Just a quick line to say thanks for the pom-poms and positivity ahead of my Cambridge HM last Sunday. I do follow the forum, but I seldom have anything to post about, however, this was my first real-life running event – so here’s my report.
I was accompanied by one of my daughters and a future son-in-law both of whom have run it before. We arrived early and had a couple of hours of hanging around on a very chilly and muddy Midsummer Common but at least it was dry and the sun peeped through the clouds occasionally. I was initially a bit miffed that I had been assigned to the last of 8 waves of starters, presumably based on my age and of having no previous form, so my companions started about 3 waves and 15 mins ahead of me.
I was thoroughly frozen by the time I started, but that was soon forgotten – it was all new to me and the sight of 10,000 starters was amazing. As it happened, being in the final wave proved a boon to me. The congestion in the first 3 miles around the town meant I was not tempted to set off too fast and I settled into a good pace. It was also good psychologically as I was making good progress through the field, which I find better for my morale than being constantly overhauled. The congestion became more of an issue as we ran around the grounds and lanes of the colleges, iconic though they are, it was occasionally frustrating, but after 5 miles we were out in the countryside with plenty of room.
Even in the countryside going through the villages there were lots of spectators and well wishers calling out and a real buzz about the event. The buzz kept growing as we made our way back into Cambridge where the streets were lined with people clapping and calling out. The effect of the occasion cut in – aches and pains receded, my head went up, my chest went out and I made like a runner. The final two miles flew by – they were almost enjoyable!
The net result was that my fellow runners finished together; they snuck in under two hours at 1:59:00 while I was not totally adrift at 2:07:51 (a PB for me which I was very happy with).
I would like to say that I then did my stretches, ate and drank some worthy nutritional products to aid recovery, had a hot bath and an early night - but that would be a lie. We went to the pub with our supporters and had a roast and couple of pints of IPA. Admittedly, I could hardly get off the bus on the way home (decrepitude had set in rather than inebriation), but it was worth it. It was a great day out.
If anyone is thinking of doing the Cambridge HM in the future, I’d highly recommend it. It was superbly organized; the course is great, and the atmosphere makes it. If I’m spared and fit, I may try it again next year.
Written by
Jerry_Hatrick
Half Marathon
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Great report! I had just made a cup of tea and settled down to check in here and found your post 🙂 Loved reading all about it. And I love the bling 😍
It sounds as if it was a brilliant atmosphere and that you really enjoyed yourself.
Congratulations and well done, your first event is always special and this will definitely be one to remember for all sorts of reasons. Fab time too! And a PB! Extra well done, brilliant stuff 👏
Well done Jerry! Congratulations 👏. Great piece of bling there! 😍🏅
I hope you’re feeling somewhat recovered now and less stiff. It’s par for the course though. Just take particular care of yourself this week and you’ll recover well.
I'm not feeling too bad today thank you, but I'll leave it a few days before I run again as I'm due to go hill walking in Wales next w/e and I will need my legs for that. The sight of so many runners was incredible - it's certainly a well subscribed event that sells out fairly quickly.
Congratulations on a great time Jerry_Hatrick , and a fab race report too! It sounds like a wonderful experience for runners who enjoy that type of event (not weirdos like me, I'd be terrified.)
I did a really big race last year (by my standards ☺️) and there was no food in the goodie bag 😖. I was rifling through like a mad woman. Zilch ☹️ Not a drop of coffee to be had either. Won’t be doing that one again
The goody bag was the only disappointment of the day. Other delicacies included a bag of quavers and a pot of low sodium salt believe it or not! The Cambridge HM is not a cheap ticket and the goody bag was really poor.
The goodie bag seems to be a disappointment at most races. I think the one I got for the "We love the NHS Manchester 10K" one in October had a packet of marshmallows, a bottle of water and a tin of coffee-flavoured energy drink.
Thanks Cmoi, I'm not usually very keen on crowds and big events myself, but this was well organized, there was a great atmosphere and everyone was very friendly - it was also quite impressive. There wasn't anything to be too worried about.
I'm not one for large organised races either. I like my local parkrun which usually has about 75 on a busy day, but I've only done one big event (10km on Halloween in Heaton Park, Manchester) so far.
Unfortunately my daughters choose the races and I get little say in the matter. They've just emailed me say the Great Eastern Run in Peterborough is now on the cards for October. I doubt that will be a small affair even if its not as big as the Cambridge HM. I think I'd better get used to it!
What a fabulous time for your first HM Jerry_Hatrick ! It sounds like you had a wonderful first timer’s experience. You certainly earned that wonderful post race combo of a roast and a couple of pints - bet that didn’t touch the sides! The perfect end to a successful day. Here’s to the next race! 🍻
Great race report and fantastic first event - congratulations!!! Extra special doing it with your daughter. I did my first half with my son - it was his first ever event too - and I will never forget the moment we found each other after the finish. We wrapped up with a roast and a couple of drinks in the pub too!!! Enjoy planning the next one - submit a reasonably accurate finish time and I very much doubt you'll be in the last wave again 😊
Thanks. Linda. It's obviously the "Lunch of Champions"! I wouldn't mind starting a bit further forward next time and try closing in on the 2hr mark. My girls are already talking about the Great Eastern run in October so I have a little time to work on it.
Your wave is usually a direct result of what you put as your predicted finish time. Last wave for your first event is good, but if you're chasing a PB there are advantages in being in the 'right' wave with similar paced runners. Sounds like you've been bitten by the bug 😀
Partly my fault. I hadn't run the distance when I entered for the race so I was a bit conservative and put down 2hrs 30min. I thought I'd probably be faster but didn't want to over promise. Actually I surprised myself on the day!
Congratulations. It’s great to hear of people doing races for the first time that couldn’t happen in the same way over the last 2 years. It sounds like you did really well, and going to the pub to celebrate is an excellent idea - you deserved it.
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