No longer a race virgin..... run to the beat done in 1.46. I was aiming for a sub 1.45 but was told that the course was flat. Liars! Anyways, i did run out of steam a bit at the 11.5 to 12 mile mark, as i did in all my training runs. I was assuming that the buzz of the event would give me a little extra but sadly no. Clearly there's a lot to learn..... Is this running out of steam thing an obvious beginner problem? I've been running for 3.5 years and for the last 6 months i've done 3 x 5 milers and a 1 longer run a week, i don't refuel at all on the long runs and i didn't during the race, i just had water. Currently, given the fact i can quite happily lay down on the road and attempt to go asleep at 12 miles, my respect for people who run the full 26.2 and further is even greater but i have to say the idea of doing a full one, after a good few more half, is a distinct possibility. As for the event itself, i have to say i though it was a bit poor... I really enjoyed the racing, but the stages with the music were rubbish, a few porta cabins with second rate dj's and when i finished i was treated to 40 minutes of second rate beat boxing which did a pretty good job of clearing the area. Also i was running for Cancer research and was made to feel slightly awkward when i asked for a race number as i was using the CR vest rather than the evil nike tshirt. Would i do it again.... yes,but probably because i'm an eager race novice..... I now realise than the suddon burst of energy 400 yards from the finish that spurred me on to a hurtling sprint finish was a bad mistake, that really must have shown me up and i paid for it as i came to a rest over the line with the feeling of not being able to breath/stand up/focus or think coherently. I was looking at the time on the clock thinking bugger, i'm going to have to sprint if i want a sub1.50 rather than the 1.45 i had aimed for, but had forgotten it took me a couple of minutes to get to the start after the gun went of. Next time i'll know. As for bodily damage, my legs are a bit sore - in a good way, and i have a mild pain in the sole of my foot which i assume is an overworked fascia, possibly down to my idiocy at the end, so i feel like i got away pretty lightly really. I think this racing lark could be quiet moreish....... |