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Chester 10k: DONE

My poor body went from basking in 27 degrees of Florida sunshine to jet-lagged bones at the start line of the Chester 10k with the biting British breeze in my face.


It was a blessing. I was able to allow myself to just complete the run - with no expectations.


It’s been years since I travelled so far that I’d forgotten about the jet lag. I woke up feeling like it was 2:00am, legs heavy from 10 days of 20,000 steps (minimum) a day.


I was sensible and my race things prepared the night before - except I couldn't find any safety pins for my race bib, anywhere! I couldn't have done it without my mum, who supported me by watching my youngest whilst I completed the race.


The drive was smooth and we arrived in the area with plenty of time, but, as I'd picked the 10:00am start time, the roads were being closed intermittently to allow the earlier waves through. This resulted in me jumping out the car and getting myself to the start whilst mum darted around to find a car park. There was no urgency, I just really needed to pee! Thankfully there were no queues at the portaloos, and I have to say the overall organisation was brilliant. 



I had to get a selfie with the runner dressed up as a Chipmunk in the earlier wave!

Jet-lagged but found a friend!


I read the sign for the runners to funnel to the start so I made my way but was stopped by a marshal - I was too early. The orange wave was still congregating at the start. I found something to support me whilst I did some leg swings, my attempt to warm up. 


Once we were allowed to cross, I walked up the slope and a luminous sign caught my eye, it said sub 40 on it. I giggled to myself, and moved over to the side to let the sea of runners pass me by for a few minutes.


Deep heat and muscle rub enveloped my nostrils - I don’t know if I missed the scent of the start line.


Being in close proximity to so many different runners, each doing the event for different reasons. Even though I was alone, I didn’t feel it. 


The gun went off and I tried settling into a pace that felt comfortable, the route took us downhill so I felt like I was going too fast. I maintained the pace regardless. By 2k I had to remove my jacket as I was too warm. 


Soon I was running opposite the people in the earlier waves. The atmosphere was beaming and I could hear different friend groups chatting and spurring each other on. I stopped for a drink at the half way point to be sensible as my body had been through the mill that week, then continued at what I thought was a maintainable pace. When we got closer to the finish, residents came out in their pyjamas to cheer us on and it was lovely to see so much welcoming support. 


1 down, 2 to go.

I finished the Chester 10k with a realisation, my wrist felt naked without a watch, yet my mind felt free.

Following the race, I decided I needed to be prepared in a different way. Instead of relying on a GPS watch to tell me when I’ve hit my goals, I’m planning my routes in advance, especially since I have an eighth day week with my shift pattern. It’s about being sensible but also about trusting my body to know the distance.

I’ve mapped out the road ahead, and in almost eight weeks' time, I will have crossed the finish line for the Half Marathon. After that, it’s just the "big one" left to go. I’m no longer running to beat a clock; I’m running to prove that showing up… jet-lagged, unprepared, or watch-less is the real victory.


And yes, all being well, you will see me at the next race  

17th May 2026

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