So, it was the North London Half Marathon today! Well organised, and easy to get to, with a large car park right next to Wembley Stadium and the race village. Quite nippy, and I was really undecided about what to wear, but glad in the end to have decided on just a technical T shirt (as well as running bottoms!).
The race got off smoothly, but I discovered after a couple of miles that this course actually had hills! Quite a few, and they felt pretty steep and long. The course itself wasn't too inspiring, and there weren't a lot of spectators (I think I've been spoiled with the Oxford Half being my first introduction to half marathon running). On the way to the midpoint, a kenyan runner came haring the other way - he finished in 1:02! The midway point was the Allianz Arena, where Saracens play their rugby. We ran a lap around the pitch, with two big screens showing a list of runners (though I didn't see me) and video of us streaming through.
The run back was uneventful and a bit dull, and at times I felt I was struggling. More hills, too, especially one within a mile or so of the finish, which seemed mean. I found it hard in the middle of a race to push myself to keep running up a hill, and to feel really tired at the top and have to try to press on.
The finish was quite special, though. We ran around the side of Wembley and into a service tunnel. A couple of turns, and we were out pitchside, with on of the stands beside the finish line bursting with spectators. I managed to put on a bit of a spurt, but ultimately was a bit disappointed with my time of 2:20:54 (I did the Oxford half in 2:12:25), but I'm putting that doown to thos pesky hills!
So - my next half (the White Horse Half) is in two weeks time (I need my feet to recover!) and then a further four weeks after that is the Milton Keynes Half. Glutton for punishment or what?
Congratulations on another HM Steve! 😀🏆 And I think you should be very pleased with that time, considering the hills! Wow! And another in two weeks time! I have to ask - when's the full marathon?!
Yes, I've been going on long runs with clubmates each Sunday - at least 10 or 11 miles, sometimes as far as 14.5 miles. It helps take the anxiety out of wondering if I can complete a half.
Well done Steve! It's so much harder when there are few supporters to cheer the runners on, it makes it a grind in places especially in the less scenic bits. It's such a lift when someone does give you a shout out ☺
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How to keep the motivation during less than ideal winter running conditions? Shiny new bling!!!
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