I can’t remember when I decided that I would like to have a go at the Stratford Half Marathon but I think the promise of a medal with a Shakespeare quote on it was the incentive. When I mentioned it to TailChaser and Katnap they were full of encouragement and support. They helped me draw up a training plan and Tailchaser continued to run with me (at my much slower pace) and offer advice on everything that was concerning me from twinging muscles and tired legs to eating apricots.
When the event was cancelled and no alternative event proved suitable, Tailchaser suggested we just do it anyway, on our own. So this weekend being Shakespeare’s birthday, we opted for Friday as the best date to avoid the crowds. I awoke to pouring rain, but the forecast was an improving one so our 1pm start time was still good to go. The Greenway (an old rail track now a footpath/cycleway) would be used for most of our route. It is a fairly firm surface, if one with rather a lot of puddles after the rain. It was quiet with a few dog walkers, cyclists and fellow runners. We enjoyed viewing a Kite and listening to glorious birdsong from the skylarks.
After about 10k we came to the end of the Greenway and switched to a new path that led us to the Leisure Centre and a much welcomed toilet. Then we simply turned and retraced our route back to Stratford with more puddle jumping. We experienced a few showers and even hail stones (there were some very girly squeals as they were sharp and cold, especially when they went down the back of your neck), but we weren’t cold.
I was jeffing, initially a 5min run/2 min walk ratio, but after 10k I switched to half a km walk/ half a km run as it was easier to manage on my watch when it was covered in raindrops. Also I had a rather twangy hamstring that I was nursing and I didn’t want to make it any worse. Tailchaser complained that I walked very quickly (well she only has short legs) and she was getting splashed from the puddles, meanwhile at 5k to go I was complaining that my legs were heavy and I needed to slow down my running a little. In the end it took us 3 hours to complete the distance. Not a record breaking achievement by any means, but a record for me that I am happy to claim. Something that would never have been possible with out my super coach Tailchaser. She is my mentor, my inspiration and my hero.
I wore my British Heart Foundation running shirt as I needed pictures for my Just Giving page (I’ve entered the BHF London to Brighton Sportive in June and have been using the training for the HM as part of my overall fitness training for this cycling event). Mr Shakes came to met us in the last km and took a few photos. Tailchaser had run ahead on the trail and got some of me looking less tired. I will now be putting more hours into my cycling but will still be running to compliment the training. But no more half marathons, it is back to 5 and 10k events for me from now on.
The Shakespeare quote at the top of this page is from Romeo and Juliet and is not the one The Rotary Club were going to put on their medal. It is however very appropriate for me. Oh, and by the way as we are talking medals, it won’t have a Shakespeare quote, but some bling has been ordered!
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Shake-and-run
Half Marathon
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Whoop Whoop! You have done a Half Marathon Shake-and-run ! And I love your shiny new badge. I know how much you were looking forward to the Shakespeare Run, and its medal, but to run with TailChaser gave you all the support you needed.
What a shame the original HM was cancelled - but big congratulations to you both for completing your own virtual event! 👏👏👏Enjoy your shiny bling when it arrives too!🏅🙂
First of all, let me just go 😳😳😳 then let me say that you were brilliant yesterday, determination was written all over you and I knew you’d do it! I knew this because, even though we chose an out and back, so you’d have little choice but to soldier on, you never questioned it or suggested a circuit, just in case.
I’m very proud of you. I just helped you with the belief that you could do it, you had to put the work in! ☺️🤗
What a fabulous achievement Shakes, and lovely happy photos too! You can’t go wrong with such an experienced coach, so huge kudos to TC on getting you round in style. Nice badge by the way. Hope you’ve been gazing longingly at it. 😍
Massive congratulations Shakes. A testament to your determination that, even after having your training disrupted by illness, you stuck to your original plan. Well done to your brilliant coach TailChaser for guiding you through 👏👏👏👏
Thank you everyone for your kind congratulations and your support on my adventure to this the pinnacle of my running journey. Sandie1961 warned me about the training commitment, yet I was still surprised by how much of my life it took up (goodness knows how hard it must be for people with jobs and family demands on their time). The good news is that Strava tells me I am the fittest I have ever been, so that is worth holding on to. I am also hoping that the experience will help with my 10k runs, may be I am strong enough now to run a bit more and walk a bit less, may be even run for the whole 10k. Perhaps I should make that my new goal. For now though I am concentrating on resting and recovery. 😴😴
Hmm…I said never again, both times I ran a HM! But here am I going for a third (once this covid 19 goes away).
Fabulous run, both of you, newbie HMer and coach. This is what the HU community is all about. I hope that you found sausages with which to celebrate!!🙂
Read this three times! Loved it 💚 You did it...you did it 🎖A milestone run and a fantastic distance to cover. Absolutely delighted for you 👏👏👏👏 Be super proud, you've achieved something nobody can ever take away.
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The run that nearly wasn't to be... first trail and first hills. 
No Water Half Marathon
Training for a half marathon
