Just a few words about Warwick half. I try to be a little organised so the night before I do a gear check. It's all laid out so I can fall out the shower and into my race gear.
I dont live to far from Warwick so my warm up is a gentle 30 minute walk run to the registration point. I have my trackie bottoms and water proof jacket on so the drizzle doesn't dampen my spirits.
Arrive at Warwick race course. Check in at the pavillion tent, which was warm and cosy!! Say hi to a few faces and out to stay warmed up. It was at this point I realised how icey cold that rain was...
Anyway we all make our way to the start points. I position myself between the 2hr and 2:15 Pacers. A little optimistic perhaps but hell...let's go for it.
Hooter goes and were off. Nice gentle run through Warwick town centre and off out into the country side. I catch up with a friend from work who's doing the 12 in 12 challenge for a quick hi and a chat...
The course its self meanders through some of the smaller villages around Warwick and it's a really lovely run...but...the hills start coming...."undulating" it was described as on the website. Yeah right...quite an understatement that.
I had a race plan and race target! I'm sticking to it...my 5k checks confirm I'm there abouts...I'm feeling good. The miles are passing and my pace is constant. All the Burton Dasset hill running has paid off. I'm chugging past a few people struggling up the hills. I pick up a running buddy for a few miles but she drops off saying 5:20 to 5:40 Km's are taking a toll on her legs. Wish her good luck...focus.
Well these hills. They just keep coming..and coming and coming. About 10-11 miles in and i hit that barrier. My mind is telling me to quit this hill, stop and just have a lie down....I was so close to stopping....reached for an energy gell, gulped it down and swore at the hill.
From that point on it was hard but I was determined. My pace was dropping so I dug even deeper...last few kilometers...down hill and onto the flat...finish is in sight...nothing left for a sprint but I'm there...
My first half marathon race completed. Feelings of joy and a little relief as it was hard. I check my time..boom sub 2hrs done...target achieved. 1hr 58mins 18 seconds.
Bling collected. Banana down gulped a bottle of water and head of back to leam for a few beers and Sunday roast and relive the tales with my non running buddies 🤣
One thing I have taken out of this is respect, total and utter respect for those that complete this hard distance.
I'll be back for more next year...😎
Mud 'n Hills - Larmer Tree HM
Barnstaple Half Marathon
First half marathon completed
