Run > Race

ER 10k handicap race. Seemed like a good idea when I first agreed to do this! Had no real idea how this would go since I haven't raced properly for nearly two years. Handicap time was 53 mins, which is c. 8.30mm. Thought that might be doable but wasn't sure about my endurance. Tried to keep pace below 5.15mm and I think I was on for a sub-52 until cramp in both calves set in at about 8k. Really frustrating, as I still felt good and was motoring up the 'hill' compared with some of the others ahead of me. Had to stop and stretch about 3 times and could only hobble to the finish. So, a mixture of disappointment and encouragement. Considering my lack of long runs and speedwork, the first 5 miles weren't bad - I think I was running well within myself. I had been saying I didn't want to start racing again, but I actually got more of a buzz from this than I was expecting and can see a couple of easy ways to adjust training so I'm more race-fit. Just got to fix the cramp issue (had the same problem when I was racing before). Will try calf-guards next time.