Club 5k Series - 1 of 6

Today was the first of the 6 Thames Valley 5k series.

These are 5ks organised by local clubs, inviting other local running clubs.

Rules are you wear your club vest and you have a number.

I wasn't too sure about tonight, work was busy and I was in a funny off mood for most of the day.

Even when I set off I was late due to work and got stuck in traffic, at 7 and still in Reading I came to terms with the fact I was going to make it.

Having to continue the route and going home that way, the traffic cleared and to my great surprise I got to the run on time!

As soon as I got there I was shocked, so many runners, definitely not what I had expected, but then again it being my first 5k series I wasn't sure what to expect!

I heard from @jonhino that this was an 'undulating' course, so I had figured it was going to be tough, slow and painful!

The great thing about wearing your club vest is that you can spot your own club runners easily! I joined another group of Dashers and found myself warming up with a couple.

All the runners then hurdled at the start, after a few warnings re the cars etc the 5k began.

Because of the large number I found the start congested, as a result I felt I had ground to cover and off I went passing many. I found my pace sustainable for the first 2miles but my breathing was intense!

Things were looking good, but the last mile was definitely painful! Not wanting to slow down or have the runners that I overtook, over take me I tried to keep going at the same pace, which was around 7.50min miles. But the last mile had a long windy gradual hill which definitely slowed me down! It was a struggle to keep the pace and it really drained my legs of every ounce of energy in them. But as you got to the top of the hill, the end was in sight!

I was so glad I made it and took part! Loved the support, encouragement and praise from the other Dashers at the end! Its such a great club!

The run itself was such a stress relief after a long a tough day at work and I just feel extremely energised and relaxed!

So my time by my Garmin was 24mins and 36 seconds, only 12 seconds of my PB which was on a flatter course!

I can not wait for the next 5k! Let's hope I can get a PB at one of the 5ks this summer!

Must calm down and get to bed!
Night all :) Happy running dreams!