That was then, this is now...... by shazzer

• The Chester Half Marathon

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  May1420127:35 p.m.

  Yesterday, three weeks after the London Marathon saw me at the start line of another race.  When I booked to do this Half Marathon I did wonder about the wisdom of running it so close to the London Marathon but it was absolutely fine - I was raring to go! After a little running the week after London, I put in a good 25 miles the week after including a wonderful 10 miler, then last week it was back to taper again and I did very little, just a few gentle runs. 

  This year the Chester Half was being run on a new course - start at the Racecourse and a City Centre finish - it had also doubled in size with 5,000 entrants.  I was really looking forward to it as knew quite a few people doing it.  It was being billed as a fast 2nd half of the race. My previous best at this distance was in February this year when I ran the Great North West Half in 2.13.10 - this time I wanted to get as close to 2.11 as possble and try and get slightly under it if I could. 

  I decided to run about 10.10 for the first 6 miles and then go below 10mins for the last 7 miles. My friend, Nicoll has run this race about 5 times and decided to run with me - as she does not run with a watch - her best time at this event is 2.10 but she was not confident that she had done enough training this time.

  We arrived at the Racecourse in plenty of time - first visit to loo - no queue - 2nd visit - big queue. The weather was glorious - blue sky, sunny but with a slight cooling breeze.  Bumped into all sorts of people before the start and then we slotted in at the 2.15 finishing point.  

  The first mile was uphill and the longest uphill of the race so took it easy knowing there was a fast descent to follow.  Soon got in a rhythm but did not feel great - just comfortable.  The next 5 miles were a steady climb but not so you would notice.  The organisation on this race was absolutely superb - could not fault it - if you go on facebook, runners world - read the reviews. 

  Anyway me and Nic were doing comfortably - saw my husband and the boys at the half way point - which was great but no stopping for us, we pressed ahead. I tried to push the pace after 6 miles which I did slightly - see split times below.  The support was great around 6 miles and then we went on some private farm roads - so you got a good old country smell up your nostrils - no specatators here either, it was very quiet.

  Then we hit Saughall and the support was amazing.  I remember mile 11 to 12 was all downhill. Looked at my Garmin, average pace so far 9.59min/mile - perfect.  we were also overtaking a lot of people at this stage who were walking. Then at mile 12 - we saw a young man at the side of the road having CPR, which really shook us all up, I have since found out that he is recovering in hospital, I hope he is OK.  It was also at this point that Nicoll started dropping behind me, I kept urging her to stick with me, I kept turning back and she kept saying just go. Then at 12.3m (?) - we hit this huge uphill section - I was not expecting it, I tried to push up it but could not control my breathing  - I could see the time slipping away. 

  Then at 13 miles - at the top of the hill you turn the corner into the Centre of town and it is 100m dash to the finish.  The crowds were amazing here, there was so many people, I just ran as fast as I could.  Official Finish time:  2.11.22.  Whoo- hoo a 2 minute PB!!  I was a bit disappointed not to get under 2.11 but a PB is a PB.   It has also given me confidence that I can actually run it faster.

  THe boring bits: The Garmin graph is here: http://connect.garmin.com/player/177700849 (if the link works - check out the hill at the end) and my split times were: 10.04, 9.43, 10.20, 10.05, 10.11, 10.04, 9.56, 9.59, 10.02, 9.57, 9.57, 9.44, 10.14 (the sting in the tail) and then 1.09 (for the last 0.15m I ran).

  Nicoll finished about a minute behind me and she was really pleased with her result, which she would have gladly taken at the start of the day.  We had a nice medal, a fab technical T-shirt and a big bag of Haribos - absolutely perfect.  

  I really enjoyed it, I really like this distance.  The next challenge is the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon at the start of Sept and I also might do the Conwy Half in November too we will see. 

  Hope all is well in your world.

   

   

   

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  Comments (7)

  • Mrs_Old_Bird 'Well done, Shazzer, sounds like you had a great race! Kay x' added 14th May 2012

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  • Rob_Barber 'Mmm, Vyrnwy sounds appealing, I just might come and join you at that one Shazzer. Great PB, nice one, and a good bit of guts too plumping to get back in so quick after London with a 13 miler.' added 14th May 2012

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  • Petecw29 'Great run Sharon that looks a tough course with all that climbing and then the hill at the end! The Great North West course is easier!' added 15th May 2012

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  • simonedumergue 'Good news on the PB! A great run. I am envious you have all these events scheduled in post London. I've been laid up with injury ever since Brighton and could probably only run a few miles now :-( Keep it up!' added 15th May 2012

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  • cjthomas 'Hi Shazza - I did the Chester Half on Sunday too. Could have done without the hill from hell on the last mile but great atmosphere and well organised like you said. Much respect to you considering you've only just completed the VLM!!!! Think a Half is my limit, unless we're talking pints.' added 15th May 2012

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  • Nick 'Well done on that PB! Great pacing as well!' added 15th May 2012

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  • jillymit 'Brilliant race report. Well done on your PB Shazza, you're an inspiration! *hurries off to check out another race to enter* Wendy X' added 17th May 2012

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