Oxford Half Marathon race report - Fun Beyond 10K & ...

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Oxford Half Marathon race report

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon
80 Replies

Most importantly, I really enjoyed this event and got a huge amount out of the day! One to remember for all sorts of good reasons.

Would I ever get to the start line?

I signed up for the ballot on 6th Feb 2019! I did get a place but I had to defer because of my stress fracture, then it was cancelled in 2020 and so finally, two and three quarter years later here I was finally able to run it! Even so it was a very close call – I’ve had leg issues for weeks now and my training was abandoned, replanned, rushed! Two weeks ago, after my last long training run, the leg was particularly bad, but after 10 days rest and a very short tryout run it was feeling easier and I decided to ignore the twinges and go for it (advice I wouldn’t give to anyone of course!!!) 🤞

Would I run to the finish line?

A PB was never on the cards. The 2h08m I put on my entry form was mentally revised to between 2h21m and 2h 30m. But above all I wanted to run the whole thing. At my last half marathon I kind of gave up mentally and physically around 11k; my structured run/walk strategy gave way to walking whenever I felt like it and half-heartedly running occasionally! However, this time I adopted my usual strategy of running the whole thing, apart from when taking water from the aid stations when I would walk (I spill water even when walking but at least don’t end up choking!). I had done my 19k training run using this strategy, and the confidence from that run truly crushed the demons hanging around from my last race - they didn’t get a look in yesterday. I ran the whole thing with no demonic chatter in my head! 👊

Would I follow my pace plan?

I usually start too fast (ridiculously so in that last HM) and frequently pay a price for that. Would this finally be the time I made a sensible start? Nope! There is something about the atmosphere and the sea of moving legs and bodies that make it very, very difficult! I did however remain very aware of my pace and reined it in a bit. My final kilometre was the fastest, and the last 400m were sub 6m/km (peaking at 5:14) so I clearly wasn’t burned out at the end. I managed 2h18m which is well short of a PB, but better than I dreamed of for yesterday! 🏅

Will I ever walk again?

Well the bad leg has seized up and I have a set of half a dozen truly awful blisters that make it impossible to walk properly just now; but give it a few days and I will feel much better I’m sure 😍

Did I enjoy it?

You bet! More than I imagined. There’s nothing quite like smashing demons! I truly appreciated the atmosphere and crowd support and, as my father is over from Canada he got to see me race for the first time too! Oh, and I got to meet the amazing and lovely Roseabi before we ran (making the most of a long loo queue and a warm up session to remember)! I ended the event in the pub with my father and hubby, right by the final few metres of the route; it was wonderful hearing all the crowd support for the last runners that came in. Overall, a very good day indeed. 🥰

Linda 218 Gremlins 0

Final comment (if you got this far)

Oxford HM actually had mens fit t-shirts and womens fit t-shirts .... not a unisex t-shirt in sight!!! Result!!! ✔

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linda9389 profile image
linda9389
Administrator
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80 Replies
Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon

What a great report Linda. I was thinking of you and hoped the leg wold be ok. And it was ! Whoop whoop! You did it and did it very well 💪🏅

How special to have your dad there and see you race, he must be very proud 😍

And then to meet up with our legendary roseabi too! All the stars were clearly aligned for you to have a great race and great day.

I love the idea of fitted T-shirts. One you can actually wear!

And that is beautiful bling 🏅

Well done to you, a great day all round.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Irishprincess

He did look very proud and I am sure he was the reason for my late burst of energy. I hope there is one photo that reflects that feeling at the end 😀. The tshirt fits and I absolutely will wear it, yay 😊

Magellan profile image
MagellanMarathon

Lovely report, it sounds like you did really well, and how nice that your dad was able to see. And what a beautiful medal, definitely one of the nicest I've seen.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Magellan

I love both the shirt and the medal. Not sure I've said that about any event before!

roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon

Wasn't it wonderful??!!?? Some sort of magic going on there I think 🤩

I'm starting to be convinced that it's impossible not to start too fast, hmmmm something to put to the test at some point...

