And another one bites the dust! The latest in the series of runs I’m competing in was the Leeds 10k, which I really enjoyed. It was extremely hot (as so many of the runs this year seem to be – typical) but the crowd were superb and I enjoyed being back in the city. I was last in Leeds 21 years ago, as a student at Leeds University. In fact after the run was over I went for a browse around the city, noting that it hasn’t changed at all, and then around the university, which has changed beyond all recognition.

This was the slowest 10k I have ever done because the heat was a real killer. There was a long straight stretch of road which left us constantly exposed to the sun, and then at the end when we turned around and headed back it was directly in our face. As soon as I turned I could feel a blast of heat strike the front of the armour and I really was sweating buckets. After 6k I had to slow for a bit just to make sure I didn’t overheat. Many thanks to the water station staff at about 7.5k who through several bottles of water all over me! One poured a full bottle down my back, and several others just squirted water all over me, which felt great!

The finish line was right in the centre of town and the last kilometre in particular was brilliant, with so much support.

As ever, photos below:

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