As an ex-military colleague of mine once said "Piss Poor Preparation leads to Piss Poor Performance". How right he was!!
On bank holiday Monday earlier this week I took part in my second BUPA London 10k. Last year this was my favorite race, with great atmosphere and the added benefit of an afternoon free to enjoy London post race.
This year I arrived in London down on training, but naively optimistic, believing that I could get round on atmosphere and enjoyment alone - much as I had in Manchester two weeks previously!
Race day started well as I enjoyed an early and nutritious breakfast before reading the paper whilst relaxing in my hotel room fairly close to the start line. I made a strategic decision to relax to the last minute and only head out just before my wave was called.
The first challenge arose when on dressing I realised I had forgotten to pack any socks! Disaster!!! I couldn't embark on a 10k run with no socks - and no time to visit the shops!! Fortunately, I had a thin pair of pop socks and a tub of Vaseline with me!! They would just have to do - and hopefully with plenty of Vaseline I'd avoid blisters!
So, finally ready (or so I thought!!) I headed out for the start line. I enjoyed a few minutes of taking in the atmosphere ambling though Green Park. Just as I approached the start I overheard the announcer say " Don't worry you'll get an accurate race time from the timing chip attached to your shoes!".
Bugger!!! I'd completely forgotten to attach my timing chip and it was still in my hotel room. Damn!! A quick dash through Green Park and a frantic hunt through the race pack followed by another quick dash back to the start this time with timing chip ensued!
I made it to the start but am not sure sweating before crossing the line is ideal race preparation!
It was hot in London on Monday, very hot! I've never been so glad of the fact there were two water stations on a 10k course - much needed.
I did enjoy London this year. The bands round the course were excellent and provided a much needed boost. The crowds - particularly over the last mile or so - were absolutely fantastic!
That said I had a dreadful, dreadful race.
I'd like to blame the weather - too hot; I'd like to blame the lack of socks (although toes were hurting over the last 2 miles!); I'd like to blame the frantic dash back to the hotel before the start; but I can't!
There was really only once reason for my piss poor performance - lack of preparation! Not on the morning of the race but over the last few weeks when there have been too many times when I've sat on my increasingly wobbly ass instead of getting out there!
June is the month that has to change if I stand a chance of completing a half marathon in October!!!
Plod on!!!
