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

Derby 10k

On Sunday I ran the Derby 10k for the first time. It's a really good course and finishing in Pride Park or as it's now called iPro Stadium is brilliant. Running into the ground with a crowd of people cheering everybody on was such a great feeling!!! I am now even more envious of all the professional sports stars out there who get to walk out onto a court, pitch or field with thousands of fan cheering them on each week.

I ran the 10k in a PB time of 45 minutes and 11 seconds. Hopefully over the Summer I can shave a minimum of 12 seconds off that to hit my goal of a sub 45 minute 10k. Finishing position of 521 out of 4229 runners, I'm happy to be in the first 8th of all runners.

I've entered a total of 164km of runs/treks this year all for Cancer Research UK - Cancer Research UK check out the amazing work they are doing with your help and funding.

After Derby 10k

Derby 10k - 45:11
Awsworth 5k
Hull 10k
Wollaton 10k
Nottingham Colour Blast 5k
Leeds 10k
York 10k
Birmingham Color Run 5k
Isle of Wight Challenge 56k
Wild Warrior 10k
Robin Hood Half Marathon 21k
Men's Health Challenge Nottingham 12k

If you wish to donate please visit www.justgiving.com/adamfretwellpt

iPro Stadium

I will do a new blog after each run to keep updating the times for each event along with photos and updates with money raised.