Harlow Running Club

Stevenage Half Marathon 1st November 2009

Race Length: Half Marathon

PB: 1:30.12 (6.53 min/mile) at Reading HM (March 2009)

MacMillan Predicted time: 1:30.12 (6.53 min/mile)

Target Time: 1:35.00-1:37.00 (7.15 -7.25 min/mile) based on pacing for this time or running the first half at 7:30 - 8:00 minute mile before accelerating to 6:52 min mile for the second half.

Outcome: 1.35.30 (112th)

Splits: 8.14 6.55 7.20 7.35 7.20 7.04 7.03 7.09 7.23 7.00 7.30 7.16 6.55 0.41

OK so correct time - wrong plan!

The race did not get off to a good start as we drove off. The weather was awful! A steadily increasing wind and rain. We arrived in good time (8:40) at a car park that we had been directed to ready to pick up our numbers from the race HQ (10 minute walk) for 9:00am, also as instructed. Trouble was the gates were locked and no marshals were in sight. It was not until after 9:00 that the gates were finally opened relieve ing the chaos for the locals in the car park. What made things really bad about this were that noone came to inform us of what was going on, and there was noone directing us to the start area either.  Once at the start, we had to queue in the wind/rain to pick up numbers/chips - also not good.

Anyway, on to the race.

Miles 1-3: (8.14, 6.55, 7.20)

Set off nice and easy up the hill to Fairlands Valley Park. Chatted to a Ware Jogger who informed me that the Ware women were not quite out in force - potential for ours to win then I thought. Got a bit carried away at mile 2, but got back on track for mile 3.

Miles 4: (7.35)

This saw a downhill section to a tight underpass, a climb and an exposed/open park section. I went passed several club members here including our womens team. Given that I had blown my go slow plan and the wind here was bad, I thought about slowing to act as a wind block, but carried on. I made a mental note to ensure I was near some 'large' people on the next lap.

Miles 5-6: (7.20, 7.04)

Out of the wind now and settled down to a nice rythm, but still going fast. The problem was I was continuously reeling in runners and it was just too easy to carry on doing it.  I did not spot the water station in time which meant that when I took a cup (only half full), I was still fumbling with my gel. This spilt more water and despite not taking all of the gel, I thought I may not have had enough water. This usually =  a stitch later...

Miles 7-10: (7.03, 7.09, 7.23, 7.00)

I hit the accelerator just past the 6 mile marker. Waiting here giving words of encouragement was a very brave club mate who came to watch - well done to her in the conditions. This section took you uphill to the far end of FV Park and back down again. I caught up a club mate doing his first half on the climb - he was looking good, then caught another in the park. Trouble was I was feeling a bit uncomfortable from the gel, the weather was awful, the climb was sapping - it was just not happening on the 'do the last half at 6:52 plan.'

Mile 11-12: (7.30, 7.16)

Ouch! This was the windy exposed section and this time around it was worse! I desperately tried to tuck in, but runners I were catching were going to slowly. Mile 12 was another of those underpass filled sections that knock you off rythm.

Mile 13-13.1: (6.55, 0.41)

I wound it up for the last section then on to the track for a finish. After always passing runners for the previous 12 miles, I did let 3 past. I duelled with one on the track, but did not have the will to beat him.

Overall a race dominated by the windy conditions. The course has constant undulations, tight turns and underpasses that throw you off your stride. I do not think I was feeling 100% physically or mentally for this. I felt much better at the Royal Parks Half a few weeks back where I ran 3:30 quicker.

I think that unless conditions are near perfect, sub 1:30 at St Neots will be a big ask