Baker Hughes 10km is a great event – family friendly but also a great chance to run supported by the local running communities. Its a time where the bright Orange (Hazelhead JS, Newmachar, Charlie House, Newburgh Dunes), Blue (BHGE, JSK), Green (Rebel PT), Purple (FLJ’s) and Black & Gold (Metro Running Club) of different running groups are worn proudly.
Arriving at the the race village, it was great to chat through the London marathon with so many people- hearing their experiences and also reliving mine, I was very taken a back at the amount of people who took time to track me around the course. So much support and encouragement.
My goal today was immeasurable. I was in the pain cave/hurt locker last weekend and I didn’t handle it too well. I wanted to get back to it experience it and “learn from last week”. The initial timed goal was in the 40’s, but again not sure how the legs would be I was aware that the target might change during the race. Go out consistent and try to keep it up in the last stages of the race.
I took my normal warm up with Jordan ( who would run a PB under 40mins – taking the fastest time in the Cruickshank household for this distance) before making my way to the starting pen. The atmosphere was great and the buzz from a local race is always a draw of the BHGE 10km. This would be my 8th year in a row at the event so super excited for it.
It wasn’t long until we were on our way snaking past ASDA, through the harbour and up onto the beach front – cue headwind. I had started conservatively – keeping the pace in check – something previous BH runs I haven’t. Heading through halfway in 21:35, I felt I was in a good place to kick on, but waiting for the wind direction to change before doing so. Meandering up toward the petrol station on King street I started to feel the legs go the same way as the previous week, this was what I wanted to experience – lets get better.
Down King Street and through Seaton slowly counting to 100 (each KM taking 150 counts roughly) I maintained my stride using this mental tool. Along Linksfield road through the water station to the 9km marker, still working but the legs were having a mumble. Then the heartbreak hill at 9.2km. I have ran this hill many times as part of the 10km and training runs but it always is the stick in the spokes when you have the legs turning in a race.
At the bottom the atmosphere is brilliant – cowbells, shouting, encouragement and folk with cameras….you just have to get up that hill. Pulling frantically with my arms, I got to the top of the hill and past the old Calor gas stop ( new flats now) you know the work is done.
A short downhill, sharp left ( again loads of support to cheer you on) and your within touching of the end, another sharp left into a wall of noise and you can see it…eyes down for the line. The sprint finish is about 0.2 of a mile but feels a lot longer. Crossing over the line in 42:45.
A great day out, a huge thank you to all the supporters/volunteers/race team it was another great day around a friendly local course… thanks to all the shouts of support on the route – they make the most difference ( what a difference a week makes). PB’s, course PB’s many a tale told after the run, thats the best part sharing and being part of the experience.
Lastly thank you to the runners of Metro Aberdeen, a great club, a great community and a great family the support out there was great from runners and crowd. Well done to the winners – ( as being a big fan of these guys I was delighted they gave a couple seconds for a picture).
See you next year BHGE
Thank you for reading
Run Long and Prosper
James
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