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Loved this - earned myself a PB so that helps but the country setting, especially the settings in Tatton Park itself were tremendous and I will be back again next year to come under 1:30.

The course was very well marshalled and supported, car parking was a breeze - I loved the fact the car park was a short stones throw from the start and finish  so I could sit in the warmth of my car just before the start and finish my coffee, and that I only had a short distance to hobble once I crossed the finish.

Drink stations were well manned, nice small bottles of water too - gels were being offered at the last station which was nice.

I'd describe the course as fairly flat, some undulations - the straight road section in the penultimate mile was a bit of a killer - long, straight but gradual ascent, it seemed to last forever!

Goody bag was really good - quality medal, chocolate, nice tech T plus drinks at the finish line.

Received the number through the post in good time, chip built into the number so one thing less to forget. Instructions were clear.

There were no negatives - usual challenges such as toilets and starting pens. The PA system didn't seem to work at the start line so there was some confusion when the delay was started. I wasn't sure if there was a bag drop, some runners said there was but it wasn't clear where. Because of the proximity of the car parking, I didnt use them anyway, put my stuff in the boot of the car.

The support at the finish was brilliant, supporters both sides as you ran in.

I've never run a half where I have had as many photos taken of me - two outfits were covering it and I got snapped at numerous points around the course. Hats off to both, but Bryan at racephotos.org.uk deserves a special mention!! He captured a number of me, even took time out to crop and edit some for me but one of them is my favourite running photo yet, so thanks again!. 

I'll be back next year, this was an excellent event - I believe this is the first time it was run so there are bound to be a few teething problems but nothing that couldn't be easily rectified or that I would complain about. 

Chouette wrote (see)

I think the Karvonen calcs are what Parker uses.

I've never managed to get my HR very high with the hill test but reached what must be near my max in races.  

Parker makes reference to the Karvonen method but reckons that it works for about 80% of the population. I'm in the other 20%

He also goes on to add that the hill test is best, but also states that whatever the maximum your HRM has recorded in the past, that provided it is not a spurious artefact, i.e. you running through a field of microwave transmitters, then you should take the max as your max. If it turns out to be wrong, you'll eventually work it out.

 Really pleased I managed to pick my copy up for about £11 - they were going on Amazon at ridiculous prices prior to the reprint announcement.