Posted on November 19, 2014 by Jenny Cromack

Sunday 16th November was the date of the annual Leeds Abbey Dash. This 10k has been around for years and I remember it being the first ever 10k I ran about 16 years ago and year on year it grows in popularity.

I think it is a great event, it suits everyone. Due to the flat (ish route) its great for those seeking out a PB and it’s equally suited to those who are new to running.

This year I ran it with one of my personal training clients, her target was to complete the run in less than an hour. My job was to pace her and make sure she achieved this goal! We ran out to the Abbey at a steady pace between 9:20-9:40 min/mile which meant we got to the 5k point in under 30 minutes so we were well on track! As it’s slightly down hill and flat on the way back we were able to pick the pace up to around a 9:10-9:15 min/mile which meant my personal training clients smashed her target and completed the Dash in 58:16……I was so proud of her! For those of you who haven’t run the Abbey Dash before there is a small hill at the end, in reality it isn’t very big however when you are almost at the end of 10k it is NOT what you need! But my client pushed hard up this hill and even found some energy for a sprint finish!

Whilst I love the atmosphere at the Abbey Dash and the camaraderie of thousands of people all running together to achieve one goal, I will say that, for me, the Abbey Dash is getting too busy. It’s not say I won’t ever run it again myself, but I like events which have less than 1,000 runners so I can get some space without worrying about someone getting in my way or indeed getting in someone else’s way.

We had a lot of personal training clients and gym and class members who ran the Abbey Dash…..so well done to you all…..you should all be proud and pleased with your times! See you there next year!