Bradford 10K – Clare Evans

My reasons for doing Bradford 10km were twofold: having missed the Dewsbury 10km whilst in Dublin, I still wanted to get in an early year 10km and use it as a stepping stone for my bigger running plans later this year. Bradford was also my only DNS; I entered in 2014 but pulled out at the last minute due to family circumstances. I therefore felt like I had some unfinished business so when the email came through late last year, it was a pretty easy decision to sign up.

I woke up pretty early to get the train across to Bradford and after leaving my bag at the City Hall we assembled for the start. It was a bit chilly but soon warmed up and I was feeling pretty confident of getting a good time. The race started off weaving through Bradford centre before heading up Canal Road for the main bit of the out-and-back race. We took a detour leading up to 4km to go up a hill and there were a few undulating parts around the turn before heading back into Bradford.

After going out too fast at Abbey Dash, I was very keen that I didn’t make the same mistake this time. I therefore spent a lot of the first mile ‘clock-watching’ before settling into a rhythm. I got to halfway in about 23:15, which was about the same time as at the Abbey Dash. What was much better this time was how I managed to maintain my pace for the 2^nd half rather than fading and getting steadily slower. My legs felt heavy for the final 2km but cheers from Reena Mistry (marshalling at 9km) and part of team Mason saw me home in a new PB of 46:49.

After meeting up with a few other Harriers and runners in the finish area, I headed back to Leeds for lunch before going to Rodrigo’s leaving party at the Kirkstall Bridge Inn. Not sure when my next road 10km might be, but perhaps with a bit more interval and speed training (Thanks to Andi Drake’s coaching sessions and Thursday night Speed and Strength) I can aim for the magical sub-45! For now, it’s onward to the Liverpool half in May and the marathon in October.

Other Harriers –

Liam O’Brian 35:41 (11th place)
Dan Donnelly 41:43
David Womersley 42:30
Jez Forber 48:26

and Louise Hawksworth 1.05.36

Clare Evans