Striders 10k North Head - 42.04

Well how low can one go?
Rocked up for the 2nd in the Striders 10k series at North Head Manly with a good couple of weeks training behind me but had this doubt in my mind that i could get through a race with this nagging Achilles I've had all week,
Warmed up with Mikey and Enda on a very wet and miserable morning before the quick start that sets us off. Settled nicely on Mikeys shoulder for the first two ks (3.28, 3.34) with Enda some 30 metres ahead already looking set for the day  running with Richie Palmer and Allo Allo Man 'Rene'. Into a major headwind at the 3k mark slowed me down a little (3.39) but thought i could get that back for the 4th with the tailwind behind me. That was the plan - unfortunately the Achilles had other ideas and by the time i came through the start line for the 2nd loop it was a case of RACE OVER.  Very disappointed and i was almost just about to sit on the corner of the road and cry but with Chairman Tommy H and this two kids on water duty close by i thought it may not be a good look so struggled on for the remainder of the race.
Plenty of walking took place over the proceeding 5ks to be honest and i really should have just stopped and give it away but my Stupidity/Stubbornness kept me going. Strolled over the line with a P.W of 42.04 in a world of hurt and left wondering where or what to do now?
Disappointed as if you are not fit and haven't done the work then if you are honest with yourself you know and can have no excuses, but i feel as if i was slowly getting back up there and thought that over the next 3 months or so i could get back to the times i was after and running 12-18 months back...... Now I'm not so sure.

Some great runs out there today in tough conditions with Enda's 35.23 right up there ( i called it before and said i would have needed 90 seconds - and it may have been close) Still, very strong and i owe him $20 as even without injury he still would have killed me as i was only on about 37 pace anyway. Bit concerned with Mikey again - only running 36.19(?) thought at least he would run 35.50?  The Timmy Run of the Day goes to Pommy Paul - Had a quick chat at the end and he tells me he run a 2 minute PB - Wow, Great effort especially in those conditions.
Flop of the Day - I'll just give myself this title I'm afraid.
Other notable runs were Richie Palmer some 10 seconds behind Enda, Jeet, and the Leech with a solid late 36 (?)

Have a good weekend
Cheers