So Sunday was the 10km cancer research run in Hylands Park. I had set this as a goal to see how training was progressing for the Marathon next year which I'm running for Diabetes UK, and get a feel for a proper distance run - training up until now had been light 2.5km run / walks. The Rat Race two weeks ago kinda jumped the gun on this first outing, and hindered the training plan. Training was further scuppered by a nasty clinging cold that hit just after the Rat Race and from which I'm still suffering the tail end effects - a nasty cough.

I had my doubts about going out with the cold still affecting my lungs, but thanks to some encouragement by the better half, I went for it. The day dawned warm but foggy and it wasn't until just before the start that the sun burned away the mist to reveal Hylands House and a wonderful morning.

Having done a nice gentle walk of 2.5km on Saturday with the family, I was sure I could walk the course if need be. But I started out at a gentle running pace determined to play it by ear.

The time and race details are posted here, thanks to my smashing Garman 405. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/1064661. 1hr 17mins isn't going to get me a spot at 2012, but it's my personal best. Mine all mine.

Emotions were raging at the warm up - reading the "I'm running for" messages - especially one for a guy who had died younger than me, and the excitement of the race ahead had me in a right state. Fund raising wasn't my focus, but I was thinking of those who I know who have had cancer and those who have died - mostly in the last couple of years.

So, started out at a gentle jog. Determined not to go off too fast (managed that very well, although first 1.5km was running all the way, hence fasted "lap" (the watch records laps at mile intervals). First 1.5km was fine, but needed a break at the first hill due to coughing fit. Got to about 4km and was spurred on by fellow runner - Natalie and we proceeded to pull each other around the next 3 or 4 km. I really needed the help. Lost her at 8.0km or so - she went ahead a little. Saw the family shortly after - perfect timing as I was beginning to feel the distance. Met up with Natalie close to the finish and came in just before her - saw her at the end and said thanks and goodbye.

Made it to 9.5km and ran the last 500m past the waiting crowds who lifted me - I think I could have flown the last bit. There was no way I was not running in.

At one point between 8.5 and 9km saw a course photographer coming up so skipped past him (saw some comedian doing it in his routine on live from the apollo last night. Can't remember his name, but Karen and I both like him.

There was a guy in a chicken suit who passed me at 3km. I could see him in the distance for the next 4km but slowly made up the gap and passed the now slightly poached bird at 8km. Good on ya man for running on a hot day in a silly suit.

Final thoughts - christ the marathon is so much longer..... Priority now is to get the cold out of the system and them start eating some miles. I think another 10km before the end of the year and one early in 2009 followed by a feb/ march half marathon - maybe the silverstone 1/2 marathon in March. I want to be running 10km in training before I go for the 1/2 and I guess running 1/2's + in training before the big one in April.

Another priority is to sort out my diet, which isn't yielding any weight loss results and I'm sure that carrying less than 16st 11lbs round 10km is easier.

But other than that, I feel fecking great.