My birthday half!

[Nels1234]

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!

[RunWillie Metric Marathon]

Well done! Nels1234 😍

[Frenc Half Marathon]

Hurrah! What a great run and happy birthday. I know what you mean about long straight roads, but you didn’t let it out you off. Well done!!

[Nels1234 Half Marathon in reply to Frenc]

Thank you! Yes I'm much more used to up and down hills and lots of corners but good to mix it up a bit!

[misswobble Marathon]

Oh well done Nels! What a great way to spend a 🎂 birthday 🎉

Running in good weather is always a bonus after training through winter. It’s our pay day 😀

Now you’ve started racing on your birthday why not make it an annual event. Your gift to yourself 🎁

[Nels1234 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thank you! Not sure about every birthday but would definitely like to do it again sometime. Really was a beautiful day for it!

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Wow what a way to start a birthday! I’m in awe of those who run so far it’s only a dream for most of us

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Happy birthday to you Nels1234 and congratulations on completing the Cardiff Hall Marathon.

[Nels1234 Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you!

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Awesome work, and happy birthday for yesterday!!! xxx

[Nels1234 Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Thank you!

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Well done Nels1234; I am sure that your shiny HM badge will appear if you enter your result on the pinned post. Welcome to the club 🙂🙂🙂

[Nels1234 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thank you, will do that now 😊

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Nels1234]

Done 👏👏👏👏👏🏆🥇

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Well, what else would you be doing on your birthday? 😂 Sounds fab to me! Happy Birthday for yesterday. I hope cake was involved somewhere 🍰

Well done 👍

[Nels1234 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you and yes there was definitely cake!

[sparky66 Half Marathon]

Happy Birthday 🎊And what a way to celebrate it🎊

Absolutely brilliant, congratulations 🥇

[Cmoi Marathon]

Congratulations on your HM, and belated Joyeux Anniversaire too Nels1234 !

[Betj Half Marathon]

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!!

[Nels1234 Half Marathon in reply to Betj]

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!

[Betj Half Marathon in reply to Nels1234]

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😁