Park Half 2016

September has been a mixed bag when it comes to consistency.

Holidays in the first week, followed by a nasty cold, meant training was not on an even keel.
Before the holidays, I had felt things were going pretty well.
One thing that has been missing this season from my schedule, is the long tempo runs. I hadn't managed anything over 8 miles. I did do two back to backs last Monday, 6 miles at 6:25, and the next day 7 miles at the same pace. My theory was that they would be as good as a 10 mile run, but evidently, they were not.

After Tuesday, I didn't run Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Not intentionally, I had planned runs for both Wednesday and Thursday, but life took over and The schedule went out the window. The darker evenings are not helping, the window of opportunity greatly reduced, or the risk of a belt of a car greatly increased!

Saturday was a dreadful day. Wind, and while the rain held off well enough for the morning, it started to come down hard just before the start of the half marathon. I had the start position better judged this time, just ahead of the 1:30 pacers. I was about 200 from the front, with a starting number of runners at 9000. At the off, the pace, as always, felt easy, and mile one was 6:16. Everyone was pretty static in the order, no great passing, and mile two was also exactly 6:16. I had set the watch to a 'conservative ' 6:30 pace, hoping for 6:25 average. A lot of the course was fairly sheltered, particularly in the early miles, however, it was quite hilly.
The first test came at four miles. I had the pace back more towards the 6:25, and maintaining well. At four miles however, after a gradual, but long climb, the legs started to feel a bit tired. This took me by surprise, as I hadn't expected this so early. I had to up the effort considerably to maintain the pace, and this worried me.
The next two miles were quite flat, and the effort eased somewhat. Mile 3, 6:29, mile 4 6:32, mile 5 6:28, mile 6, 6:28. All good so far,moment time banked, and a consistent pace. Mile 7, 6:30.
This is where I met some trouble. I wouldn't normally on a half marathon, but on this race I decided to take a gel at half way. Eating it, and washing it down broke my stride badly, and getting back to a nice flow took a lot of energy. Very quickly I developed a stitch. This had the potential to be bad, very bad. Nasty stitches have forced me to stop and walk before, even on 10k's. I slowed the pace slightly to try and regain my form and reduce the effort. Mile 8, 6:37. It seemed to work somewhat, and I went from nearly stopping, to a comfortable feeling again, although the next problem hit at pretty much the same time.
It was at this point evident that the lack of longer tempo than 8 miles was going to cause problems. My legs were getting very tired. I knew that it would only get worse, and hoped I would last the distance, albeit a bit slower. Mile 9, 6:33, mile 10 6:35. Pushing really hard at this point, it was slipping away gradually. I just needed to hang on, but I knew the dreaded hill was to come.
Mile 11, 6:37, mile 12, 6:36. Ok, not too bad, just keep going almost there! And then, the hill. As I started the climb, a realisation that I had absolutely nothing left in the legs, and the pace collapsed.
At the top, with about 800 meters to go, I just managed to keep a steady stride, no sprint.
I could see the clock, and unbelievably, it read 1:25:06 and counting. It was unbelievable, I had no glasses on, it was 1:26:06 and counting. Crossing the line for 1:26:20.

So not a great result, but what I deserved. I have a descent level of short distance fitness, but anything over 10 miles at pace will be a challenge.
Sunday was a rest day, and Monday I went out for some easy miles. They ended up being 15 easy miles in just over 2 hours. No gels etc, just a small water bottle which I sipped on. I was quite please with that one, with no soreness afterwards.

Not long left now, 21 planned this week will probably be the toughest training run.