You'll already have seen the reports from cheekychipmunks and Dexy5 on their achievements today, and Dexy's report very adequately covers the first 10 miles of my run too. And I normally confine my efforts to the B210K forum, as I have no intention of ever running a competitive half or full marathon. But to back up a claim for virtual bling , I suppose I'd better burst into composition mode here …..
Through the spring and summer I've been using the Quest on B210K to push me on to running ever-increasing distances as one arm of my preparation for the Great South Run next month (I just want it to seem short ). I've been going 2k further each month and August saw me get to 20, so with one month to go I thought the HM distance would be an appropriate final target. Tactics for these "long slow" monthly runs have been for me to be paced by Dexy for as far as she feels like running on the day, then carry on solo for the rest of the way. She is also doing the GSR and increasing her range steadily - today was her dress rehearsal over the full distance.
And she did it , with just a bit of Jeffing, during which periods I carried on jogging, weaving weird oval patterns around her moving datum. So by the time she completed her 16.1, I had clocked up something like 16.6 in 2h 13m and had less than a parkrun to go. So I summoned up what was left in the tank and managed some pleasing negative splits from k17 (6'52") to k21 (5'27"). And seeing Dexy already established in the pavement café, the extra 200m (200 to be sure, to be sure) in 57 secs just to show off, followed by an inability to speak for several minutes, to the bemusement and amusement of the tourist couple who had joined her at her table.
So, the distance is done . And I have to say I still have no intention of doing one of these competitively …….
Onwards and upwards!!
Written by
UpTheStanley
Half Marathon
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Brilliant UTS....the "togetherness " with Dexy5 and Cheeky adds another dimension to your amazing run. Fish and chips with beer; a feast fit for fine athletes....drink deep and long 😊🍺🍺🍺🍺
Brilliant, well done our Stanley! 👏👏🏃🏻♂️🏃🏻♂️💥⚡️That badge suits you 🏆 How on earth you managed to run so fast for those last few km goodness only knows. GSR will be a doddle for you. You will wait for us at the end won’t you? 😂
Awesome UTS! We blooming well did it! Yessss!! 😅 I did the same with adding a bit on the end (0.1k). Imagine coming up a bit short after all that way! 😩
I am running the Bath Half with Irishprincess in March - lovely and cool (or even 🥶) in March, but there is no way I’m going to run a marathon! Sounds like you won’t be either!
Many congratulations and well done Stanley 🎉🎈🍾💪 Brilliant stuff.
How you had the energy to do those speeds at the end I have no idea. But I’m giggling at the image of you huffing and puffing in front of the tourists. You know it’s situations like this that give runners a bad name? 🙄🙂
The speed at the end is all down to the magic pacer who reins me in early on. Otherwise I'd never make the distance at all , never mind finishing with a bit of a flourish!
Oh well done UTS! 👏👏👏 Brilliantly done, it is definitely a landmark distance. You should be very proud of your achievement. 👍
To be honest, I found the distance 16km+ in training incredibly hard and laborious, but much easier in race conditions because of the many distractions and excitement - so never say never!
Well done mate. I have no intention of ever doing one of these competitively either - I do like to take part in an event or two though.
The thought of running a HM off the bat alone just for the sake of it, I'm not sure I could do. So credit to you for achieving this. Personally I need to have the investment in an organised event to focus my training - otherwise there would be too much temptation to just not. Congratulations!!
Thanks - though I wasn't alone, as I had Dexy5 with me for the first 10 miles, and it was the climax of a semi-planned build up to the Great South next month - but having ticked the box, I don't see me putting myself through it again. I think after October I'll be sticking to 10k as my max distance .
Credit to you both! When I say alone I meant without a planned run event.
I will be a GSR too. It does take a lot of time and focus to build up for these longer runs. Over the summer and until recently I have been doing no more than 10ks and I forgot how much more tired I feel on a Sunday after getting up and doing these longer runs.
That said, it does get easier. All the best with the GSR next month
Never say never 😉. As I crossed the finish line of my 20k race my first words out of my mouth were never again, but I'm already thinking of when I should run it again (but am going to stick to my guns and not compete next year). Congrats on your great achievement and a crazy fast finish, you speed demon you!
Well done to you sir! You have a way of making it all sound so easy!!! Many congratulations!🍾🥂🏅👏🏻😊🎉👍🌟 💥⚡️ 🏃🏻🤸♂️🏃🏻🤸♂️🏃🏻🤸♂️The energy you still have at the end of your run is amazing! Any secrets to pass on?
Lol!🤣 Not that easy as I'm in Derbyshire! Currently running 10 miles with anyone is not a realistic proposition. The badge looks good, so may be one day ... 😊
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, I suppose I'd better burst into composition mode here …..
). I've been going 2k further each month and August saw me get to 20, so with one month to go I thought the HM distance would be an appropriate final target. Tactics for these "long slow" monthly runs have been for me to be paced by Dexy for as far as she feels like running on the day, then carry on solo for the rest of the way. She is also doing the GSR and increasing her range steadily - today was her dress rehearsal over the full distance.
, never mind finishing with a bit of a flourish!
bits and bobs
I might just make it 🏃♀️
30s, 1 min, 10 mins, 20mins, 5 k, 10k, HM, M then what?