Run > Race

Wasn't 100% sure that a substantial HM PB was in the bag, though I knew I was in good shape and that on the right course I'd be inside 1:29:02 to bag my final PB of the year.

I was uncertain about the impact that the hill would have, and whether there was sufficient speed endurance built up through the marathon plan to nail a pace which was substantially quicker than the 7:25s I was running at Chester.

Set off with a plan to be around 6:35-6:40 by the time the climb started at mile 5, be on 6:50 by the "Rest and be thankful" cafe at the top, and then see what I could bring down on the other side.

With perfect running conditions, let the 1:30 pacer get about a 30s headstart through the start line, then caught and passed them through about 2 miles.

5 miles averaging 6:32 so ahead of target as the Orme loomed, and then tried to run to HR up it, making the most of any small descents on the way up to recover a bit but also keep the foot on the pedal.

Last half mile up the climb is the steepest section, so was pleased to be at 6:46 by the top, and then made an effort to run hard down the hill, without killing my quads, tripping over or leaving nothing left for the 4 miles of undulation to the end.

Pulled through a couple of groups as we came through Deganwy, but probably spent a little too much between 10-12, so last mile wasn't quite the all guns blazing I'd have liked, but with the watch set to over-estimate the distance and still be reporting an expected 1:26:48 as I came onto the bridge I was chuffed to bits when I came through the line with an even better 1:26:25.

Not sure I could have done anything much better or more effectively. That PB might have to last for a good while!

Split Summary
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1) 1m - 6:19(6:19/m) 138/163bpm 73cal 9.49/10.06mph
2) 1m - 6:32(6:32/m) 151/170bpm 91cal 9.17/9.54mph
3) 1m - 6:25(6:25/m) 164/166bpm 97cal 9.34/9.81mph
4) 1m - 6:28(6:28/m) 164/169bpm 98cal 9.29/9.75mph
5) 1m - 6:48(6:48/m) 165/168bpm 104cal 8.83/9.91mph
6) 1m - 6:54(6:54/m) 166/169bpm 106cal 8.69/9.62mph
7) 1m - 7:38(7:38/m) 168/171bpm 119cal 7.85/9.46mph
8) 1m - 6:31(6:31/m) 165/169bpm 98cal 9.21/10.46mph
9) 1m - 6:06(6:06/m) 159/163bpm 84cal 9.84/10.37mph
10) 1m - 6:30(6:30/m) 163/167bpm 96cal 9.24/9.89mph
11) 1m - 6:41(6:41/m) 164/167bpm 99cal 8.97/9.66mph
12) 1m - 6:22(6:22/m) 166/168bpm 94cal 9.42/9.83mph
13) 1m - 6:33(6:33/m) 166/168bpm 97cal 9.15/9.46mph
14) 0.1m - 36(5:57/m) 168/168bpm 9cal 10.09/9.23mph