Run > Race

PERSONAL BEST: 5k. WAVA now 60.59% - First time over 60% Got exactly what I wanted - long wait for the first official PB of the year, and on a hot day. Legs were fine but mouth was dry by the time I got to the first bend, and the noise from the crowd makes it hard to relax. First 1k done in 4 mins, so knew I had some time in the bag, as target pace is 4:24 (I hadn't even worked this out!) for a 22 min finish. Felt like I was slowing, but I just kept pushing on even though I felt anxious. Managed to smile at people. I had a guy breathing down my neck for 1k who I let pass, and 2 others went with him. Got to 3k and checked watch but I could not make sense of the time (need a pace band!) Knew that if I hit 4k at 18 mins then I would have a good chance of getting under 22:42 if I just kept the same pace. Heard a bell go and some shouting as I began last lap - it was the finishers in 15 something. Happy that I hadn't been lapped like on previous occaisions, which happened just after the bend last year, and before the bend the year before. Hit 4k at almost exactly 18 mins. Felt I had something in the tank so picked up the pace. Last two stretches were just full of anxiety and discomfort, and I wasn't sure I would pb. 100m looks like such a long way when you are at capacity. Overtook a guy on the bend but he came past me. Very pleased with time, though Keith (Emma and James dad) looked dodgy at the end and needed oxygen. It was some time before we learned he was ok.