To run a race multiple times can only mean one thing - it is worth entering! I love the Doncaster 10k simply because it is a fantastic running event; well organised, excellent race facilities, bespoke bibs and medals, a post race area filled with thoughtful free refreshments, and a great running route. This was my third consecutive year at Doncaster 10k, and on the previous two occasions I had not only ran a PB, but had also had two very memorable days shared with friends; in 2017 my friend when she was visiting from Australia, and then the following year with her mother. I just love sharing running experiences, and to be honest the thing I was most looking forward to about this year's Doncaster 10k was to have a first real group outing for my Run Club - Lincs S&C Run Club.

Doncaster 10k was the first time I had pinned a race number on since Chicago Marathon. In the weeks since this race I have been running pretty much just for enjoyment, no real structure or plan, just doing what I feel. It has been what my mind and body has needed, so I felt no pressure to meet any form of goal at this 10k. Driving to Doncaster with a fellow Run Club member who had also ran an Autumn marathon, we both seemed to be in the same boat - just planning to go with the flow and see what we could do on the day! On arrival we met with other club members inside Doncaster Racecourse, which is the hub of the event and where the route starts and finishes. We stood and chatted, took a few photos and I just felt completely relaxed. I was also so pleased it was such a pleasant November day - I stood in shorts and a vest quite comfortably and I knew it would be great running conditions.

My happy mood continued as we made our way to the start line; I could have stayed chatting with friends in the start pens all race, but I eventually realised I probably needed to position myself somewhere suitable in the time zones. I opted for in between the sub 40 and sub 45 minute pacer - whilst I had no strict time goal for Doncaster 10k, I do believe you have to have some form of notion about what you may be capable of. I think I thought I ought to be running a sub 45 minute time, but I also probably thought I would just about squeeze in under this marker considering my lack of focused 'training' of late. After a poignant minutes silence to remember a fellow runner who should have been on the start line among us, but sadly passed away before race day, the start gun pierced the air and it was time to race. 

Doncaster 10k almost feels like a race of two halves - the first 5k is a section into Doncaster town centre, followed by a weave around some of the main streets, and then back to the racecourse. The second 5k is then virtually an out and back section heading away from the racecourse again, before returning to finish inside the venue and next to the main stand. During the first half of the route I ran hard and allowed the runners around me to sweep me along. I remember seeing the splits tick over on my watch and scarcely believing them; sub 7 min/miles were being logged, yet it did not feel like I was pushing that much. I used this confidence as I passed through the half way point and another sub 7 min/mile split ticked over. Half the race was in the bag now and I was just telling myself to hang on for another 3 miles. I guess my mentality was that I have pushed myself for a much longer duration and asked more of my legs for lengthier miles before, so I had to keep believing I could sustain this for a just a bit longer. 

The out and back second half of the Doncaster 10k is actually something I really enjoy - I seem to feed off seeing runners on the other side of the road. The turn around point at end of this 'out' section is however slightly less enjoyable, featuring a short but noticeable incline; I knew it was coming, but I was still not prepared for how much it tested me this year. I felt like I was running through treacle going up it; it really took the momentum and drive out of my stride and I could feel my speed plummet. 

This week I signed off my 2019 racing year with a final 10k blast around Doncaster. The days preceding this were busy; work is a little full on at the moment with some long days, in addition to me trying to stick to some form of running schedule (thank god I am not in full scale marathon training at the moment!) It has been tiring; but I find it hard to truly complain about it when I am doing things I love. 

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: I woke this morning to a glistening frost on the ground. Peering from my bedroom window I could see the footpaths sparkling and that car windows were quite thickly iced - real winter running time. I opted for a cautious 5 miles; the footpaths themselves were not actually too bad, but patches where leaves had accumulated and extra water remained were very slippery and could easily catch you out. Simply put, any form of speed was just not worth this risk!

WEDNESDAY: after a few weeks where our schedules had not quite fitted, I rejoined my friend for an early Wednesday morning run and we had decided to test ourselves with 10k of 'rolling hills' which is a fairly well known running route in Lincoln incorporating a lot of the city's steepest inclines, including the infamous Steep Hill. I had one aim and that was not to stop on any of the hills! I am pleased to say I accomplished this, and whilst it was a indeed a test, I actually felt stronger than I expected and was able to recover quickly between the hill challenges.  

THURSDAY: this week's Run Club session was planned for the track and I knew sensibly I should not take part; I have not run on the track for around 6 weeks now with marathon running and recovery, and with a 10k race on Sunday I knew it would just trash my legs! I was so tired after a long and jammed packed day on Wednesday, instead of a morning run I planned to run to the track after work and help with the session, then run back to work after to drive home; what I had not planned for was another very cold day, and after spending all day outside at work I just could not face being stood in the cold again. I chose to take part in the track session instead, but took it very easy, and it was more a case of me running laps to keep warm rather than to train! With my run to and from the track I accumulated 6 miles - along with some very cold hands!

