Race day!!! I suppose it all came down to this and despite having no real expectations other than wanting to finish, I had real butterflies before the start. It was really hard going but I’ve completed it and am really proud. Squeaking just under 2:20 will do me just fine considering it was my first ever half marathon.
The rest of the day was spent recovering and sending messages thanking everyone for their sponsorship and support. On that note if anyone would like to sponsor me, it’s not too late
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/DaveLow
I’ve decided for the top 5 today just to run through the things I learnt on my run:
1. Setting out too fast is a fatal mistake especially when you realise afterwards that the first 2 miles were a PB. That was just ridiculous and I dread to imagine what I would have done if there had been a crowd there cheering me on! I think the tailwind helped a little but it certainly came back to haunt me! 💨
2. Despite reading and being told by those in the know that the third quarter of this distance is always the hardest, I passed the half way mark with a spring in my step. It sadly didn’t last for long however as it turns out all the advice was correct and I hit the wall. I’ll remember that if I ever decide to put myself through this again! 🥵
3. It is unusual that you can choose your own route in these things but when you do, don’t be so stupid as to put all the incline in the second half, including a ridiculous climb at mile 10. I mean, why would anyone do that, instead of picking a nice flat route perhaps with a bit of gentle downhill? I guess you live and learn! 🏔
4. As well as the usual physical side effects of a weird toe blister, a bit of chaffing and some very tired legs, apparently a swollen tongue and pins and needles in the face are also something 13.1 miles do to my body. Oh and don’t even get me started on nipples… 😲
5. I really don’t think I could have made it through the last third without the support of my amazing wife and children. Seeing them with their signs and smiles just gave me that boost to keep going. They have had to be very understanding with all my running during lockdown so perhaps I can give them a break. Or perhaps not… 🤔
LawyerLow Diaries 