A huge well done, and it was really lovely to meet you 😍😍😍

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to roseabi

It was pretty magical. Even the two long straights weren't as tedious as I feared. Runners on the other side were all cheery and encouraging too. The only let down were the marshalls - I think I only heard two out on the course giving words of encouragement; the crowds more than made up for it tho! Fab to meet you too!!!

roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon in reply to linda9389

I rather got the impression that the marshals had been conscripted! 😂

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to roseabi

Glad it wasn't just me being churlish!

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrHalf Marathon

That is a lovely bling you got after running The Oxford Half, congratulations, those T Shirts seem very good, nice that after your wonderful run you spent your time with your father and husband in the pub, a well deserved 🍷, nice also meeting Roseabi, a truly amazing day for you 🏃🏾👍

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to AlMorr

It was pretty amazing Al, thanks

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles

I love that medal Linda and a T-shirt that fits is a bonus. I was miffed that my ordered small T-shirt had been taken at GSR. Sounds like you had a great run in Oxford.

Enjoy your time with your Dad.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Dexy5

That's frustrating Dexy! I think this is the first ladies fit t shirt I have ever got from a race. That it fits as well is amazing. Bring back the sunshine please!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Miles

What a result, and you crushed the gremlins and came in strong at the end, most amazing 🤩

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to SueAppleRun

It had grown into a pretty big gremlin too, so I am especially pleased to have seen it off!

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirl

Well done Linda, your patience and hard work and determination rewarded at last! Lovely bling 😊

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to grumpyoldgirl

Hmm. Not so sure how patient I have been ... 🤔🤣 determined though, definitely!!! The medal is lovely and stayed put til it was time for bed 🤣

Kevin41 profile image
Kevin41Half Marathon

What a great read, thank you! I hope your blisters and leg recover soon - it’s brilliant that you finally have that medal after so long a wait!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Kevin41

From past experience most of the blisters should be comfortable in the next couple of days (less sure about the large one that burst before the end of the race 😱) and the medal and tee are great consolation 😍

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltrying10 Miles

Sounds like win, win, win, win, win, win. So very pleased for you, but of course I hope that the seized up leg and blisters improve very soon. Many, many congratulations to you! 😊🏃‍♀️💥👏🎉🏁🏅

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to over61andstilltrying

The leg pain and blisters will disappear and I will be left with great memories, a lovely bit of bling and a tee that I will actually wear 😍

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon

So many reasons to love this post, so pleased it all worked out for you in the end. Congratulations linda9389

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Cmoi

Thanks Cmoi, being so unsure how it would go makes it al the more satisfying 😊

runningdad profile image
runningdadMarathon

What a great report and it sounds like a brilliant event. Well done on persevering. It must have taken some grit and determination! Lovely bling too! 🤩

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to runningdad

It was a far better event than I was expecting to be honest. I have a bit of a love hate relationship with road races, but maybe my expectations are more realistic these days. Running the second half with burning feet is always a bit of a miserable challenge, but until I have a better solution, that's what it will take 🤷‍♀️

Frenc profile image
FrencHalf Marathon

Ah well done Linda, what a great day, blisters and all 😊. I love the idea of you sitting in the pub after listening to the crowd, how wonderful to see your dad and roseabi too! It sounds like the perfect run day 🏅🏅🏅.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Frenc

Every time the crowd started cheering and clapping it would restore you mr faith in the human race all over again! The atmosphere inside the pub was fab too. Pretty sure all groups had one or more runners and it was laid back and chilled, and buzzing and loud and super friendly all at the same time. My father was so impressed with how friendly and nice everyone was 😊

Lavender1962 profile image
Lavender1962Half Marathon

Great run report! Well done on your half marathon. I’m glad that it was one to remember. Nice to have your father there from BC. Meeting c25k ers must have been fun. 🏃🏻‍♀️🙂👏

I hope that you’re leg and blisters heal quickly.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Lavender1962

It was all pretty special. Having not lived in the UK for over 50 years he has some pretty bad memories of England, and he adores BC, so it was really great for him to see such a nice side of us - the beautiful city and the wonderful community of runners showed us at our best!

