Colchester Half

[Macmac]

I arrived at Colchester FC around 7:30 - it was very convenient to park at the stadium. There was an organised warmup at 8:25 but I preferred a short run round the car park before taking my place for the start at 8.50. It wasn’t long to wait and we were off at 9 prompt to the backing of The Prodigy - Firestarter.

The organisers were helpful in providing a sped up video of the route filmed from a motorbike in advance of the race, so I knew the first 2.5 miles were downhill. I went ahead of target pace here as I wanted to bank some time for the 2 main hills coming up. The first was a short steep climb before turning into the high street where the support was really good. Then another shortish downhill before a ‘gentler’ but long hill that seemed to go on for about a mile. By this point, my time had balanced out and I was still slightly ahead of target. The remaining 7 miles or so should be fairly flat. I maintained my pace until about mile 9 and then the 1:40 pacer came past me with a whole group of followers 😁. I tried to keep with them as that was my target, but gradually fell back. I kept them in sight though. The last section is ‘Straight Road’ which goes on and on!! 😁. After that a final turn into the stadium approach to finish just a few seconds outside my target time, knocking 3 min off my pb set on the flat in Feb, so was really pleased and surprised with that result. The support from marshals and residents was brilliant, and the weather was perfect.

[Millsie-J]

Well done, brilliant achievement! A great journey since c25K Macmac!

[Macmac Marathon in reply to Millsie-J]

Many thanks Millsie-J! Yes, I never intended to go beyond 5k but you know how it is! 😉

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Brilliant race Macmac! Sounds like you planned it really well and were really prepared. Congratulations on that new PB by 3min!

[Macmac Marathon in reply to Decker]

Thanks Decker! I was lucky that it all came together on the day. Very pleased to have got the pb as I only expected to be able to match my last time at best with the hills.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Wow that's great work - so fast! Congratulations!!!!!

A stadium finish?!!?

[Macmac Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Thanks roseabi! 😊 Your speed challenge helped keep my focus in training. The finish (and start) is along the road right next to the stadium rather than inside it. 😉

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Congratulations! What a great improvement on your time too, especially with hills in the mix. Sounds like you played that one just right

[Windoze Half Marathon]

Whoop bag that PB! Great write up Macmac and congrats 😎😎

[Macmac Marathon in reply to Windoze]

Cheers Windoze! 😎

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

Well done shaving 3mins off your time is a great bonus at the end.

[Macmac Marathon in reply to Whatsapp]

Thanks Whatsapp! 😁 yes indeed 👍

[Bluebirdrunner]

Great run Macmac...Congratulations on your new PB😊xxx

Whoop whoop!! 🎉🎉

[Macmac Marathon in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Bluebirdrunner - my legs weren’t too happy with the pb, but are starting to feel like my own again!! 😁 xxx

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

Sounds like a brilliant day, PB-tastic no less! 😄 YASSSSS 🏆

[Macmac Marathon in reply to Sqkr]

Cheers Sqkr! 😁 Now to work on my 5k. A pb there would be nice soon too 😜

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Huge well done you! And a PB !!!

[Macmac Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Many thanks Oldfloss, but it is I who says that you are a true legend! Massive congratulations on your HM! Just brilliant 😊 xx

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Great job! Congratulations! ! 😊

[Macmac Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Thank-you! 😊

[over61andstilltrying 10 Miles]

Well done to you! Another amazing C25ker turning dreams into reality. Brilliant! 3 minutes off your PB as well, sounds mega impressive! 🥂🏅👏🏻😊🎉👍🌟 💥⚡️ 🏃🏻🤸🏻‍♂️🏃🏻🤸🏻‍♂️🏃🏻🤸🏻‍♂️

[Macmac Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Many thanks 😊. Was very pleased with 3min improvement.