Not much running this winter
It has been something of a struggle to find the motivation to go out in the cold since the start of the year and it hasn't really been a bad winter. I don't know what happened but it certainly made me feel under prepared for this year's Colchester Half Marathon.
There have been no park runs and very few Hashes for me. Other things in life got in the way and I have also been reluctant to go out in the Fields of Mersea on my own in the wet and miserable conditions. A section of the sea wall has been closed and that has reduced the number of mid-length runs away from traffic. Not that that has been the only reason for my lack of running motivation as I struggled with my running buddy, Becci, not being free to run for various reasons. I came to realise just how much I rely on her.
Another reason for my lack of running is that I have gained some weight as I am no longer walking 15 miles a week since we lost our dog last year. Becci and I also really miss the training we were doing with a running club which unfortunatley closed.
Now I must re-group and start afresh, working out motivation, fitness programmes and getting out there running more often.
Planning for the race
I followed the Colchester Half Marathon training plan but on my last long run found I was not able to get further than 7 miles when it ought to have been 12. This was quite a blow as I just ran out of steam. I was running on my own and looking back I think for longer runs I really need some company to stop me over thinking and telling myself to stop.
I decided that this was not something to worry too much about as I have been running regularly even if not as often and that I did run three half marathon length runs last year. I was convinced that the lower impact might be beneficial and my body would be refreshed and less stressed which might make the longer run more attainable.
Waiting for the start
The weather forecast was terrible and it was raining when we got to the Stadium where the race was to start. I met lots of Commando Runners and then got my L W Fitness sports top and put it on as an extra layer under my high viz cropped bib. Then the girls from L W Fitness got us all to sit in the stands and took some fun photos for the album.
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| Becci and I far right on the front row with L W Fitness 4 All |
Becci and I had discussed our plan and were happy to run together knowing we would be slower but hopefully able to get round without walking. We were joined by our friend Mark - dressed as Captain America.
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Just time for a quick selfie with Becci and Captain America aka Mark
in our bin bags and the rain before the start of the race |
The start
Outside people were wearing black plastic bin bags as they waited for the off. It wasn't too cold and it felt as if we got started much more quickly. This year we were wearing chipped numbers and when we started I made sure it was visible but more of that later.
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| See you at the finish - a quick smile as we depart! |
Mile 1 - 3
I find it much better to start really slowly taking in what is happening and getting into a rhythm and getting warmed up and regulating my breathing. I was happy to let Becci and Mark chat away chipping in now and then but without getting breathless.
It is vital for me to get the start of this race right as we are soon climbing up North Hill and if I have overdone it on the approaching miles then I will likely run out of steam half way up. Thankfully we had got it right and were able to keep going up to the top and round the corner into the High Street.
Mile 4 - 8
A slow climb up the Ipswich Road and then at mile five a gel and a drink before heading out into the countryside for the long slog ahead.
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Time to use some of the things I got in my Fuelify boxes and the gel and energy chews
were both good |
Mile 9 - 13
The change of direction during this section meant that we were running into a head wind and this was quite noticeable. We had decided not to get too worked up about our timings and we just had to do our best given the conditions. I decided to have a second gel at mile ten. There has been some discussion about whether it is necessary to use gels and all I would say here is that as an older female runner the effort I need to use takes a lot out of my body and it works well for me to refuel and not to overburden my system.
The long Boxted Road was no better or easier than in the past but it soon passed and it wasn't long before we were thinking about the finish line.
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An interesting little number - salted caramel at mile ten - it was like melted toffee
quite difficult to manage whilst running even if it was tasty. |
Getting over the line and post race
Becci and I celebrated by going across the line together and I was thankful for the support from people cheering us on. We managed a decent sprint for the finish line
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| That medal was enormous! Hard fought for though. |
Unfortunately my result did not show up on the website until I was able to tell them my number, timings on my Garmin and giving them Becci's details as we started and finished at the same time! I think the problem was to do with clothing bending the chip tab on the race number. Then annoyingly my Garmin refuses to download just that one race and it still remains on my watch but not Garmin Connect.
So a little slower but given the conditions and my lack quality during training it was very acceptable. Also taking part helped raise a huge and much needed amount of money for Headway Essex a local charity helping those suffering from head injuries.
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Getting along nicely - Becci and I chatting
on the long road to home |
