Derby 10k

This was my 2nd year running Derby 10k. They had changed the route slightly from last year and it looked a better and more direct route for the end of the course. I was really looking forward to this apart from feeling like crap the fortnight before the run. I managed to keep my usual exercise going with group sessions but I couldn't get out running as I had a really chesty cough.

I went into it thinking just finish the run, it doesn't matter about time etc. But once I was there I wanted to try and get a good time. Last year I ran it in 45 minutes 12 seconds, then set a PB at Wollaton 10k of 44 minutes 48 seconds. I knew I would be a distance away from those with how I felt but I would still give it a go.

At about 3km I could feel my breathing was really tight and didn't feel like the run was going well. I was ignoring my phone in my pocket with MapMyRun on it as I didn't want to know how it was going. I was just focused on my iPod and my random music selection.

The new course was better even if I was sort of just ignoring it and running with one aim of Finish!!!

As I turned back to Pride Park (Ipro) I saw the time and couldn't believe it, I was on for my 2nd sub 45min 10k. That spurred me on and I managed to find a little kick to the finish.

Showing off the Cancer Research UK top as always.

After the run we went for a little look around the new Velodrome as we couldn't get out the car park until the 3km fun run had finished. The velodrome was amazing! I can't wait to go an play badminton there and maybe invest some money in learning how to use the track and get my level 1 qualification you need.

Once I got home I found the official race times and I couldn't believe it I had set a new PB by 3 seconds. So I've now got a 10k PB of 44 minutes 45 seconds. Bring on Wollaton 10k when hopefully I'm feeling 100% fit and then I can see what time I get there.

www.justgiving.com/adamfretwellpt