Top section of HM route done.

[Pete1w]

Set out this morning for my long run. I decided to do the hilly section of the HM route to find out for myself how tough it was. Ok, I'm not gonna lie it was a struggle on the way up. The climb seemed never ending and the run down gave my legs a bit of a pounding. I realise now the enormity of the challenge but it was a good run. I wish I had taken my phone to take some photos because the views as the sun was coming up were amazing. I'm looking forward to the day but now it's time for a couple of days R & R. Happy running everyone and have a fantastic weekend.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

You've definitely got this sorted 😀. Sounds like a great run.

[Pete1w in reply to linda9389]

I'm feeling a lot more confident now I've completed the hardest part of the course..

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Pete1w]

I bet! That sounds like huge mental progress 😀

[Hidden]

I found my first HM psychologically easier once I had run various parts of the route. It helped me to tackle the challenge as I could visualise each section and prepare for what was coming. Sounds like you have this sorted!

[Pete1w in reply to Hidden]

I know it sounds a bit pathetic but I have been going over this run in my mind all afternoon. I think at some point I'll run this section again and I have an idea where I could gain a few minutes and shave some time off. The rest of the route is pretty flat so now I know the hilly bits I'm feeling good about the day. I think it's just a case of keeping the nerves in check and not going out too fast.

[Hidden in reply to Pete1w]

It definitely helps to run the section a few times in training, it builds confidence that you can do it and you will do it!

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Excellent idea, and well run!!

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

I feel so much more confident if I've been able to run a course in advance, even if it turns out to be super tough! I like to know where the hills are and how they feel in reality, because you can never really tell from an elevation chart. And even if it is hard I always know it will be easier on the day when I'm in the zone 😄

[Pete1w in reply to Sqkr]

Couldn't agree more about the elevation. I had a rough idea in my head as to the severity of the inclines as I don't live far away from the route. It's not so much that they are steep it's just that they seem to go on forever. And when I thought I'd arrived at a lovely flat section along came another climb. I think I'm going to run it at least twice more prior to the day. Gotta love them there hills 🤣🤣🤣

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

Good strategy Pete. I got badly caught out last year with a 10k which was basically a non-stop climb. 'Know your enemy.' No shocks on the day.