Manchester half 2024

[Reggit]

Well I was very nearly a DNS, went to a disabled kids charity party yesterday and ended up with a poorly tummy. It was still feeling yucky this morning debated sacking it off, however I’ve paid money to be there and I’d have no bling! So I headed off to Manchester wondering what the day would bring.

Wow! It was busy, they said 44,000 entrants (although there is less than 20,000 on the finishers list).

I had to use the facilities several times before the race start (on the verge of too much information?) and missed my start wave, and the one after. However I noticed a 2hr 15 pacer at the front of the wave. Hmm could I keep up with him? Well the answer is ‘No!’, I dropped back at 10k as I was struggling and decided to just enjoy it.

I decided to walk through the water points, and had to take a few walk breaks from around 16k.

This was a race I’d forgotten I’d booked until the emails started arriving a few weeks ago, and I’d had a ‘meh’ summer. So I’d decided to put a few shorter runs with reasonable elevation gain in as training and more-or-less wing it. Like you (don’t) do at 13 miles! 😛

Anyway I got a chip time of 2.18.56 - I wanted sub 2.20 if I couldn’t keep up with the pacer, so well happy and 4’15” lopped off my PB at the distance.

As I wasn’t feeling my best and found the run hard, I was so glad I didn’t relent to the gremlins.

[Reggit Marathon]

The route

Screen shot from Strava showing the route

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

That’s what a lorry load of grit and determination does for you Reggit! Terrific run 👍. I wouldn’t advocate winging it as a rule; but if you succeed, and grab a PB too, then you are a hero and no further questions need be asked. You might find that you need a bit more post run TLC this time around; time will tell. Just superb 🏆👏👏👏👏👏🥇🎖️

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

That just shows how determined you were, awesome running and such a good time considering you didn't feel well 😁

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Wow...sheer determination...and strong stomach!Rest up..recovery.. Well run ...all round!

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Bet you’re glad you turned up after all! Really well done on your PB - fab run!👏👏🏅🙂

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Congrats on your PB! Well done 👍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Well you’re a stronger person than me Reggit . Bling or no bling, no way could I run with a dodgy tum, especially that distance. Heroic effort - and a PB too. Wow, well done!

[RunWillie Marathon]

Well done Reggit 👍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

You did brilliantly considering the dodgy tummy! Maybe it was a case of the quicker I run the faster it’s done 🤣

Great effort and results. Well done 👏👍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Goodness! Not easy running a half with a dodgy tummy. Massive congratulations on such a good PB under those conditions. But how you forget a race entry ...??? 🤔 😀

[Tessie66]

Congratulations on finishing the half 👏 and a great time with not being well