Joongang Ilbo 10k

On Sunday I competed in the 10k supporting race for the Seoul Joongang marathon. Conditions were cool and overcast; ideal conditions to race a 10k.

I had a good start and managed 3:26 ks for the first 3k. Unfortunately I had a few problems with my left ankle and at around 4k I felt a slight ping in the achilles. Although I wasn't really troubled, instinctively I eased off slightly and finished a lonely 4th in 36:02. Slightly slower than my last 10k but under the circumstances I don't think it was too bad. Nevertheless I was dissapointed because I was certainly up for it, but instead the race turned out to be a missed opportunity to produce something special.

After my cooldown I stayed behind to watch the finish of the marathon. And what a race! The first 4 guys-3 Kenyans and a Morrocan- all running low 2:08. The finish resembled a track race. The first Korean ran 2:10:53. The Koreans seem to be developing a fine mens marathon squad for next year's World Champs.

Anyway further to my problem, yesterday my ankle was pretty swollen. The cause of it was my choice of shoes (Asics Sortie Japans) However scans didn't reveal anything serious and it's 75% better today. So hopefully I'll be ready for the Changwon 10k in 2 weeks.