97/365 Forest of Dean Half Marathon by Big Kev
After a fabulous evening being entertained by the amazing Emeli Sande alongside a few drinks when I got home, an early start was an effort. With the car loaded and Alun and Marcus for company, a jaunt across the Severn bridge brought us to the start line at Speech House. With the car park filling up and friends found, it was all too soon before the gun went off (second attempt, but we knew what to do). The first few miles are always about settling down into a rhythm, but the second mile is a full out race down a steep hill!
The miles rolled by and smiles were exchanged with fellow runners before the pack spread out enough to relax. Then a sting of a hill just after mile 6 makes you remember why its says trails in the race title! But before you know it, miles 7, 8 and 9 are through and things are on track for a very nice time, thank you.
As with any half marathon pacing is key. As I haven't trained or, for that matter, run a half marathon for the last 6 months, I really didn't know what expect. So to my surprise and even after 5 miles of hills with Pete Royle yesterday, I stumbled across the line in 1:32:21, very happy.
Safe to say it will be mostly minimums this week as I have a busy working week and the prospect of the Riverbank Rollick on Sunday.
Additionally, Wednesday club night will be a big one as 100 days of running will be reached, wow!
www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple
Big Kev
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