Hard work pays off

It's been a good weeks training and with a busy work schedule, 3 events after work, and I've been tired.  But having a training programme to focus on and knowing my every move is being monitored I've got through the 11 training sessions.
I met with my coach and we "adjusted" the training schedule with some more emphasis on my weakness and a planned course of action.  So the plan is changing and I'm looking forward to it.  Saturdays bike ride was wet and windy but I was out with a good bunch of guys (9 ironmen and a cyclist - class group).  I did wonder if cycling 65km was a good idea before my 10km race on Sunday but that's what the coach had on the programme so I did it.
This morning was beautiful with the sun shining and I headed up to the startline.  It's been a while since I raced (anything) but I was up for it.  A few of the competitors were on my radar and my 1st goal was 46-48 minutes as I'd been running 50 min 10kms in training.  But my real goal was sub 45 mins.  My last 10km race was probably 4 years ago and I did 45:55 having given it everything.  4 years of long distance running doesn't make you faster.  But the course was fast (not easy) with 4km downhill start.  I lined up with a local legend and asked her for some advice on the race.  "Don't kill your legs on the downhill because it then turns uphill and you'll grind to a halt".  I followed her advice.
I ignored my watch and just ran as fast as I thought I could maintain but my legs were wondering what the rush was.  On the final km I looked at my watch.  I had 4:18 to get in under 45 mins.  I was not running smoothly and the harder I tried the worse it felt.  It was downhill but I knew there was a tough little rise before the finishing straight.  I was busting my gut and giving it everything I had.  I could hear people shouting encouragement but all I could focus on was the line.  As I crossed the line I felt immediately sick and then I was on all fours giving it a dry puke!  The medics came across but I gave them the thumbs up and after a minute stood up like a new born girrafe.  I checked my garmin which I had stopped the minute I crossed the line - 44:56.7. Result.  That was until I got the official time 45:07 - how did that happen.  I was gutted until a few hours later someone pointed out my "chip time" was 44:56!  I'd done it.  There are many people faster than me but in relative terms I pushed my own limits and succeeded.  As soon as I got home, before my shower, I had to complete a 30 minute strength session.  Why not.  The results are obviously working.
My legs know they have had a workout and although tomorrow is a day off training I'll do a relaxing yoga session as I think the muscles need a good stretch with plenty of controlled breathing.  I loved competing again and realised that you can push yourself in training but when you're toe to toe at the startline it's a whole different ball game.  Bring it on.