The first half looms.

[Tom-cat]

When I signed up, to run the Wilmslow half marathon, it seemed an eternity away. Yet here we are. This time tomorrow I'll have picked up my runners number and be heading towards the start area for my first ever recorded run, of any distance. I've never run park runs, 5k or 10k timed events. I did c25k then ran my own course, whilst combining those runs with a local running group. Preparation runs have extended distances to 12 miles before tapering down. The weather looks favourable 8 to 11C for the run duration. Dry too. After so very many wet winter evening runs in the cold and dark, a little spring weather is something to look forward to. I'm deliberately avoiding the term "race". I don't want to push myself into running too fast, trying to catch a runner or beat a time. Taking part in such a run challenge in my mid 60's for the first time should prove challenging enough.

[Tabbles Half Marathon]

Good luck Tomcat, I did my first 10k last month. I didn't treat mine as a race either, enjoy the experience you have put in the training.

Take your time and keep to your pace.

Just imagine yourself on the finishing line with your bling.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Have an amazing day!!! xxx

[RunWillie Marathon]

Enjoy! We’re all cheering for you! Tom-cat

[Instructor57]

Good luck for your Wilmslow HM 😬👍

[Lizcanrun Half Marathon]

Good luck!! Very exciting 😀

[Cmoi Marathon]

As someone who's only ever taken part in two real-life timed events, neither of which I raced, I totally endorse your approach Tom-cat ; the most important thing is to enjoy yourself. The HU pompoms are out for you!

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

Hello Tom-cat, Here's to you really having a special day from a fellow mid 60s runner. 🏃🏻‍♂️😊I hope that you will let us know all about it.

[Tom-cat Half Marathon]

I have the benefit that Saint Garmin of wrist will inform me of new personal bests, should I complete the distance. A new distance record and a new pb for half marathon distance. There won't be many running tomorrow with two guaranteed personal records!

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Good luck for tomorrow! 👍🙂 Just go out steady and enjoy the experience - you’ve done the training - this time tomorrow you will be buzzing, I promise!🙂

[Tom-cat Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

I think, this time tomorrow I'm more likely to be snoring.....

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Tom-cat]

😂😂..ah, but what a well-earned nap it will be!🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

You will probably be punching the air by the time you read this, but hope you had a fabulous time! Writing a run report for us perhaps? 😀

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon]

Great weather today wasn't it Tom-cat .

Hope you enjoyed your first HM.

[Tom-cat Half Marathon]

All over and done now. I ran and chatted with the 2h 30 pacemaker for several miles, until I felt his pace decreasing a little. That pacemaker set my sights on a 2h 30 finish. I just managed the target with my running chip recording 2h 29m 43s as I crossed the line. Good job I ran away from the pacemaker, he crossed the line at 2h 43m. Feeling tired now, but not too bad.

[Tabbles Half Marathon in reply to Tom-cat]

Great job Tom Cat, any pictures of the bling.Aiming for a similar time for my first HM in 7 weeks time.

[Tom-cat Half Marathon in reply to Tabbles]

Weather not too shabby....

Wilmslow 1/2.

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

Well done to you! 🏃🏻‍♂️👏🏅So you had a better idea about pace than the pace maker! Would you say that you enjoyed it? Or at least that you are glad that you took part? Are the two girls relations? Or perhaps two of your running 'club' members? Sorry too many questions!

[Tom-cat Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

The two ladies are part of the group I run with. Both are seasoned runners and finished several minutes before me. There were far more of our group WAY behind us at the time the photo was taken. I was proud to have completed the distance. (Quite a number didn't. Some picked up by a following mini-bus, others in medical transport.) An unexpected gain from the day appears to be me contracting Covid. I've now produced two negative tests, and I'm keen to get back running. I have the Manchester half marathon next month.