So, I had committed to run the Half marathon this week but had no intentions of doing so today really.
I haven’t been running much and have been convincing myself that I’ve been ‘tapering’ but in all honesty life has been getting in the way. I wasn’t really that confident therefore that I’d make the distance having found 10 miles a real effort previously.
However, eating my Frostie’s this morning I put the London Marathon on the tv. Watching the women’s race (and unbelievable pace) was enough to make me think that maybe I’d run today and maybe I’d try the HM. After all, there were people everywhere running a full marathon- the least I could do would be to run half of one surely?!?!
What really sealed it for me was seeing others from the Autumn HUHM group posting their amazing marathon efforts, it really is inspiring and when out shopping I passed two runners in bright green tutu’s obviously running the marathon too. I did wonder whether any of our group ‘dressed’ for the occasion 😂
Anyway, the run itself was fairly uneventful. Pretty windy on the seafront and intermittent rain which actually is fairly welcome despite the fact it usually means I can’t see anything through my glasses. I used a High 5 gel half way (Banana- not recommended to be honest) and was fairly comfortable up until the last few Kms. After 10 miles my legs (particularly calves) ceased and cramped and my back wasn’t much better. I slowed down and was determined not to give up. And I didn’t. So pleased to finish. Whilst the day definitely belongs to the VLM runners really this is a major milestone for me and I’m proper chuffed. I now have a target of 2hrs 23mins to beat but I think I’ll get the vitality 10k done first..........
I’m looking forward to all the race reports over the coming days and weeks and it’s great to see the Autumn group achieve what we set out for and beyond...........whenever that happens!!
Written by
Kevin41
Half Marathon
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
13 medals for you. Each mile deserved. You said, 'the day definitely belongs to the VLM runners really this is a major milestone for me' but the day and days ahead belongs to all of us. I see us as a team passing the baton on after every run whether it's 2k, 2m or 20m. We are most definitely in this together.
I want to congratulate you though because this is a statement run. A real milestone distance and a good time too. I'm happy to get this time so well done. Those last few miles can be particularly arduous but as you do more and perhaps go beyond it then it does become manageable.
Fantastic! I know that stretch well as I used to pace up and down Southsea waiting for the hover to go to IoW on my commute! What an amazing achievement... not sure I will ever get past 10k. Must be an amazing feeling. Hope your calves ease up. Did not get the reference to banana but have feeling I should not ask!
That's brilliant - I love that you didn't even intend to do it when you got up that morning - how casual is that?!!! Your first HM is a massive achievement (I clearly remember how I felt when I finished mine, just amazing), and massive congratulations are in order 👏👏👏
Congratulations Kevin! I’ve got a particular admiration for all of you who braved the elements to do your runs. Maybe it should be like the Top Gear track tests and you can claim a “wet” time which would *obviously* be even faster if It was dry ... 😆
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Congratulations 
HUHM
HUHM v10K Race Report + Signed up for \"Real\" HM 
