Run > Race

HAWESWATER HALF MARATHON. I'd talked in the car about whether or not I could manage 2 hours, which would be a PW on this course (4th time out), but would be pleasing in the grand scheme of things. I had no idea if I could manage it. I ran the race doing sums (between looking at the placid peaceful lake and the beautiful snowy mountains, and the blinding hail). I was about 90 seconds down at half way, but knew it was quicker on the way back. I could see it was going to be very tight indeed!

At 11.1 miles I had 17.30 to run 2 miles to get in under 2 hours. 2 x 8.45 min miles is a big ask for me at any time, never mind on shot legs, even downhill. Got the first one out the way in 8.46 and knew I couldn't let up. Pressed on furiously, the finish looking sooo far away! Stopped my watch on 1.59.57.

Dazz saw them pinning the results up on the wall. He came with a pretend long face, but then informed me that my time was indeed 1.59.57. Yay, jubilant cheer!

But now the official results are out. 2.00.01. Can you bloody believe it??