Lavender1962 profile image
Lavender1962Half Marathon in reply to linda9389

It sounds like a great day for both of you. He’ll have some positive memories of England now. 🙂

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Half Marathon

Brilliant run report Linda! Well done on your HM - and in a fantastic time, especially taking in to account your recent injuries. I hope your body forgives you soon 😉 but it certainly sounds like you had a great time! Must have been wonderful to meet our dear Roseabi too! 😀

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Sandraj39

Thanks! I am pleased with the time, all things considered. I'm even more pleased that I never wanted to stop. Meeting roseabi was the icing on the cake 😊

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

Way to go Linda 😃💪👍🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏅

So pleased it went off all right and you enjoyed yourself. I hope you’re feeling better soon. I’m sure you will be 😃

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to misswobble

Today has been tough, but will all be worth it in the end. As you say, it won't last long. And to all the nay sayers who keep suggesting I'm getting older and should maybe reconsider my running limits I say ... pffttt!!! 🤣

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply to linda9389

Ey? 😁

At my 10 km race on Sunday there was a guy who got a guard of honour for the last stages to the finish. He is 81 and still running with his club 🙂

I noticed the winning 60+ female finished in 46 mins 😳. I was 6th out of 16

I get ever more convinced of the power older runners each time I race 😃 and see every reason to keep running 💪🏃‍♀️

Langley-Loper profile image
Langley-LoperHalf Marathon

What's the expression? Triumph over adversity, I believe. Well done 👏

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Langley-Loper

I like that.!!! I suspect there may be others ... stupidity over sense perhaps. No, that's not a thing, just made up. A triumph it was 😍

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64

Wowzers! Worth it just for a t-shirt that fits properly!Seriously though, what an amazing achievement, after everything you have been through.

Sounds like you had an absolutely amazing day and how great to be able to celebrate with hubby and Dad like that. We'll done!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Birdlady64

You're right - a race t shirt that fits properly is a very rare and precious commodity 😍

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Half Marathon

You sound as though you are still buzzing. Might not have been a PB but so many wins and your dad to cheer you on. Very special 🥰

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Sandie1961

You may be right there - at the very least I still have a very warm glow and a big smile. Gotta love this running malarkey despite all the ups and downs 😊

RunWillie profile image
RunWillieHalf Marathon

Awesome! linda9389 ❤️🏃‍♀️

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to RunWillie

Yep. That's the shorter version 🤣🤣🤣

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon

Amazing Linda, those gremlins were put firmly in their place and you nailed your race. Having your father there must have been so special too. 🥰

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to cheekychipmunks

I was pretty scared of those gremlins cheeky. Realising i had enter a race and then given in to what felt like apathy or disinterest was really unnerving. Having succumbed once, how much easier might it have been for it to become a habit? After Oxford, I now have that gremlin locked in a box marked 'blip', where it belongs!!!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply to linda9389

And there it can remain. Forever! 😅

Bluebirdrunner profile image
Bluebirdrunner

So happy for you Linda. You are one very brave, very determined runner... and so deserve to proudly wear that bling!

Really hope those blisters and your legs recover quickly. How proud must your dad be of you...amazing report and awesome run.🏃‍♀️🌟🏅🙏xxx

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Thanks BB. Definitely determined - although I do like the idea of brave too! Running turns me into a different person I think 😊

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon

Great stuff Linda! So happy it worked out for you in the end! I had a feeling it would… 😉Lovely medal too! 👏👏🎉🎉🎉

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Decker

Thanks Decker. I had virtually no confidence leading up to the event - so much so that I had very few nerves!!! The positive 19k training run was the foundation of Sunday's 'mental run' and thankfully the leg had recovered enough in the next two weeks to get to the finish line.

Well done and as for your not-advice to others, don't we all do something sometime that we think is very irresponsible and would never advice someone else to do? I'm far from a HM, but I remember working up to 10K and jumping from 7K to 10K in 1 run. Not really within the 10% rule, but it felt great 😆

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to

It's very true - sometimes we can get away with breaking the rules; but the price is very high when things go wrong. I imagine I will pay for this for at least a couple of weeks now. I'd pulled out of everything else this autumn and had used up all deferral options on the Oxford entry so decided to take a chance. My decision and my consequences, but it would be very poor advice to give anybody else 🙈🙊🙉

