My 1st half marathon race

[John_W]

Hellooo!

I haven't posted for a long time. Following on from a life-changing (for the better) 2016, 2017 was the best year of my life. Focusing on the important things in life and making *me* happy. So....

A few days away from my 3rd Runniversay, I ran my very 1st half marathon today - the Four Villages Half starting at Helsby in Cheshire. Have a look at #4vhm on Twitter and Instagram to see photos and an idea of how miserable the conditions were

Wow.... That. Was. COLD. 2°C, sleet, wind, rain, slippy, muddy, big puddles. Pretty horrible.

1:43:29 - very satisfying!

But a week of rest and some carb-loading in the last few days helped to sustain my target pace of 8 min/miles (5 min/km) until the 10 mile/16k mark. Pushed on from there with 'only' a parkrun to go and the downhill finish resulted in the last 5k being my quickest of the race.

There was more in the tank if I'd wanted to cross the finish line feeling awful but I didn't ;-)....

I need to save myself - another post will tell you why

My splits:

strava.com/activities/13681...

Cheers

John

[Gabby08 Half Marathon]

Amazing! What an incredible time! I’m in awe 👍

[Rignold]

Well done, Sir. Chapeau!

To do your first HM in those conditions is impressive in itself, but 1:43 is an astounding time for a debut. I think mine was about 2:11. 1:43 is better than I have ever run a HM. So damn you.

[ancientrunner Half Marathon]

Well done - a stunning debut!

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

wow fantastic pace! congratulations!!!

[Hidden]

What a great time in not so great conditions, well done!

[PippiRuns]

Amazing time! Congratulations 🍾

[Anniemurph Half Marathon]

Fantastic time in awful conditions! Congratulations!

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Wowsers! Well done!!!

[C3PO Marathon]

Congratulations! That's a fantastic time, especially considering the conditions.

[poppypug Marathon]

Massive Congratulations to you John !

Really Well done , that is an awesome time . I hope having a nice rest day today xxx

[misswobble Marathon]

Oooh a cliff hanger!

Well done! What a time! 💪👍🏃‍♂️ Speedy Gonzalez 😃