Nationwide Swindon Half

Last Sunday was my third time at this event, and I really didn’t know what was going to happen. Recently with my job I’ve been travelling long miles every day (and I do mean 7 days a week), on foot, bus and bike, and suffering with my knees. Except for a little on my rounds I’ve not really been running. So coming into this I was sure I had the endurance, but no idea how my body would react to running. I wasn’t too sure how my knees would hold up. I also felt a little off colour the day before and on the morning.

As per usual it was a fabulous event. I wouldn’t have minded too much if the morning mist had persisted. Instead it largely cleared and the sun beat down. For most of the way I was carrying two bottles: one of the energy drink provided, and another of water to splash myself down with! Last year was also hot, and two people collapsed in the last mile, so I wasn’t taking any chances.

I set out taking it fairly easy. Pushing a little, but not expecting too much. At halfway I was doing OK so I started to push on a little, overtaking several people along the way. And in the end… well, I didn’t get a PB for the half marathon, but I did get it for this event. 3:13:23, which is around 2 minutes off the best I’ve done at Swindon before.

Reasonably happy. As I build more running into my rounds at work I think I could see some definite improvement.

My thighs were extremely sore for several days. Not used to the running motion… especially up and down hills!