Yogamaz profile image
Yogamaz

Great race report and very well deserved after all your set backs. Hope you recover quickly. You definitely put the thought in my head that maybe one day I could run a half!!!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Yogamaz

Thank you! Someone here once put that thought into my head too seemed crazy at the time, but .... 😀

Over62 profile image
Over62Half Marathon

Loved reading your report linda9389 and that you had a great day and run so lovely you met up with roseabi and your Dad was there too, after the year you have had you deserved to enjoy this run - well done 👏👍🏃🏻‍♀️🎉🏅

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Over62

Thank you. It may well be the highlight of this year's running for me 😀

That sounds like an amazing day and a great time :-) i hope you recovery goes well

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to

Thank you. It's already a bit more bearable than yesterday!!! 😍

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon

Well done, Linda. That’s a huge relief for you I bet. Especially after those setbacks you’ve suffered. 👏👏👏 Do you think a new pair of shoes might help with blister prevention? I’m quite happy to advise 😅👍

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to RunBrianRun

Haha!! I bought a new pair on your advice earlier this year 😀 with the broken training I haven't had chance to try them over long distance though, so stuck with the Hokas for this. Although not showing wear, these Hokas have covered a lot of distance and I wonder if the four new blister sites 🙈 are down to lack of cushioning. As for the two old faithfuls, they are bigger than they have ever been so any and all recommendations welcome. Maybe you could write me a list of options 🤣🤣🤣

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply to linda9389

I hope you got on ok with the ones I recommended. 😬😅 I’m no expert, but tbh those Hokas sound like they are end of life now.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to RunBrianRun

I have to agree! It's just a question of do I replace them like for like - devil I know - or try something different. They all feel comfy as anything up to 8 or 10k, then blister beyond that. Makes it hard to tell on the shop treadmill !!!

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply to linda9389

Mmm 🤔 I wonder if it’s a sizing issue. Do you always blister in those shoes after 10k or is it with other shoes too?

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to RunBrianRun

Nike, Saucony, Brooks, Hoka ... all have blistered both feet in the same spot from 10 to 13k upwards 🙈. Each has been fitted in (different) specialist running shops. I wear wide, but have also tried standard width. There may yet be a make/style that will work ... but I do like the Hoka Cliftons in all other respects. It's depressing as the blister pain is always the thing that drags me down mentally in a half marathon!

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply to linda9389

How much do you size up? I go one whole size larger.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to RunBrianRun

Maybe I should go up another half size and see - with a returnable pair!!!

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply to linda9389

Definitely worth a try. I use the return option a lot. It’s very easy if you use the big brands as they are less fussy about outside use, have generous return windows, and don’t charge. Good luck 👍

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoUltramarathon

💖😘 I love that your Father got to see you race. I think you did amazing given your worries 🤗

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo

Thanks! It made such a difference knowing he was there 🥰

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnMarathon

Well done Linda!! :)

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Irish-John

Thanks IJ 😊

Stephen_UK profile image
Stephen_UKHalf Marathon

Hi Linda. Great report. So pleased to read that this went well. Just sorry to hear about your leg and blisters, and I hope that they are improving now. Take it easy!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Stephen_UK

Thanks! leg has felt quite a bit better on the move today, but the blisters are grim 😱😀

Katnap profile image
KatnapMarathon

A HM, meeting friends and family, stop at a pub... A perfect day! 👍🐱👍

🐱 Katnap 🐱

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Katnap

It really was Katnap ! Quite the day for it right?

Cowladyrunning profile image
CowladyrunningMarathon

Great race Linda and I'm so glad you enjoyed it too. Lovely to meet Roseabi and to have your Dad there. Congratulations!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Cowladyrunning

Many thanks! It really was all very lovely!

SkiMonday profile image
SkiMondayUltramarathon

Great report there Linda and I’m glad you enjoyed the day. There does seem to be something great about going to the pub after a race doesn’t there. Hope your legs recover soon.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to SkiMonday

Especially when the pub is full of other racers 😊

Great running Linda and the bling is in the bag and you've a shiny new t-shirt to pop down the pub in 💪🌟 winner 🏆

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to

Thank you! Nice cotton bag to keep it all in too 😀

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