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Originally Posted by Steve
So where was I...
...from the 7mile point I picked up the pace even when, inevitably, having disposed of my hat, the sleet and then snow came down again and a headwind picked up. I was lucky though at the 10 mile point to be caught by some chap who was clearly on a mission and for the next 3 miles we went head to toe effectively racing each other. I knew I wouldn't be able to keep the pace up so at halfway I let him charge ahead....or to be brutally honest I simply couldn't keep up!!
Stage one had been completed..I had got to halfway in sub 8min miles. The plan had been to "go for it" as I can never tell when my hip/groin injuries will kick in so felt it best to run hard for as long as possible and then hang tough. I know one is supposed to do negative splits but I can't ever seem to do that...just can't trust the old legs to behave. (My 1/2m time would have placed me 100th out of the 372 1/2marathoners.)
So onto the 2nd lap I went...and just over a mile in I heard my name shouted from a shop front...cowering and protecting themselves from the next fall of sleet and snow were SWMBO's parents.....which reminded me that I had a family do for the nephew's 16th birthday to attend after the race. Fortunately as I passed them I was still going well...........
.......that started to change at around 16miles.
Jackanory....  |
Had some isotonic orange juice so can now continue..........
....I hate my hips and groins......been giving me niggles for 18months now. A sensible person would stop running and let them recover through rest...that's what a sensible person would do...so I just carry on regardless.
So at 16miles the niggles started...not too bad to begin with but enough to start slowing me up....and just at the wrong time on the course...the hilly section was by now well and truly with me again. :eek: Never mind I thought...the first half of the race gave me 2hours to play with to beat my pb...no problem..
As I ran...well ran in its loosest use of the word...up the last of the two main drags a lady on the side shouted to me that I'd worked the hill well and was going well......I think she must have been on some kind of drug..LSD maybe...as I certainly didn't feel that I'd 2worked the hill"
By this time of course I was running alone...I could see folks in front of me...but they were a way off....then suddenly I realised I was at the 20 mile point and had to make sure I looked good as I was approaching the support team once more. Big breaths were taken, snow wet hair...well what is left of it....was used to clear my redenned face and a smile was made ready for the camera once more...I do hope they got my good side!
With a cheer I was on my way...remembering to keep looking good until out of sight ....6.2m to go.
Jackanory........haha
