The Cardiff Bay 10k was my toughest race yet, and not just because of the distance. On race day, the temperature soared to 25°C—unseasonably hot for spring. As I lined up at the start, the sun was already beating down, and I knew this was going to be a challenge.
The scenic course around Cardiff Bay was as beautiful as I’d hoped, but the heat was relentless. By the halfway point, it felt like every step was taking twice as much energy. Despite hydrating at every water station, the sweltering sun made it hard to keep my pace steady. Along the route, I saw four runners collapse from the heat, which was both sobering and a reminder to listen to my body.
It wasn’t my fastest race, but it was definitely the most mentally demanding. Pushing through that final stretch took all my focus, but crossing the finish line in those conditions was a real victory. This race taught me that running is as much about resilience and adaptability as it is about physical fitness. Even in tough conditions, I proved to myself that I can keep moving forward, no matter what.
