Ran my first half marathon and first trail run!

[Crawlhome]

Ran the Women Can half marathon in East Devon yesterday. Lovely cool morning and I felt well prepared with training and fueling.

I mostly run on pavements and good tracks and this event is trail running and I was looking forward to it but under estimated how tough it would be! The first five miles were lovely, running through meadows and along the river.

Then, the hills started as we headed to the coast, and they didn't stop! There was no choice but to walk a lot of the steep uphill and downhill sections and I was hating parts of it, although the scenery, views and friendly comments from other runners, walkers and volunteers helped a lot.

I managed a strong finish into beautiful Sidmouth, drank a lot of water and demolished the cream tea provided. 👍

It was without doubt the toughest thing I've ever done but managed 2 hours 30 which I think isn't too bad, and I've fallen in love with trail running despite falling on a downhill and getting a nettle sting on my thigh, ouchy!

Amazing event for any women thinking of a challenge next year, plus there's also a 10k and marathon option.

[Jaz20 Half Marathon]

Ooh, I did the 10k at this event - and I completely agree about the hills ....a killer at the end (both up and down!). But is was so beautiful and I loved the trail too. Cream tea and goody bag were excellent.

Congratulations & respect on completing the 1/2 marathon distance, I was wiped out after 10k!

[Crawlhome Half Marathon in reply to Jaz20]

Hello Jaz20, how lovely that someone else on the forum did this event. 😁

Well done on the 10k too, those hills were something else weren't they?!

I had originally booked the great west to be my first half marathon in October but I was convinced to do this one by a running friend from work, I think the great west will be a breeze now. 🤣

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

Congrats on your first HM and trail run! A very respectable time indeed, with 338 m elevation gain!!! A whole different cup of tea trail running is, but very addicting. Gotta love the challenge of those hills 💪

[Crawlhome Half Marathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thank you, yes I definitely want to run more on trail.

[C3PO Marathon]

What an amazing result. Trails are tricky. Congratulations!

[Crawlhome Half Marathon in reply to C3PO]

Thanks so much 😊

[misswobble Marathon]

Trail running is hard generally but it's better than slogging on the roads, breathing in traffic fumes. The constant changes in level is good for our feet and legs, and you do get stronger! There are some lovely views to be enjoyed. I was enjoying wild flowers today, dancing in the breeze. Them not me! Take time to stop and enjoy the views, have a sit down on the grass and have a snack drink break. Listen to the birds twittering etc. It's good for the soul

Well done on your race. The weather sounded perfect running weather, which really helps! Shame about the darned hills but we have to walk the steeper ones. I practice hills a lot but on my last race i still had to walk more than I'd have liked. Never mind, we can only do our best. A cream tea more than makes up for it.

[Crawlhome Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thank you misswobble, I agree it's life affirming to be out in nature.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

That last hill looks a killer. What an amazing time you achieved for a course like that. Much respect 🙂

[Crawlhome Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks, it's called peak hill apparently, there were spectacular views at the top.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Crawlhome]

Don't think I would've made it, views or not 😀

[Madge50 Marathon]

Wow, super well done, and 2hrs 30, on that terrain? Fantastic, I hope you’re super proud of yourself, brilliant! 👍👏🏃‍♀️😎🏅

Mx

[Crawlhome Half Marathon in reply to Madge50]

Thanks that's very kind Madge. 😊

[Agelesslass Metric Marathon]

Well done, you did amazingly well 👍👍😀

[Crawlhome Half Marathon in reply to Agelesslass]

Thank you Agelesslass.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

It really is a great time given your lack of time on hilly trails. You did great 👍😁🏅

[Crawlhome Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thanks jojo.

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

Amazing achievement 👏👏👏 That is just cruel putting such a huge hill at the end, but well done for completing it.

[Crawlhome Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

Thanks Sandie, they were some tough hills!

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Sounds beautiful, and huge congratulations!!!

Here is your half marathon badge xxx

[Crawlhome Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Thanks for the badge, hard to believe I've got to half marathon now. 😊

[Katnap Marathon]

I'm super impressed! My first HM took 2h45m and that was mostly road and pavement. 👍💪

😸 Katnap 😸