Feel like a "proper runner" now...

My first charity run and my first race vest... oooo... get me...

8.2miles in October as part of the Kingston Run Challenge (some people are running 24 miles - I'll stick with 8.2 please!).. a great training run for the half in Feb and making some money for Sparks... a perfect way to get in a long run...

Now - as this is a vest to promote the charity, it will be worn on race day. The official Kingston Run Challenge t-shirt will be worn AFTER the race... The debate on wearing race shirts on race day may now commence... (you're welcome)...

EDIT: Also just found out this is part of the "Pace Series" so they have professional pacers out there for anything from 7 to 11 minute miles... perfect...

[catchmeifucan]

Eh, fantastic Andrew!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Nice vest! Sometimes the T shirts they give out are so tight around the neck - that looks perfect.

[I_will Graduate]

Professional pacers?! Can I have one please?

Exciting stuff, and nice fast looking top. Have fun

[paul2014 Graduate]

Nice shirt ;o) Pacers, eh? Now that could be interesting. Possible PB there, Aussie ;o)

[Hidden in reply to paul2014]

I reckon if I stay with the "safe bet" for the first half and then try to get past the pacer in the second half that'd be a safe bet... I am really looking forward to it actually... Follow the flag! I would prefer to start with the slower one and overtake than start too hard and have to fall back - that would be mentally hard to take...

[paul2014 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Yep, sounds like a plan Good luck

[misswobble Graduate]

Get you indeed! Race vest! Pacer!

Why not though cos you are a runner and have been one for some while. Laura told you quite some time ago if you can recall. She said "Aussie, you're now a proper runner". So there ya go.

I hope your training is going well. I assume it is as you seem very pleased with it all. Take care and don't overdo it. You need to be fully fit for race day so you can don your swanky vest(s)

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Training is going well - taking it nice and easy, but I have a lot of miles to log before I can tackle that Half in February... I'm up to 13K now on the long runs with a 15K planned for Sunday... Nice and comfortable pace...

I had to buy a hydration belt and all - ME - who never ran - now needs to carry water as I'm running so far every week... Oh what a funny old boy I've become!

Tomorrow is "hills"...

[jaxmc64 Graduate]

Nice top Aussie, looking forward to seeing a selfie come race day - perfect timing to receive it whilst you're training so meticulously; enjoying all your posts and achievements btw. Very well done - it doesn't seem too far off now does it!

[Hidden in reply to jaxmc64]

Thanks - Oct 12th for the 8.2m race (weird distance I know), Oct 16th for me to take on my 10K PB and Feb 22nd for the half... time's a tickin' but there's plenty of time... and I'm already at 13K on the long runs so as long as practice what I preach (slow and steady) I'll be fine...

I won't win the thing - but I'll darn well finish it!

[swanscot Graduate]

Nice race vest.

As for wearing race shirts during the race, I don't for 3 reasons: 1) I've only received the race shirt in advance twice for the ~10 races I've entered. 2) Why risk wearing something that is untested and may be uncomfortable. 3) I think it should be a reward you receive, and wear with pride, after completing the race

[Hidden in reply to swanscot]

Totally agree... this is an exception as it's the charity shirt and they have cheer squads around the course who will spur me on when they see the top...

And I WANT that medal... badly!

[swanscot Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Oh, yes, I didn't mean charity race shirts. And receiving it in advance you have a chance to wear and launder it in advance if you wish.

Wear it with pride and enjoy the run!

All the best.

[misswobble Graduate]

Aus are you doing any short runs? They're good too you know.

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

I only do one long run a week. The other are 5-6k or hills/intervals for about 30 minutes...

Learned my lesson!