Loch Leven Half 16/05/09
(Far too chipper)What an extremely enjoyable race. Really well organised, great course and friendly atmosphere. This is definitely one in the diary for next year.
This was my first half since returning to training after my leg break last year. I was a little concerned as I had only done 2 Sunday runs of this distance. I had only agreed to do the race as my neighbour and new club member Steven Darcy had suggested it. This year is all about getting back to full fitness for me and I have set myself no targets for this year. The plan for this race was to push Steven as best I could for as long as I could. I honestly did not think my legs would last at the 7 minute pace Steven was planning to keep to.
We set off in almost perfect conditions for a half marathon just a little wind that we know would be in our face for part of the way. The first 5 – 6 miles were at a very consistent pace and we were about 2 seconds under 7 minute mile pace. We had been continually overtaking runners with very few passing us. I was feeling really good at this point however with Steven being over 6 feet tall I think the wind into our faces for the past few miles had taken a bit of a toll on him. With my constant encouragement (nagging if you ask Steven) he hung in really well and still managed to produce around 7.20 minute miles for the next couple of miles.
We had been warned before the race about the hill at around 8 miles and I thought this might be where I came a cropper. I was still however pleasantly surprised at how strong I still felt when we reached the top. Steven pulled himself up the hill and though this was out slowest mile it was still only just over a 7.30 mile. From then on there was a lot of downhill with a few small gradual inclines but nothing of note. I was really enjoying the race as I was still feeling really strong and at times I found myself starting to pick up the pace and then remembering I was here to help push Steven round. In all honesty though Steven probably wished I had left him and gone on ahead as I don’t think I shut up for the whole race, encouraging (nagging) him all the way. “Come on Steven positive thoughts only - we are counting down the miles now – keep it going you are doing well,” and many more. Probably OK the first few times but he must have been so close to telling me where to go after getting this continuous for the whole race especially from about mile 6.
Two of Dunbar's finest.Mile 10 & 11 gone and I was still feeling good, and trying to drive Steven on. Steven was holding on really well with the mile splits still around 7.20. 12 mile marker, come on Steven only a mile to go, we'll catch the girl in blue in front. Boy did he try and I thought we would but as we hit the 13 mile marker she managed to pull away again.
Steven gave everything and crossed the line in 1:33:40 which is a new PB for him, by almost 5 minutes I believe. I still felt really strong at the end and though this was my slowest time for a half was probably my most enjoyable. There were a number of reasons for this, the organisation of the event, the friendly atmosphere, Steven doing so well and knowing that I am making progress on my long journey back from hell.
Jacqui won a medal for East Champs 3rd Senior WomenReport Scott Hutchison
P.S. Apologies again to Steven as his ears probably hurt more than his legs after the race.Photos Roadrunpics - loads more here
Results
Timelord Alex Jackson
