Samantha Jeffries enjoyed a special return to racing as she claimed victory in the women’s race at the Humpty Dumpty 10K.
Jeffries crossed the line in 37:41 to win Race 9 of the Sportlink Grand Prix Series, which also incorporated the Norfolk County Championships, hosted by Great Yarmouth & District AC.
It was a memorable performance for Jeffries, not only because of the win, but because of the symmetry behind it.
Her last race before becoming a mum was the Humpty Dumpty 10K. Now, after the birth of her daughter, her first race back was the same event – and once again, she finished first.
“It is my first race back since having my little girl,” she said.
“And it was my last race with my husband a few years ago, and now it’s my first race back.”
Jeffries led home a strong women’s field, with Rose Nicholson of Waveney Valley AC second in 39:53 and Ava Mears of North Norfolk Harriers third in 41:08.
Excitement rather than pressure
Despite it being her first race back, Jeffries said she felt calm and excited on the start line.
“I was actually excited,” she said.
“There was no pressure.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to do my laces up and not have any expectation really – just go out, have a rough idea on pace and game plan, and see what happens.”
That approach paid off, as she delivered a strong run and came home quicker than expected.
Finding a rhythm again
Jeffries admitted the route back after having a child had not always been easy, but said things have started to feel more natural again in recent months.
“It’s been difficult,” she said.
“But over the last four or five months, I’ve been able to find more of a routine.
“It’s become more natural again, and I’m really enjoying it as well.”
Running has also become something the family can share.
“We’ve got a running buggy, and she’s actually in it at the moment,” Jeffries said.
“So it’s making long runs – we all go out together now as well.
“It’s become a lot easier to enjoy it and get back into the rhythm.”
Seeing her husband and daughter at the finish made the day even more meaningful.
“All I was thinking about pretty much coming back in was seeing them,” she said.
“So it was lovely.”
A strong finish
Jeffries said the race itself went better than expected, despite the undulations and wind.
“We had a few little mild differences to work out due to the undulation and the wind,” she said.
“But it all went really well, and I came in faster than I was expecting.
“It’s always nice to finish feeling strong instead of thinking, ‘I can’t wait for that finish to come soon enough.’”
Watch the highlights
Highlights from the Humpty Dumpty 10K will be available soon on Sportlink TV.
There will also be the chance to win a pair of Karhu running shoes in the highlights package, so make sure you subscribe to the channel and keep an eye out for the video dropping soon.
Sportlink
The Sportlink Grand Prix Series is supported by Sportlink, a specialist running shop in Norwich run by runners for runners, known for expert gait analysis, specialist running shoes and trusted advice for runners across Norfolk.
Article supplied by Mark Armstrong Media.