I accidentally did a 10K fell run and I have some questions.

[Threadworm]

As a lapsed jogger trying to get fit(ish) again, I entered what I thought would be a 'normal' 10K trail run (the race listing didn't say it would be hilly) in Hamsterley Forest County Durham. It turned out to be (I think) a fell run. Huge ascent into the moors, streams to wade through, mud, stoney paths, the lot.

It was HUGELY fun. But part of the reason I had entered the race was to get an idea of my running pace, so that I would know what my running 'base-point' was, and how I should plan my future running.

So my question is: How can I evaluate my performance, given that this course was so hilly and rough that almost all competitors had to walk some of the time?

The winning time (by a serious runner!) was 46 minutes and something. My time was () 83:28.

Is there any way I can get a sense of what that might correspond to in a flatish race?

Threadworm - only you will appreciate this story..................

I entered DH and his friend into one of the Hamsterly 10k runs.

Turns out it was 10 miles, right up onto the top of the fell. They didn't find out until they were on the start line. Woops. DH's mate was completely incoherent at the finish

Luckily mine was just the 10K, even though it was up to the fells!

If it had turned out to be 10 miles I really wouldn't have made it.

Every inch of the last km I was saying to myself 'If the finish line isn't just past that tree, I will die.'

Well done to Mr Highlander and friend for finishing.

of the 47 55 time. I've never managed under 50 mins. Decided that perhaps I am more a 'longer distance' runner, so am entering dh and myself into the Great South run. Its 10 miles, but its flat, so I think I can just about do it. Longest training run at the mo is 8 miles, so its not that much further...?

Someone reassure me...?!

I am better over longer distances too. I have more stamina than speed and fare quite well in half marathons compared to shorter races as I find I can just plod mindlessly on forever. At 10k unfortunately, plodding is not such a good tactic!

I did just under 10k last night. Mostly flat but a few ups and downs. 57 mins. And that was with no stops and going at what seemed like quite a good pace. I was gutted when I got home and found out it was still nearly an hour. Bugger!

But. My stamina is increasing. I struggle for the first 2k or so but once I'm over that hurdle I can speed up and feel like I can go on forever. Of course I can't - if I actually try to do more than about 12/13k I start to flag . But it's getting better. But slooooowly.

I have thought about a half marathon maybe next year. I might just about manage it by then.

Just read today that Paula Radcliffe did a 42 min 10K when she was six months pregnant! There was a lovely picture of her with her bump flying passed an annoyed-looking male runner.