We set off nice and early as last year it was a rush getting into the car park. Arrived with an hour to go this year which was far better. That being said I had just completed my 2 mile warm up when the announcer back at the start/finish announced a 10 minute delay. Good event but getting people in and out is an ongoing problem it seems.
After dithering over whether to wear my cap or not (the sun was intermittently shinning) I made my way to the front of the field and was picked out by RW Sub3 contributor Wardi. Not long after I spotted another contributor LMH who was running with a heavy heart due to her unwell pet dog Grace.
We both noted an 80 minute pacer near us at the start which is rare we thought. Also overheard a guy next to me comment this wasn't his A race so a free hit. Interesting I also thought.
I had decided beforehand to run on feel and not look at my watch. This worked reasonably well in the end as I felt strong through 9 miles working well with a group which had formed at mile 7. We took turns at the front and shielded from the cross winds. Good stuff.
We were approx 35 secs behind the 80 min pacer at 8 miles. My eyes began to widen :)
However, a horrible 180 turn in the road knocked me off my rhythm which I never really got back. Worked hard to the line but last three miles were 6:19, 6:13, 6:23.
Mustered remaining strength to push in through the line in 81:22. Possibly my 4th fastest half ever (need to check back over results) and considering I have barely done any HM specific sessions bodes well for York. Speed is there at least.
Need to recover well as that was a tough little blow out for sure. 69.5 for the week but I ain't going out for that .5