Jedburgh Half Marathon, 25/10/09
Woke up to wind and rain so was not too chuffed at the prospect of running a half marathon!! But I was so determined to do a good time at Jedburgh, I wasn’t going to let the wind and rain put me off!!
This was my 5th half marathon and probably my last of the year. After doing a 1hr 51 at Edinburgh, 1hr 58 at Loch Leven (hated it), 1hr 53 at Haddington and 1hr 55 at Hawick I was determined to do a PB at Jedburgh. I had trained well for it, so surely I could do it!!
We met at Portobello town hall to catch the bus down with that buzz of pre race excitement (is that what they call it). Wind and rain all the way down, until we hit Jedburgh, it seemed to brighten up a bit!! Not for long though!! After registration a few of us went for a wee warm up – in the wind and rain!! Not good. Will I wear a t-shirt under my vest or take my running jacket round my waist? were my main questions – No to both I was told, it will take valuable seconds off your time!! So brave me ran in just my vest!!
We headed to the start behind the pipe band. It was very busy race (1000 runners! either doing 10k or half). Then we were off. I had my instructions from Ricky – look at your watch at 1mile, 5mile and 10mile!!! So as I weaved my way through the crowds I was chuffed to be at 7.55 at first mile, ahead of time but feeling ok. The start takes you through the town then into a housing estate to a bit of a climb on the road, then off through the country roads. It wasn’t till 2.1/2 miles or so that you got some room to run at your own pace. Carrying on through the country roads in quite bright weather, I was feeling good. Reaching the 3 mile point we saw the 10k runners turning back, so I cheered on Rachel and Philipa and Scott on my way. The sun then came out, then rain, then sun, then WIND!!! Still feeling good at 6mile mark (46.52 a 10k pb!!) But I was remembering what Ricky had said -don’t start too fast, you will run out of gas. Hit mile 7 on an open stretch were we saw the front runners coming past us, saw Willie (with a sore knee!) Michael, Ricky and Bert all doing well out in front. Then we hit the WIND at 8 miles!! A long tough stretch of road with no protection – apart from Eric – Thanks!! Tucked in for a few miles, then at mile 10 where the big hill I had heard about appeared!! Still feeling good, I decided to push on. I was so determined to get under 1hr50, I knew I had to keep up the pace. After playing cat and mouse with a wee county harrier’s guy, which I won! I kept on, caught Monica (well done with PB) I kept going, all downhill to mile 11, 12 and a long way flat to 13mile then the end was in sight!! Woo Hoo I had done it 1 hour 48 mins 04 seconds!! Delighted!!
Thank you everyone for your encouragement, advice and support and the much needed push!! All the hard work is worth it.
Well done to Lynn for 3rd female and well done to Monica for a PB too. After bus journey home, Ricky, Willie and I went to pub for a well deserved wine!! Thanks guys!! Bring on the Marathon – I say that with my tongue firmly in my cheek!!!!
Jenni Owens
Website and resultsWell done to Lucy C who was first lady and very well done to Jenni for 2 pbs over the weekend (or 3 if you count the intermediate 10k).
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