Plymouth Half ... ✔️ Done

[Bike_and_Run]

So .... I originally signed up to the Plymouth Half to see if I could still run 13.1 miles, 10years on from when I did it in 2010.

And the answer is YES!

I crossed over the finish line with an official chip time of 1:43:07, 25seconds faster than in 2010 (1:43:32) so well done me.

However, there is a little sense of "I could have done better" as earlier this year I ran a virtual half around Plymouth in 1:37:07 and have trained hard in the hope I might get that time below 1:30. A recent issue with my leg forced me to take some time out of my runs in order to prevent a niggle turning into an injury and although my leg did not cause any issues on the day, my fitness level has clearly dropped off.

I knew I wouldn't hit a new PB, I let that go, but I thought I might still be able to get under 1:40. Nevermind. It was a brilliant day out, and the first time representing my club. We also wore something green to remember the victims of the recent Plymouth shooting so was lovely to see so much green in solidarity together.

As expected, I probably set off too fast, but I was feeling strong and keeping to a pace I have ran before so thought it'd be ok. There's a long 3mile slog of a hill from mile 5 and I knew I would slow down there, and planned to pick it back up at mile 8 where there is a long downhill section. Unfortunately I just couldn't find it in me to return to that faster pace.

I struggled around the next couple of miles getting more and more frustrated by the amount of people passing me until I came up to a girl who was walking. I recognised her from when she passed me at mile 6 so I encouraged her to keep going and we ran together all the way to the finish line, encouraging and cheering each other on.

That is definitely the thing I've found to enjoy most about running, the community. It's possibly the most supportive sport I know of, everyone cheering each other on, wanting everyone to achieve their best. Be that on forums like this, on social media and even in real life too.

Now to get my legs working again ready to take on the Torbay Half Marathon on Sunday.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon]

Wow, that's a mega time! TWO HMs in a week? :-0

[Bike_and_Run Half Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Yeah, maybe a bit crazy.... Especially with my first full 26.2mile Marathon in just a few weeks time too.

All part of my Two Halfs and a Marathon challenge.

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[Fran6500 Half Marathon]

Well done. It is frustrating when you cannot run faster and reach a time goal. But, your time is really good and the run sounded enjoyable

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Great work!!

[misswobble Marathon]

Ha ha 😁👍🏃‍♂️ Dashed from Plymouth and now headed for Torquay! 💪👍🌪🏅

Awesome 👊✊

Great result too. Go you 🏅👏👏👏👏

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Fantastic work - you are really fast! And best of luck with the full mara coming up 👏👏🙌👍🏼

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

That's a brilliant result! Be honest - with another half and the full marathon too, going for anything faster would've been madness 🤣

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

That is a super- speedy half marathon time - well done!💪🙂🏅 Although I do love running on my own, I know exactly what you mean about the running community - you can’t beat the atmosphere of an organised event! Enjoy your relatively short running break before your next one on Sunday. Good luck!🙂