Chelmsford HM

[Kalessin]

Thank you to everyone for the pom-poms, which definitely helped! I last did the Chelmsford HM in October 2021, in 2:52:25. Today’s chip time was exactly three minutes longer, 2:55:25. Some difficult things have happened in my life since then, and I am 2.5 years closer to 70, so I’m very happy with the sub three hour time.

I must also say that the organisers did a much better job than in 2021, which I think was the first event. The route was better, the signage was much better, there was a bag drop which wasn’t possible last time, partly because of Covid, and best of all, I was welcomed over the line by name – last time, I had the impression that everybody had given up and gone home by the time I arrived 😭

My fellow runners at the back were all lovely, and the best bit was that out of those I spoke to when we arrived, I felt I was probably in the best shape. Which was very nice.

One more point while I’m here. I was following a Garmin training plan, but the slowest they will “allow” you to go for a half marathon is 2:40. I knew I was never going to be that fast, and in the end, I gave up on the plan, because it was just too depressing to be told I was a failure. Why can’t it be more inclusive? 😡

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Really well done Kalessin ! Sounds like you had a wonderful time, and I love your photo. You look mighty proud of that medal, which you certainly deserve to be!I hope you’re treating yourself to a relaxing evening now. 😀

Well that’s one plan I certainly wouldn’t follow then! I’d be turfed out for sure! I do enjoy the NRC HM Plan, and that’s what I’ll be using again to train for Cardiff later this year. No times mentioned. 🙏

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

No one is a failure Kalessin, congratulations on completing that Chelmsford HM in under 3 hours, nice 🥉 medal and photo of you, one of the 3 HM I have ran was a similar time but my future runs won't be longer than 10K.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Ohh! Congratulations!!! That's a serious piece of bling.

I've never followed a Garmin training plan, but that really doesn't sound good. I agree with you entirely, that's really poor.

[Cmoi Marathon]

Well done Kalessin !

As for Garmin, I've never used any of its plans. However the more I enjoy my running, the more my watch hates me. Forget inclusivity, conformity's the name of the game.

[RunSkippyRun Half Marathon]

Superb run! ( and boo, hiss to Garmin training plans btw).

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

That's brilliant, what a great run you had, a lovely medal, you must feel so proud 😁.I'm with you on the Garmin plans, I just can't run fast enough and got fed up being told room to improve.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Congratulations Kalessin; brilliant run. I am 72 (just 🙂), and I am planning another HM this year…you have a shed load of HMs in you if you want to run them. There is nothing wrong with your pace! I am another Nike Run Club fan. Free app, world class runners giving advice , and crucially aimed at helping the runner to achieve their goals. No time limits or targets! Just enjoy this success 🏆🥂🥇👏👏👏👏

[Cowladyrunning Marathon]

Well done - great run! My garmin is being very negative to me too at the moment - I'm ignoring it and just doing what feels ok. I also like the Nike run club training plans as they give you options and no pressure!!

[Teresa1632 Marathon]

Congratulations! That's a great achievement. I'm similar in age to you (kicking the arse of 70), and similar pace too. I love running at the back, it's where the fancy dress runners, the fundraisers and the REAL runners are to be found. Keep going - I completed 10 HMs last year, you have loads of miles in your legs yet 🎉🎉🥳🥳

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Great photo! You look so proud, as you should 🙂 Well done 👏

I’m not surprised you dropped the Garmin plan, but there are lots of others out there that don’t train to a specific time, so when you're ready for the next one…..

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Well done on your HM Kalessin 👏👏- and that looks like a nice chunky piece of bling!🏅🙂

[misswobble Marathon]

Well done 😀👏🏅🏃‍♀️ Many congratulations 🎉.

Shame about the plan but you got the job done 💥💪🏃‍♀️

The plan is to get round safely and enjoy the day 🙂.