So having always run on my own, and never entered an actual race, on Sunday I did the Northampton Half Marathon, my first race, a few months short of my Runiversary having started C25K late last year.
Race started at 9.30 so I was up at 7 to get peanut butter and toast, banana, pint of water and a coffee down me, plus give my stomach time to recover. I’d only ever done the distance once I’m training, in 2 hours ten mins, and was aiming for sub 2 hours.
The start was exciting, family, friends, last minute checks, then off we go... I was most amazed by the volunteer marshals, all offering positivity all the way round without knowing who you are.
Following the 2 hour pace makers felt so easy in he first 5k, I decided to slowly edge ahead of them. My only regret was the constant need to look over my shoulder and check if they were 100m back.... 50m back..... or 2m back and about to overtake!
I set out with 5 min 40 secs K’s in mind, did the first 10 k average 5 min 20, and couldn’t help but wonder if I’d pay for it later.
I needn’t have worried, kept that pace until 18k, then slowed to around 6 min per k for the final 3.... my sprint finish having watched a video was actually a slow jog, I had literally nothing left but managed to achieve 1 hour 56 mins and was ecstatic with that.
The whole experience pre race, start line, during race, chatting to total strangers, feeling the effects of a gel and thinking I can do a full marathon... feeling it wear off and thinking no I can’t.... knowing with 3 k to go that I will achieve my goal... entering the finishing area with hundreds of people supporting their runners and everyone else was absolutely amazing.
I used to run to get fit... and was chuffed at doing C25K. I then targeted 10k, and quickly got there. I then thought what about a Half Marathon, do trained for it. Now I’ve done one, I know my training was exactly that. I thought I run every week to be pleased with my fines, mental health, and to achieve PBs. Runjingin an event has changed that.... I run for the absolute elation running gives me when crossing the line or reaching the end or a run... it was a self satisfied, smug feeling when runnnng on my own. To do so in a smallish field of 800 odd, with friends, family and total strangers supporting me at the start, end, and all the way round, was totally totally amazing.
I’ve now got a few days recovery, whew I’ll reflect, and decide what’s next, then I’ll decide on a training plan and book my next event.
Absolutely loved every single minute.
By the way.... can I please have my HM badge??!!
Today's My Asics Plan 20k - erm you would wouldn't you?
OCTOBER (2023) RACES ANYONE? TELL US HERE FOR YOUR POMPOM CHEER🥳🤗⭐️
Race pace?? - HM compared to M
Training at race pace or racing at training pace
