Looking for a different autumn half, the words “fast and flat, good potential for PB” convinced me that this was a suitable focus for my summer training.   

The day dawned sunny and bright, not what you would traditionally expect in the middle of October and my only misgivings as I set off were around keeping hydrated. My trusty buff was in place, although I was undecided on how to wear it until my 16 yr old reminded me that this was not a fashion show, at the same time collapsing into giggles and commenting I looked like an elf.  If it’s good enough for Blind Dave I protested – yes but he can’t see what he looks like she replied! 

The route is similar to any city race apart from the fact that it was virtually flat. As the sun rose and I got to 6 miles, the heat was really on. I took on an energy gel, doused myself in water, rearranged my buff for the third time and kicked on.  Strangely I missed the hills – part of the challenge for me is getting to the top then being rewarded by a down – this experience was conspicuous by its absence. 

I should mention here that for the first time ever, I was not wearing my watch –“just go out and enjoy it” was the advice.  Being a runner who is totally guided by HR, pace, distance, the angle of the sun, how my safety pins are arranged – this was totally alien and very scary.   

So I found myself at 10 miles feeling pretty comfortable, wondering do I have the guts to really crank up and run as fast as I could for the last 3.  Given that I was passing a fair few, even singing along to my MP3 I decided to go for it.  At 12 miles a chap ran alongside me and tapped me on the shoulder –“I’ve been trying to catch you for the last 2 miles; you’ve really increased your speed”.  Thank you Lord – here was the perfect opportunity to find out the answer to the only question I had – what time are we on for? 

The final stretch takes you along the river bank and into the public area where akin to along the route, there were plenty of spectators cheering in the finishers. When the clock came into view, I was amazed – pending official confirmation I had slashed around 10 minutes off my PB. 

This was an excellent race – it may not be scenic but the local residents lining the route with their encouragement, jelly babies and unofficial water stations was uplifting. The organization was like clock work and goody bag fab.  Thoroughly recommended as a prime course for a first half or to anyone looking to secure a prime PB.  

Lesley Byrne

Pos

RaceNo

Time

Name

Gender

1789

810

02:05:36

Lesley Byrne

F

Full results here