FRIDAY: before resting ahead of Sunday's race I decided to give my legs a bit of a stretch with a quicker 5k. The run was not quite as speedy as I would have liked, hovering around the 8 min/mile mark, and I was just feeling a little drained. I think a busy week and the cold conditions throughout had took some of my energy from me; it was good to note this though, and I made sure I focused on having a quiet Saturday before Sunday's race. 

SATURDAY: Rest Day - including a soggy but happy stint of volunteering at Lincoln parkrun

​SUNDAY: my final race of 2019 - Doncaster 10k. This was my third consecutive year at the event, and on the previous two occasions I had ran a PB... no pressure then! I actually had no expectations about my performance today; my post marathon running had been fairly mixed and I was more looking forward to spending a morning with a number of members from my Run Club who were also taking on the event. I felt relaxed and happy at the start and by the finish my happiness still remained - with a little bit of added pain! 42:42 on the clock and my first sub 43 minute 10k (full blog to follow) I had amazed myself and was even happier that so many of my Run Club friends had also set new PB's and met their goals. I run better when I am happy - its a fact. ​

I am really enjoying my running at the moment; I always love running, but currently with no training pressure and having successful made it through the post marathon struggle period, I just feel very happy with how things are. Its a simple feeling, but a good one. 
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MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: I will soon be recommencing with a number of Tuesday evening work commitments, so am making the most of being able to join my Run Club's Tuesday social run whilst I can. This week's run was planned closer to my home, so I ran to join the group, enjoyed a lovely chatty few miles with friends, and then ran home, giving me a total of 6.5 miles at a nice mixture of paces. It is always enjoyable to run with others and also breaks up my normal 'training' routine of getting up early to run before work. I am therefore also enjoying some relative 'lie ins' at the moment, which is giving  my body another form of rest from peak training demands. 

WEDNESDAY: with a slightly longer run bagged yesterday, and the prospect of some tough hills on the agenda for tomorrow, I kept today's run shorter and steadier, aiming to hold close to 8 min/mile pace across the 4 miles. 

THURSDAY: I led my Run Club's session this week and had planned a hill session, with some tough hill repeats completed at maximum effort. I logged nearly 4 miles, but it wasn't the distance I was really after personally, but the intensity. I have been slowly incorporating a few more higher intensity runs back into my schedule lately, but nothing like this. I loved pushing myself up the hills, as well as looping around at times to support other members of the group. I had not tested myself like that for a while, and in the company of others, it was the perfect way to get back into it.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: today marked Lincoln parkrun's 6th birthday and it made for an extra special Saturday morning. I have spent the vast majority of my Saturday morning's over recent years at Boultham Park, running my weekly 5k, but also making friends and happy memories along the way. I openly refer to Lincoln parkrun as 'my happy place' and it is simply for the sole reason that it is there for me every week no matter what is going on in my life, and never fails to bring a smile to my face regardless of how I run, or even whether I run or volunteer. 

To mark the 6th birthday celebrations all runners were given a hankerchief which we waved at the local residents of the care home which overlooks the park. Every week our very own fan cub sits in the window of the care home and waves to us runners as we make the walk from the bandstand briefing to the start line, and its just one of the little things which makes our Lincoln parkrun community so special. As I completed my three laps I made sure to wave at the ladies each time, my show of appreciation for their ongoing support. In terms of ongoing support, it is on occasions such as this that I feel we have to say extra thanks to the core volunteer team we have at Lincoln parkrun who make our event happen each week (including those who have taken on the roles before), as well as the number of stalwart volunteers the event has - I hope days like this make them proud. Running wise I continued to shave a further few seconds off my recent running times and edge closer back to sub 21 minute territory, finishing in 21:04. I pushed myself, but I actually felt like I had something left in the tank at the end, so I was pleased to feel that strength returning again. 

SUNDAY: this morning's Sunday long run was a bit dreary; as I headed out the door the heavens opened, blowing cold rain into my face for the vast majority of the run. It would have been easy to cut my run short and head for home, but I wanted ten miles, so I stuck with it. I didn't focus on pace at all, just getting some consistent distance in, and the final few miles, when the rain finally stopped, were far more enjoyable. Next Sunday is my final race of the year - Doncaster 10k - I feel a lot more prepared to give it a good go then I did a couple of weeks back, and as ever, I am just happy to be running. ​

This week has been my best since Chicago Marathon; one month post marathon and I think I can say I am beginning to feel like myself again in running terms – slow and steady wins the recovery ‘race’…

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: I knew this week I was going to be incorporating some more higher intensity runs back into my weekly schedule, so I kept this morning’s 5 miler reasonably easy. The positive for me was my ‘easy’ pace seemed to be back to my perceived normal range, and it did not feel a slog.

