I never intended to run a half marathon on my birthday and I have to admit when I saw the new date of the covid delayed Cardiff run my heart sank at first but then I decided what better way to celebrate being a year older!
It was a beautiful day in Cardiff yesterday and the crowds were out. I lined up at the start with about 25000 others and after a bit of a delay we were off. The first couple of miles felt long, I'm not used to running on long straight flat roads! But I got into a good rythmn and maintained a steady pace. Running over the barrage was great and brought a much needed cool breeze. Then it was back through the bay and across the city centre heading for Roath Park. A few hills in the last few miles were hard work and by 11 miles I was really feeling it. But I dug deep determined by that point I was going to run it all. My family and a well placed brass band egged me on to the finish line and I finished at a steady 2:55.
It was never about the time for me, just making it round in one piece was the aim. I'd never run the distance before with 11 miles my longest training run. It was a great day and Cardiff looked glorious in the sunshine. Plus a very nice bit of bling at the end!
Perfect weather for a birthday BBQ afterwards and a good way to celebrate the day. Still, might consider a more relaxed approach next year!
Written by
Nels1234
Half Marathon
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Congratulations.. 😊Lovely description and well done. I have my 1st HM on Sunday so will hope to also hope to find what I need to get me through the tougher bits!!
Thank you and good luck! The crowd and my family kept me going. There were some tough bits but I'm sure you can dig deep just like I did and your determination will get you through. I read something just before that said there will be hard sections but they won't last, just remember if it gets tough to keep in mind that bit will pass or you'll reach the end! Either way, self belief can take you a long way. You got this!
Thanks.. you're so right.. it always does pass through and change doesn't it & i just try to focus on breath, calm , centre, root (thats a tai chi thing!!) and smile😁
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First half marathon
Half marathon
First half marathon done!!! 😃🏅🏃♀️🥂💪🏻
Canterbury Half
