BIG day tomorrow !

[sfb350]

Tomorrow I run my first half-marathon - the Black County half. It's the third time I've tried to train for a half, having had to give up the previous two attempts due to injury.

I've really been looking forward to it and was rather cross when I woke up this morning with a lot of back pain and spent the morning at work struggling to walk because it was so painful. Thankfully, it seems to have eased off so I think I should be good to go in the morning. I'll be gutted if I have to miss it this time - I might have to crawl round rather than miss it !

Oh, and having chosen this one because it is flatt-ish and wouldn't aggravate my dodgy achilles tendons (the route follows the canal from Wolverhampton to Birmingham) I now find out that there has to be a small detour due to some works being carried out on the towpath. The detour includes climbing up 85 steps !!!!

I was hoping for a cool day but it's going to be hot and the pollen count will be high. I'm telling myself just to enjoy it and not worry about my time. That would be the sensible approach !

Am I nervous ? I'm more worried about waking up with back pain again than anything else, not really suffering race nerves yet. I'm worried about the heat too. Very excited though

[Malcy Graduate]

Absolutely right - just enjoy it and don't worry about your time. You run because you want to and because you enjoy it. But I bet once you get going, all that will go out the window

Just take care in the heat - and let us know how you get on.

Best of luck!

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to Malcy]

Thank you ! I did have a time in mind that I hoped for but I'm not good in heat so will just aim to stay hydrated and comfortable with maybe a little sprint at the end

[Slowworm Graduate]

Definately ditch the time plans and walk the steps if necessary, it's crazy summer weather out there so don't let that spoil your training. You can do it and you will! Good luck!

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to Slowworm]

There will certainly be some walking involved ! Thank you

[AliB1 Graduate]

Good luck!!! Can't wait to hear how you get on...Pom Poms at the ready ...will be cheering you around (virtually)!!!!

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to AliB1]

Thank you ! Getting nervous now

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to sfb350]

Make sure you are will hydrated. Nerves are fine, I am sure you will enjoy it...even if its just that moment of elation as you cross the line.

I am dreading the heat too as have got a 10k in the morning..don't forget your sunblock! X

[magster Graduate]

The very best of luck and like AliB1 will have the virtual pom poms at the ready and cheering you on like mad

[sfb350 Graduate]

Thank you !

[TJFlute]

Good luck! Hope your back stys pain free and tht the heat doesn't cause too many problems. Thinking of you x

[vikicats Graduate]

Good luck. Didn't know it existed but is very local to me. Maybe next year I'll have a go. Will give me to work towards. Hope all goes well.

Viki x

[Oldgirl Graduate]

All the very best hope its not too hot and there are plenty of water stations for you. Good luck

[DeliaItaly Graduate]

Good luck! Look forward to reading your post-run blog

[sfb350 Graduate]

I'm pleased with how it went - will blog later, am rather tired now