T oday, I competed in the North West London League at Fryent Park. It was an exciting event, and I was both nervous and motivated to give my best performance. Before the race, my dad walked me through the track, pointing out key sections and ensuring I felt confident in knowing the route. This preparation helped calm my nerves, as I knew exactly what to expect on the course. The race was supposed to be 2km, but according to my watch, it ended up being a little shorter, measuring 1.72km.
This race was a crucial opportunity for me, as it was my last chance to impress my coach before the selection for the London Youth Games. I knew I needed to show my skills and determination if I wanted to secure a spot. As soon as the race started, I focused on maintaining a strong pace and staying close to the front pack. My strategy paid off, and I felt strong throughout, managing to finish in 5th place. Although I was 13 seconds behind the winner, I was proud of my effort.
My final time was 6 minutes and 23 seconds, with an average pace of 3 minutes and 43 seconds per kilometre. I felt satisfied with my performance, knowing I had given my best and achieved a solid result. It was rewarding to see how much I’ve improved and to know that my hard work and training are making a difference. I’m learning more with each race and feeling more capable of handling the challenges that come my way.
One of the highlights of the day was seeing my team, Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers, win the Under 11s boys’ category. Many of my teammates placed in the top 10, and I felt proud to be part of such a talented group. It’s inspiring to see everyone’s dedication and to share in our team’s success. We cheered each other on, and the sense of camaraderie made the experience even more meaningful.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to return to this race next year. All the runners who finished ahead of me are currently in Year 6, which gives me hope that I can improve my position as they move up a level. My goal for next year is to aim for first place, and I also want to beat a time of 6 minutes and 10 seconds. With more training and experience, I believe I can achieve this target.
For now, though, I’m grateful for today’s race and the lessons it taught me. Each race helps me grow as a runner, and I can’t wait to see how I progress over the next year.
