The annual Metro Aberdeen Beach 10km has snuck upon us. It was a lovely evening at the beach, very different from the conditions last year where the haar rolled in and it was chilly. This year all the pre race mumbling was about where the wind was heading, where in the race you would hit it and if my 15-year-old nephew would enjoy his 10km debut with a win over the older Cruickshank running.
The organisation and support were amazing! Slick, quick and cheery the volunteers were fantastic and without these willing souls there certainly wouldn’t be the successful events that there are.
The race started on the beach front top-tier and headed towards Bridge of Don. Into the wind for a start but plenty of bodies to shelter and draft behind. Then down onto the beach front , along the lower prom to fittie, through a funnel of support at the Beach Ballroom. It’s always so rewarding running with the wind at your back, but even more so when there are loads of people cheering you on.
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I started well, learning from BH18 and set a reasonably manageable pace. I held this until 5km where we turned into the wind. It was like a stick being popped into your spokes, the effort level went up.
I was lucky enough to have fallen into a little group to help draft share the wind, but it was relentless and the next three km splits dropped the pace quite significantly. I was sandwiched between Hazel and Julie and a third runner. I enjoy this type of running as I feel it is tactical and although working hard, working as a little team.
We made it to the stones at Bridge of Don again. Our group split up, with Hazel showing her class and opening up her stride and taking off. The rest bite from the wind allowed me to return to the previous pace and a strong finish.
The time was the quickest over the course 41:44 and I am chuffed with this as it’s about 2 mins quicker than the last two years. Kudos to Jordan who completed his first 10km in 42:51 …. not far behind at all.
Well done all Metro Aberdeen, Rebel PT and Fitlike Joggers out there tonight – lovely views, running and support.
Thanks for reading
James
