoyed it- which half are you training for?
Congrats on a great race! That jumping photo is so fun!
Congrats lady! And I freaking LOVE those shirts!!!
Thanks Liz! I wish I’d been able to get a tank but apparently I signed up too late!
This NIke 10 km looks like it was a fun event! I absolutely love your last #WERUNLONDON photo! Perfect! There is one in Toronto Canada that I would love to do next year!
Do it! It’s so much fun especially with a group of friends!
Such a brilliant event, well organised and inspiring – loved it! Well done 🙂 x
Thanks Aby, so glad you had a great time!
What made you prefer to run the race during the day vs. last year’s evening event? Just curious! I know I personally like the day runs much better, too.