Had a look and it seems that everyone had a great time. The weather conditions were ideal and the event was well organised.
This was my first experience of a run this size, however, and like others we had stayed in Portsmouth the night before to ensure we were at the event in good time (plus we had a lovely meal out the night before and made a bit of a weekend of it.) When we got to the hotel it seemed like pretty much everyone was there to either run or support. It gave it a nice feel, but it meant making last minute table reservations a bit trying. Not to worry you live and learn. We ate out at a nice restaurant in Port Solent. We had to walk as the hotel car park was overflowing and we would never have got another space when we returned. Another learning curve.
We opted for park and ride the next day and were lucky to get on a bus before the roads closed. Another timely lesson that we would need to get out earlier and allow more time to get to the event. I am used to just rocking up 10 minutes before the start and cracking on.
So, to the event itself, as others have said it is a pleasant journey around the streets of Portsmouth. Well attended for supporters and I did enjoy high fiving my way around. Its also worth noting that it is very a flat course, so good for those with an eye on a PB.
This is also the first event I have attended where energy snacks (other than jelly babies) were being handed out at the run. In this case either Clif gels or blocks. Having never tried and energy gels, etc before I didn’t try them here, but did pocket a couple for experimentation on future training runs. However, judging by themes in the road, plenty were enjoying the treats. As I said I have never tried these before, but judging by the fact there was no sudden surge of energised runners stampeding past me shortly afterwards, the jury remains still out.
One of the other things I noticed was the lack of space. Normally on local runs the field narrows out and you run in your own little space, but with a run this size there were always people to dodge and others dodging you – I did get penned in a few times even 8 miles in. However, whether this is a good thing or a bad thing, I’m not sure. All the ducking and diving around did keep me focussed on what was going on around me, rather than reverting to internal running struggles and what I think is a 10-mile PB (unverified as strava decided to pause at one point), it suggests that a larger pack may yield better results for me.
Normally, I am able to jump in the car and quickly get home to shower after the run, which I wasn’t able to do. Though a change of clothes and plenty of deodorant saved others suffering, meantime. But I did find this a bit uncomfortable.
However, all-in-all an enjoyable event, and plenty of lessons were learnt. I have no immediate plans to return to this particular event, but that’s no criticism of the day and more about me wanting to seek new runs/ places. In fact I would definitely recommend you try it, and I’m glad I did!
