Half marathon

[EThomas]

I had planned an 18km run on Saturday with my running buddy. At the 18km point it felt really good so we decided to carry on to the half marathon (an another piece of Strava bling to add to the collection). When I started out on C25K in April I never thought that I would run a half marathon by the end of the year. I have surprised myself as to what I can achieve with running. It is certainly good for my mental health and gives me plenty of headspace. I have just started running with a friend which has been fantastic for my pace. We are able to have a conversation for the entire run so I know that I am running at a good pace.

The run was nice and steady and was the same route that I ran for the 10 miles. Instead of turning to go over the railway lines for the 10 miles we carried on for an extra loop which would take us back over the railway/tram crossing and back behind the supermarket. As usual we got stopped by the tram, which certainly impacted on the pace for km 18. It was hard to get going again but I soon got back into my stride. Another km in and we had to cross a main road and then run back into my village. I misjudged the distance and had to keep going past my house to the entrance to the country park. I was determined that Strava wasn't going to rob me of any bling so when I heard Strava say 21km I continued running for another 200m so that I could definitely reach the half marathon.

I was really happy with my time of 2 hours 11 minutes. Not only that I somehow managed to get a 10 mile and 15k PB. I also became a local legend for one segment and got a trophy for the 3rd fastest time ever on a segment I have never run before. It felt much slower that what I have ran before and I wasn't expecting any PBs at all. I am just so pleased with the run as it was a year to the day since my husband left so I needed something for me. I think I achieved what I set out to do.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

I think that's a fantastic celebration of a year of being able to look after your own goals, your own wellbeing, and really learning what you're capable of. Very well done to you! 👍🏻💪🏻😁🏅

[EThomas Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you so much

[dijep 10 Miles]

Congratulations 🎊What a lovely inspiring read to start my day

[EThomas Half Marathon in reply to dijep]

Thank you

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Well done and congratulations 🎉🎈for many achievements not least becoming a local legend 💪

Enjoy every minute 🙂

[EThomas Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you very much

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Wow, you've certainly ended that year on a high!!! Congratulations on huge achievement, which clearly shows you have taken charge. I'm absolutely certain that that deserves a new badge. Smile and feel very proud of yourself.

[EThomas Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you so much. I'm still smiling now. This time last year I had not even entertained the idea of running. It has given me so much joy and the headspace needed in this difficult time.

[Princess_pony69 Half Marathon]

That is such an amazing accomplishment and what a time !! Well done 🎉

[EThomas Half Marathon in reply to Princess_pony69]

Thank you

[Jools2020 Half Marathon]

Many congratulations on your first half marathon! 👏👏👏🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👍🏆and in a brilliant time, too. Yes, Strava bling is always good and you got PBs and local legend status too! 👏👏👏

Running isn’t just running, is it? As you know, I ran my first half marathon on Saturday, too. It made me realise that I can do whatever I want to! (My husband left me in March). I always get some clarity during a run. 👍

[EThomas Half Marathon in reply to Jools2020]

Thank you so much.

Well done on your half marathon as well. You certainly can achieve anything you want to, especially if it makes you happy. Running has worked wonders for my mental health and I hope it has helped you as well. I have certainly been bitten by the running bug and I long for it to continue. I'm finding it more difficult to get out in the cold and wet but feel great afterwards.

[Irish-John Marathon]

Well done!

The gift of Running gives us a lot of things, not least of which is the reminder we are tougher than circumstances might sometimes connus into thinking we are

Great run, great Runner - well done indeed! :)👍🏻

[EThomas Half Marathon in reply to Irish-John]

Thank you so much.

[Beatlesforever]

That is brilliant, congratulations! 🎉🥂

[EThomas Half Marathon in reply to Beatlesforever]

Thank you

[SmilingTortoise1 Half Marathon]

Brilliant achievement and great time 😊👏👏

[EThomas Half Marathon in reply to SmilingTortoise1]

Thank you

[Raspberrypink Half Marathon]

You are amazing. Well done on getting through the last year and running a half marathon in such a good time 👏🏼👍🏼😊

[EThomas Half Marathon in reply to Raspberrypink]

Thank you very much

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

That’s the way to do a HM; sneak up on it when it’s not looking !! I did the same; felt good so kept going! There the similarity ends.,..your time is amazing 🤩!! Huge congratulations 👏 👏 👏.🙂🥂

[EThomas Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thank you