#MotivateaMate winner Annette takes on York 10K

Running events are BACK and on 1st August #MotivateaMate winner, Annette, took part in her first of the season (and ours!) the Asda Foundation York 10K – on Yorkshire day no less!

Her entry was part of her #MotivateaMate prize, as getting involved in organised events during marathon training can be a great way to gauge your progress and always a great motivator!

We caught up with a beaming Annette post race to see how the day had gone for her. 

How had you felt in the build up to race day?

Annette: I was feeling so excited about running the York 10k again as it’s one of my absolute favourite races! But then 3 days before it, I ran this week’s marathon training long run with Sally (14 miles) and had an absolute disaster of a run, I almost gave up at 6 miles (I was literally sat on a wall crying!) But there was no way I was going to let that put me off running on Sunday, not when I’d been looking forward to it for so long. I was also really excited about the treat of being in corporate hospitality, especially as the weather forecast was for rain on Sunday morning, at least I knew I’d be dry before we started, although in the end the weather was absolutely perfect for running. And I was looking forward to sharing the whole experience with my husband Brian, who would be running his first 10k race.

What was it like to be back at an event?

Annette: Fantastic! There’s nothing better than sharing your run with thousands of other runners, volunteers and spectators, it’s always such a special occasion.

What was the atmosphere like?

Annette: There was a real sense of excitement, anticipation and camaraderie. I always enjoy looking out for people I know to say hello to, and looking at all the other club vests (I run for Kippax Harriers) and charity vests, and fancy dress outfits. I love listening to snippets of others people’s conversations while we’re waiting, and finding out why people are running and what they’re hoping to achieve. I love the music as well, it really helps to create an exciting atmosphere and get the adrenaline pumping!

How did you feel on the start line?

Annette: I felt really excited but calm and ready too. I’ve had some pretty good training runs recently (apart from Thursday’s disaster!) and wondered if I might be able to achieve a 10k PB, so I was thinking about the time and pace I needed to be aiming for. Mainly I was just looking forward to what was coming as York 10k is one of my favourite races and I knew it would be great whatever happened!

What was going through your head on course?

Annette: I always find it’s a battle between the doubts (am I running too fast? Can I keep this up?) and the positivity (you’ve got this, it’s brilliant, you’re going to do it!) But mostly I was too busy enjoying the route and saying thank you to the volunteers and soaking up the atmosphere from all the spectators along the way to think about anything negative! I had moments of feeling so grateful to be back running a real race again and moments that were incredibly emotional, particularly running past York Minster as all the bells were ringing out, I had to keep the tears in check! At 5k I realised I’d just run my fastest ever 5k so I knew that if I could just keep going I’d get my PB. I enjoyed running through Rowntree Park, a lovely new addition to the route, but by 8k I was starting to flag and starting to doubt myself. However, the sight of a dinosaur running past and also seeing one of my club mates revived me and by 9k I knew I could do it.

And (spoiler) she did! Check out Annette's post race analysis:

Can you describe that finish line feeling?

Annette: I loved the new finish in front of the grandstand on the racecourse. As I turned the corner to sprint down to the finish line I knew I’d got my PB and I had the biggest smile on my face, I was absolutely elated. As I crossed the finish line and stopped my watch I realised I’d absolutely smashed my PB with a time of 52:22 and I was almost beside myself, I couldn’t believe it, I was just so happy. I’m still absolutely buzzing now, two days later, I can’t believe what I achieved! And that’s the amazing thing about running a real race like York 10k, sharing that experience with thousands of others is so special and it pushes you to achieve things you never thought you could. It’s wonderful to be surrounded by so many other people who have just run their first ever 10k, or achieved a new PB, or raised amazing amounts of money for charity, or completed a challenge they never thought would be possible. I’d recommend it to everyone! If you’ve never run a 10k before, give it a go, just think how amazing you’ll feel afterwards when you put on that medal and t-shirt! I can’t wait until the Leeds Half in September now!

We can't wait either! Congratulations to Annette on her incredible race.

Check out all Annette and Sally's marathon training updates on their blog here
Want to grab your slice of event day action? Check out our upcoming events here.