Still deciding

[Pippa49]

I have posted before and this is the last on this topic I promise. A running friend asked me if I had decided what I was doing with regard to the marathon. I said I had made a decision. Fortunately they didn't ask what it was.

I have Cardiff Half a week today : in fact I hopefully will be nearly finished this time next week. If, and it's a big if, I manage to get under 4hrs next Sunday then I'll will seriously consider carrying on with the marathon.

A friend of mine who has been very supportive and encouraging with regards to the marathon(never met her, yet) has said that if she was in my situation she would do the marathon. She admits that she is a risk taker. Maybe I should have a go and accept the fact that I may not come home with bling. Trouble is that some people know I am doing the 10 mile race or believe that I am so if I return without bling they may be surprised. On the flip side they might be surprised if I do finish the marathon and come home with a marathon medal. I have reasoned that something could happen next weekend at the Cardiff Half and I could come away with nothing. Nothing is guaranteed. I am not afraid of DNF anymore as I have Dnfd before (my choice) although at the time I was gutted.

On a positive note I can't wait to run /walk Cardiff Half again. Do others find that once you know what is in store that it is worse or better? I found Swansea Half a struggle this year as it was so humid plus I knew the route. Thought at one point that I wouldn't be able to finish but once past the 12 mile mark I had to finish.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

It’s 100% your choice Pippa, and I’m so glad you’ve made one. Good for you! 👏👏

Don’t worry about what friends expect/think. It’s your race. 😀

Good luck next weekend! I hope to do Cardiff one day too, and Bristol - although they’re only a couple of weeks apart. I’m doing my first HM ( Bath) in March, but unless I get a ballot place into London, I can’t see myself ever doing a marathon, so you’re awesome even considering it! You’ll be ace! 👍💪👊🏃‍♀️

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks cheekychipmunks. The atmosphere at Cardiff is great, you would enjoy it. This year will be my sixth half marathon and my fourth this year. Hoping for a rest from training for a few weeks before training begins for the next event in February. I am in the ballot for London too but if I get in (highly unlikely) I will have to defer as it clashes with something else.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Pippa49]

Oh wow so you’re a seasoned HMer then. Fantastic! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👍

I think I’d have to defer too if I end up getting a London place for 2020. I’ve only run HM distance once before, a couple of weeks ago actually, and there’s no way I could have carried on for 1k let alone another 21.1! Kudos to you and all who do it! 👊

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you. Not fast though. My half marathon pb is 4:10:00 achieved at the Brighton half this February.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Pippa49]

I’m also not fast, but that doesn’t bother me. I simply love running. 😀

Good luck Pippa! 🏃‍♀️😀

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you. X

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

I think that's a good choice to decide after the HM👍 see how it goes but if it was me I would stick to your proviso of the 4 hours rather than have anymore hours of worrying. It can't be good for you and it's supposed to be an enjoyable experience. But only you can decide. Xxx

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Sorry for the late reply. I have provisionally decided to do the 10 mile race but will see how Cardiff Half pans out before I make a final decision. I will get two race packs, a marathon one and one for the 10 mile race so will know after Cardiff which one I will be wearing. Xx