My first real race (GSR)

[Blackberrypie]

I wasn't sure I was going to make the start line as I was in bed with a rotten cold over the last week or so but am so glad I did - really didn't want to miss my first ever real race!

It was also my first outing in my running club top and the support made a real difference - seeing people on the train on the way down, gathering for a group photo, chatting as we filtered towards the start, lots of waves and mutual encouragement during the run and a nice catch up afterwards.

Weather was perfect - cool but sunny towards the end, not too much of a breeze, and the crowd were great.

I was thinking I might need to take it easy because of the aftereffects of my cold but my body seemed happy and settled in to a pace at the top of my target range which it proved happy to maintain for the rest of the run - I could possibly have gone a bit faster but didn't want to overdo it in my first race. Didn't really want it to end but happy with my first real race medal and knocking nearly 15 mins off my PB!

Off to browse nearby races...

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

15 minutes off your PB is amazing Blackberrypie ! Well done - it certainly is a great event - sounds like you had a fab day!😀

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks, it was great fun.

[coggerjogger]

Well done! You are amazing and must feel so proud and good.

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

What a wonderful race you had, well done 👍

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

I think I have the racing bug..

[LadyGault Half Marathon]

Congratulations

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to LadyGault]

Thanks

[JonathanP 10 Miles]

My first race too BP! Glad your cold disappeared in time.

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to JonathanP]

It was a great race to start with!

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Brilliant Blackberrypie. Enjoy wearing that T-shirt and wear the bling with pride. It was great to see the running club members helping each other out and enjoying the moment.

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Yes, it made a real difference.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Fantatsic!!! Congratulations on a brilliant first race. 15 minutes? Wow! Race magic is SO powerful isn't it!!!

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

It really did make a difference, not quite sure why but glad it did.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

15 minutes off your PB is brilliant! Congratulations and well done to you 👍You must be thrilled.

Enjoy your races expedition 🙂

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks I have one race booked in for next year and a few more in mind!

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Brilliant!!!! Well done BBP xxx

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Thanks

[misswobble Marathon]

Congratulations 👏. Well done 💪👍😃🏅

Racing is fun 🤗 It’s a chance to let off steam 😤😀🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Yes, it is great fun to see what you can do...