Milton Keynes Half Marathon!

[Clairecandothis]

So I ran my 2nd Half today on what was described as a flat route but really, really isn't! It had a steep hill, even by Blenheim standards and this was placed at mile 11! I'm dissapointed with my time as I wanted to run it quicker than my first one but I still came in at 2hrs.30, this after falling over a speedbump in the road too! 🙈🤣 Only me guys! That was at the beginning lol but I also set out with a 2hr15 pacer and I aimed too fast. Lesson learnt. I was ready to fully stop at 8 miles in.... but I slowed right down and after convincing myself I had to keep going I ran the rest of the run, just a lot slower!

I didn't train as much for this maybe...... I also thought I'd done it before so I can do it again, which is true, but 21k is a respectful distance and I maybe forgot that!

This run I certainly didn't finish thinking yay lets run a marathon, but that is what is next for me in October. So time to start serious training. Follow my plan full of intervals, slow runs, speed runs and running for an amount of time rather than to a distance.

And I will remember to go slow and steady in any of my next runs!! (Silly girl, I knew better!) 🏃‍♀️

[TedG Graduate10]

Very well done Claire, you got round and 2’30” is very respectable 😊

Running 13miles is no mean feat and has to be approached with respect 😬

I didn’t finish the Brighton Half last month due to a dodgy knee but plan to put that right at the White Horse Half next month 🤗

Good luck with your training for the Marathon.....sooner you than me 😉

[Clairecandothis Graduate10 in reply to TedG]

Haha yep I genuinely think I got a little too confident.... It's humbling to be reminded how far and hard a half can be! In some ways I maybe learnt more from this run than an easier one though! I was a bit despondent but now it has made me realise I need a plan and cross training for the Marathon!

That is tough about your knee.... i hope you are ok now? X

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

A very reflective account - but doesn't take away from the fact that you did it! 👍🏅As you say, 13.1 miles is a fair old distance and you should be very pleased with your achievement, and also your time!🙂

[Clairecandothis Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you. I was dissapointed but more because I should never have aimed for such a fast pace. But we live/run and learn lol!

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

Wow, a half marathon! Well done. That is a long way and in my opinion it is fantastic just to finish. You did really well! 👍🏅

[Clairecandothis Graduate10 in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Thank you. 😊

[alisonx Graduate10]

Congratulations - that is a great time and fantastic achievement. It may not have gone as planned but you did it! I can't imagine running that distance. You are amazing!!!

[Clairecandothis Graduate10 in reply to alisonx]

Awe thank you. You can..... I could never imagine running 5k at one point lol! I'm only narky with the timing because I wanted to improve from my previous run. But it is about distance not speed!