I've done it! I signed on the dotted line.

28th Great North West Half Marathon. Blackpool. Sunday 19th Feb 2017

8 weeks and counting. Yippee!

I signed up for this, earlier this morning.

Then I went out for the first run of my HM training.

I've decided to use Hal Higdon's, Novice 1 programme.

It's a 12 week programme and I'm joining it at week 5, as the run's i've done over the last four weeks equate to weeks 1-4.

I went out at eight this morning and once I had done my warm up walk, I set off on a four mile run.

There was a heavy frost covering the car's which is a little strange for Portland. I headed along the causeway and was constantly looking at my new toy checking the distance. I was going to run for two miles out, then bounce straight back to the start. I didn't want to over run on the outward stretch.

Being a typical man, I don't tend to read instructions.

This time it paid off as my wrist got a buzz at the mile point which I wasn't expecting. No more squinting at my wrist! and at each mile I vibrated. Yip, Yip, Yip.

The return run was straight into the sun, I must have looked like a 17 stone moth, careering along without a vapour trail.

I got quite warm but enjoyed the run.

I will keep you all up to date, I'm hoping that I haven't bitten off more than I can chew.

All the best, I hope you all have had a great day and a fun run.

[Pc59]

Good for you!! What a great start to the coming year & I certainly think you will manage it no bother! Enjoy the challenge😊

[ancientrunner Graduate10]

Good on you - keep us updated.

[PippiRuns]

You are not alone. We are quite a few people here who are taking on our first HM in 2017! Best of luck

[Hidden]

Good luck! Sounds like it was a nice run, cool but sunny. Maybe take sunglasses or a 1980s sweatband/visor combo next time. Enjoy getting to grips with your new watch too 🏃🏃

[Tomas Graduate10]

I ran that race in 2015, and I used Hal Higdon's plan. I look forward to hear how you're getting on and I will be cheering loudly for you.

[Hidden]

Thanks Tomas,

I will keep you up to date.

Happy New Year.