Having caught the racing bug two weeks ago during the Sussex Beacon Half, I wanted to get one more half in before the marathon in April. I also had it in my head that I wanted to crack the hour and a half time having just been a little short last time (1:32).

I woke up early and was pleased to note that unlike two weeks ago, it was dry and sunny. Unfortunately I didn't know until I got out the door, that there was a cold biting wind! Had a bit of a panic when I couldn't find my safety pins to afix my race number, but arrived at the event early and managed to scrounge some.

Despite being lower key than a lot of races, it was a good atmosphere and well organised event. They had stands from local gyms, skating, boxing and dancing clubs that put on displays and kept people entertained in the run up to the race. Just before 10am we all packed in at the start - just over 1000 people.

One problem I had two weeks ago was being bottlenecked at the start behind about 4000 people and being unable to get up to race pace for the first few miles. I felt that competing in a smaller event would allow me to set off quicker, sooner.

Unfortunately I was too keen, and set offway too quickly and got to near the front in the first mile. I realised I was breathing hard and laboured by mile 2! This was not a good time to be knackered as we started an assent up a rather steep hill that went up for about a mile! At this point I started losing sight of the leaders and became worried about actually getting through the race!

At my last (and 1st) HM I was overtaking people almost throughout the race all the time. This was a completely different race. As I say, I lost the people I was tailing and had to suffer more people overtaking me than I was overtaking, particularly in the first 4-5 miles. This had a poor effect on my confidence, until I reached a downhill and was able to recover some energy and my composure.

Once downhill we arrived back on the seafront and headed towards the pier and marina. This is where that cold biting wind comes in - right in my face, for about 4 miles. It was tough and I lost some more places. However I did have a few personal 'overtaking battles' with other runners that I think help push us along a bit quicker.

By mile 10 I was completely knackered and weaving around the side streets that comprise Sovereign Harbour. The crowd was small but vocal, and a Highland piper also kept me going. The course then looped back to the seafront and I knew I was nearly back to Princes Park (the start and finish point). I came back into the park for a final perimetre loop and was tortured by the smell of fried onions from the burger van. I was completely exhausted at this point and could hear feet coming up behind me but there was a good crowd and I wanted to finish on a high.From somewhere, I managed to find the energy for a sprint finish.

I fell a little short of my sub 1:30 target, finally acheiving a gun time of 01:30:36 and a chip time of 01:30:25, and finished 45th of 877 finishers. So 26 secs off my target but a new PB and feeling good for the marathon!

Well Done to you RockyTiger....

I came in at 1.57 which is marginally better than 2.06 at the Sussex Beacon.

We parked up the Camper just next to the park, had a cuppa, then we went out to collect my pack, then I had a little warm up, wow what a cold wind that was, thank god for the sunshine, the event was organised a whole lot better than the Sussex Beacon, but then there was only just over 800 people running as opposed to near on 8000.

Really enjoyed the run, didn't have to walk up the steep hill and managed to keep a good pace for me along the seafront into that cold strong easterly wind.

Never once had to worry about cars as the organisers had every area covered well, the sunshine was lovely and showed Eastbourne at its best.

Hopefully one day I will be thinking 1.30 times, but for now I am happy with my careful pace, bring on the next Half marathon nearby, guess its Seaford is it ?

Thanks John

Well done! 9 mins off your Brighton time is pretty impressive I gotta say!

I agree the organisation was great and would definately like to do this race again. It was a different experience to doing a 'big' event but great atmosphere all the same.

Thanks for the tip. Just looked up Seaford HM - its on 6th June. I think I'll make that my next race after the marathon. There is also the Hastings Half on 21st March if you fancy it but think I'll resist the temptation on this occasion

Only just saw this race report as I was on holiday well done chaps in what sounds like tough conditions. Good report as well Sam.

Are either of you considering the Worthing 20 this weekend?

Darren

__________________
1. Brighton Marathon as Mr Testicles (Done)
2. Sub 45 10k by end of June (challenged by twinnies)
3. Run a sub 21 5k

Thanks Darren
I did think about the Worthing 20, but to be honest was put off by the fact that its laps. Thought it might get a bit boring. Instead I'm planning a 22 mile trail run up to and along the South Downs Way - can't wait. After that I'll start the taper - wow its getting close to the big one now! Hows your training coming along?

What marathon are you doing rockytiger? Well done by the way:-)

Frank - I'm doing the Brighton Marathon. I've yet to venture outside East Sussex for a race yet! and thanks. :=)

Sounds like a good plan Sam. Trail runs are always pleasing.
Training beens going ok, not good but ok. Had a few setbacks with my shins, calves and ITB but touchwood I'm over them now. I ran loads when I was in Florida. 25 miles a weeks and quite happy with the runs, more so with with the burden of the extra heat. Ran a Half Marathon distance last sun and it was hard as I still had jet lag and pulled tweeked my hamstring but It's fine now.

I'm planning a run this weekend between 16-20 this Sunday and then taper down. It's getting close, worringly close
Darren

__________________
1. Brighton Marathon as Mr Testicles (Done)
2. Sub 45 10k by end of June (challenged by twinnies)
3. Run a sub 21 5k

Loving the thought of running in Florida!