So that's done then, wow that was great! The Marlow Half Marathon was a very well organised event, there were marshals throughout the course making sure that we didn't get lost and they also offered no little encouragement. If any Marlow marshals (or any other marshals on any other half marathon for that matter) read these notes - thanks for your time, support and enthusiasm. I must also make a special mention to the African singing drummers that were playing throughout the race and that were giving an 'African feel' to the event. The Marlow Half Marathon event supports the 'WaterAid' charity, and the race organisers worked hard to make this association clear.
I am writing this note a few hours after the race, and although the stiffness in my legs is slowly settling in, it feels good that I achieved my target, and also that I saw some lovely scenery along the Thames this morning. I hadn't ran 13 miles for a few years, and had forgotten how tough it is. On reflection I got caught up in the positive atmosphere of the event and probably went off a little too fast and suffered a bit on the last few miles as a result. Regardless, I made it round and had a few pleasant chats with a few of the 1000+ runners who got up on this beautiful morning in the Royal County of Berkshire for a jog.
So what did I learn that I'll take with me for my next race?:
If you would like to find out more about the 'WaterAid' charity, you can go to the link below. This charity works to ensure that poor communities all over the world receive access to clean water.
http://www.wateraid.org/
I am writing this note a few hours after the race, and although the stiffness in my legs is slowly settling in, it feels good that I achieved my target, and also that I saw some lovely scenery along the Thames this morning. I hadn't ran 13 miles for a few years, and had forgotten how tough it is. On reflection I got caught up in the positive atmosphere of the event and probably went off a little too fast and suffered a bit on the last few miles as a result. Regardless, I made it round and had a few pleasant chats with a few of the 1000+ runners who got up on this beautiful morning in the Royal County of Berkshire for a jog.
So what did I learn that I'll take with me for my next race?:
- Don't drink 5 pints and have a big curry the day before a half marathon (it was great to meet up with an old friend on Saturday, but maybe it wasn't the best idea to get too carried away)
- Try to run the race distance at least two weeks before the race to help build some confidence that you can do it
- Don't get over ambitious - my relatively quick start had me dreaming of a fast time and maybe a sprint finish, but by mile 12 I was just happy to slowly put one foot in front of the other and plod my way home to the finish
- Have a fluid consumption strategy. There was plenty of water handed out throughout the race, but I think for the next one I will take my own (sugar) liquid supply that will help to keep me going over the final few miles
If you would like to find out more about the 'WaterAid' charity, you can go to the link below. This charity works to ensure that poor communities all over the world receive access to clean water.
http://www.wateraid.org/
2 comments:
Great blog - I recognize everything you say. Old slow hacks like me learnt also the hard way the importance of pace, nutrition and getting some long runs in the bank account.
I used to get pulled along by everyone who ran a bit faster than me until about mile 10 when I was running on empty. Now I run to plan pace within a few seconds per km until the last 2 or 3 when I'll dig into anything left.
Do the long runs 1 and 3 weekends before. For a HM, you're best to run a fast 10km 2 weekends before.
I remember once flew back from Ireland after entertaining customers a few years back - a decent amount of wine and Guinness, a flight and then my wife reminded me I had a 10k in the evening and she would not let me escape. I was actually sweating Guinness.
Hope you are recovered and looking forward to the next one :-)
:) Thanks for the comments! I will certainly take the advice of when to do those long runs. It makes sense!
Post a Comment