WEDNESDAY: Tuesday evening I had enjoyed a slightly abnormal weekday evening, attending some fireworks with my friend, as well as enjoying a few accompanying gin and tonics – the perks of not being in training mode meant I felt no guilt about this! I woke feeling a little tired - I am still used to my 8+ hours of sleep each night! – so decided upon a short sharp run. Heading down to the river near me I made use of the fact the footpath was flooded in places to test myself with some uninterpreted 1k reps. I logged 4 miles in total, with a warm up and cool down, and was very impressed by how my legs responded to some speed work.

THURSDAY: this turned into a Rest Day as my planned return to track running with my Run Club was thwarted by flooding. I ended up staying at work later than intended, add to this the torrential rain and I just decided tomorrow may be better for running…

FRIDAY: today was indeed better for running. I headed out for another 5 miles on one of my routes that incorporates a long hilly start. I ran up this hill well, at a much better pace than previous weeks. I then just grew into the run, naturally picking up the pace to finish with some sub 8 min/miles, which importantly did not feel a test.

​SATURDAY: I spent this weekend visiting my sister in her new home in York – this of course meant the perfect chance for some parkrun tourism. We had intended to go to New Earswick parkrun, which is the event closest to my sister’s home. However, the extensive rainfall in the week meant this grassy course had to be cancelled; so we headed to York parkrun, which is held at the main racecourse in the city. We were joined by over 600 runners on a very chilly, slightly frosty but perfectly parkrun morning. The course followed one and a half circular half loops around the edge of the race course; it felt a little bit like running on a race track (ignoring the massive puddle to splash through!)

I can't quite believe it has been three weeks since Chicago Marathon already - time has absolutely flown. Looking at the positives, I would say I am doing well in avoiding too much of the 'post marathon blues' feeling which I have sometimes struggled with in the past; I have kept myself very busy - not just with running! - and it has helped. The one negative is however that my legs do not feel back to normal yet, and I am sure this is the longest it has taken me post marathon to feel a little bit more normal. This week things have seemed to begin to improve a little though, and I am happy with small steps forward, as long as things are progressing. 

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: as I was not at work this evening I managed to make my Run Club's Tuesday night social run for the second week in a row - unheard of! I really enjoyed 4 chatty miles, catching up with a few people and not even thinking about pace (see image). Run Club has given me a lot of new friends - people I had never met before, and people whose face I knew from the running scene, but had never spoken to before - and I am thankful for that. Our Thursday Run Club sessions still have a large social element, but tend to also be more structured with intervals, hills etc., so especially in this non training period, I am going to aim to make these Tuesday evening sessions whenever work permits. 

WEDNESDAY: my Wednesday running friend had to cancel on me last minute, so I was faced with trying to push my legs on a steadier run without his motivation. I managed 5 miles hovering in the 8-8:15 min/mile region, which I was pleased with, although it did feel much harder than it used to, which I took as a sign my legs were getting better, but are not quite there yet. 

THURSDAY: after pushing myself a little more yesterday, I aimed to ease off the effort today as I headed out for another 5 miles. Starting my run with a long drawn out hill - just to add a little bit of challenge! - it then turned into a slight progression run as my legs felt looser as the miles progressed. Again, more promising signs. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

​SATURDAY: after a fairly slow (by my standards I know) reintroduction to running Lincoln parkrun last week, my aim for today was to try get back into the 21 minute region. It was hard, but my legs were much improved from the previous week, and I kept reminding myself this as I ran. My first mile split was actually akin to what I had been running pre-marathon and logged at sub 7 min/mile pace, but I couldn't hold it and slowed for the final two miles, although remained consistent with matching splits. I finished in 21:44, still nowhere near my best, but 30 seconds quicker than last week, so again I was happy. I then enjoyed a post run breakfast and chat in the famous Lincoln Bowls Club with a few members from my Run Club - I have ran Lincoln parkrun 131 times as well as 30 (I think!) volunteer stints yet this was the first time I have ever sampled a bowls club breakfast!

​SUNDAY: more steps forward today as I upped my Sunday long run to 10 miles and also ran at a good pace throughout. My splits were within the 8:10-8:25 min/mile region, and whilst like earlier in the week, this did feel tougher than it has done before, I felt my legs did have some strength back. 

On a slightly non running level, this week I was also recognised on Lincolnshire's 30 Under 30 List (more here) as one of the counties young rising stars (see image). My colleague/friend had nominated me and whilst I was extremely flattered to be included in the list, it was however the passage she had written about me which touched me the most. She had written something so genuine, that encompassed all that I try to do professionally and in my personal ethos in terms of trying to help and make a difference to people - as well as getting my parkrun and marathon addiction in there too! -  reading it just made me believe that little bit more in myself . A few things have shaken my self confidence in recent weeks, and this recognition was incredibly well timed. ​I am sure improved self belief can only help me in a running environment too.