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.
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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.
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The Durham City Run festival takes place in the city every year, fnd out more here
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