Just wanted to say thank you to Deal Tri for putting on a great 1/2 today. It was cold and windy and a very challenging day with the conditions and undulations but run very well.
A special mention must be made for the marshals who were out in abundance and very encouraging. They must have been very cold but kept their spirits high and kept us motivated.
Also I think I counted 5 water stations with the last having coke which was a great touch. It is the little things that count so thank you very much
I got a 8 min PB (have not raced a 1/2 in a while!) so very happy
I went for a 8 mile run Thursday lunchtime which is the furthest I have been in 2 years as I have been doing 5km and 10km's in Tris's. I went out on Thurs, Fri and Sat night and trained for 2 1/2 hours on Saturday (cycling and swimming). I was supposed to be racing in the KFL Cross Country in Deal but the 1 hour drive did not appeal, so instead I decided to do this A20 Path and Downs Half Marathon to see if I could get around this tough course. I ran at conversational pace and walked the 800m hill at a 12% gradient. I had my watch covered all the way so I just ran easy and not to a time. Somehow I managed a 1:55 which is a PB by 3 mins! This means I should be able to get around a flatter course in around 1:45 very soon (the hill cost me 3 mins) if I push on. Can't believe I got a PB - the training is clearly going well! It was a lovely and very scenic route and well organised. Really looking forward to next years race now!!
I am by no means an experienced runner as I have only done 7 races or so from 10km to marathon. I like the medals though as it gives me pride. 6 or 7 years ago I was 16 1/2 stone and could not run 100m. Now I am under 12 stone and my PB for a 10km is 48 something and for a 1/2 sub 1:59. My medals are hung up and it gives me great pride to see them and it motivates me.
I think that bags full of goodies like fruit or a mars bar are all very nice but you can easily buy them yourselves for £1. You cannot easily buy a medal that states the race you have just run...LIke others have said it is a momento.
Why not increase the fee by £1 and offer both?
I may be being really thick but I cannot see the race results online anywhere? I am sure it said in a earlier post that they were online.
I really really enjoyed this race. Very good organisation indeed and a lovely route with some fun hills. A great day and race!
The only down side...No medal which was a real shame. For me personally, my view is that you can buy a bag anywhere but can only get a medal having completed an event. It would have been nice to add to my growing collection and a good memory.
Can't wait to do this race next year and thanks for the weather updates - really apprecited
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David Pearce 10
