Hey everyone!
So, I did a thing. A big thing. A running thing. I ran the 10K Durham City Run! Now, before you start picturing me as some seasoned marathon champ, let me assure you that I am most definitely not a regular runner. In fact, I am more of a “run when chased” kind of person.
But a few weeks ago, I found myself signing up for the race. Why? Honestly, I am still not entirely sure. Maybe it was the allure of a challenge, the chance to prove to myself that I could do it. Or maybe it was just a moment of temporary insanity.
Whatever the reason, I committed. And once that was done, the panic set in. I mean, 10 kilometers? That’s, like, a million miles, right? Okay, maybe not a million, but it sure felt like it.
I started training, sort of. A few jogs around the campus, a couple of runs in the park, mostly accompanied by my trusty playlist of motivational tunes and a healthy dose of self-doubt. There were moments of triumph (like when I managed to run for 20 minutes straight without collapsing) and moments of despair (like when I realized I had to run uphill for a good portion of the race).
Race day arrived, and I was a bundle of nerves. Standing at the starting line, surrounded by people who actually looked like they knew what they were doing, I seriously questioned my life choices. But there was no turning back now.
The starting gun fired, and we were off. The first few kilometers were surprisingly okay. I settled into a rhythm, spurred on by the cheers of the crowd and the sheer adrenaline rush of being part of something so big.
But then came the hills. Oh, the hills. They were relentless, sapping my energy and testing my resolve. There were moments when I wanted to quit, to walk, to crawl, to just lie down on the pavement and give up. But then I would remember all the people who had supported me, all the times I would surprise myself with my own resilience, and I would keep going.
And somehow, against all odds, I crossed that finish line. In just under 1 hour and 20 minutes! A personal best for someone who barely considered themselves a runner. The feeling of accomplishment was indescribable.
So, will I be back in 2025 to smash my new PB? Honestly, I don’t know. But I do know this: I never thought I could run a 10K, and I did it. That’s a pretty amazing feeling, and one I won’t soon forget.
Discover more
The Durham City Run festival takes place in the city every year, fnd out more here
Follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to see what student life is like at Durham.
