Flat, Fast, and Brutal: Why this Lisbon 10K pushed me to the edge

🏁 Race overview

This weekend’s 10K race was everything I could hope for: clear skies, ideal running conditions, and most importantly, no injuries. Over 5,000 runners gathered at the start line to take on a fast, flat course, interrupted only by two U-turns that slightly broke the rhythm.

Support on the sidelines

If there was one thing missing, it was the crowd. Despite Portugal’s growing running community, local support at races is surprisingly thin. It’s something I’ve noticed before. The energy of the streets doesn’t always match the energy of the runners. A real missed opportunity, because this country is made for great running events.

⏱ The goal and the gear

My eyes were on a sub-40 10K, and I chose to race in the Nike Vaporfly 3, a shoe I find ideal for shorter distances. The plan was simple: stay around 4:00 min/km and hold as long as possible.

🥵 The effort

The first 4K went to plan – smooth, focused, and on pace. But by kilometre 5, fatigue started to kick in. My rhythm broke slightly at the water station, and I felt the pace slipping. When the 4:00 pacer got out of reach, I didn’t panic. I reminded myself that the real goal was effort and I kept pushing forward with what I had. I wasn’t able to fight back to 4:00/km, but I wasn’t frustrated either.

🎯 The result

I crossed the line in 40:55. Not a personal best, but a solid performance and a reminder that the sub-40 will come with consistent effort. I left nothing in the tank and placed 12th in the M50 category.

🎁 Post-race traditions

At the finish line, we were handed a medal and a basil plant, a symbolic touch inspired by the spirit of “Santos Populares” festivities in Lisbon. It’s a beautiful local tradition that adds character to this race.

🔄 What I’d do differently

Looking back, maybe I should’ve started a little slower and pushed in the second half. But that’s racing, you never really know what would’ve worked better.

🚀 What’s next

Now it’s time to recover and reset. Next week’s training block looks tough, just the way I like it. Another traditional race is coming soon, but the long-term goal is clear: Amsterdam Marathon in October.