Helsby Half Marathon 2009
I took part in the Shell Four Villages Half Marathon (Helsby Running Club) today. Since the London Marathon in 2004 I’ve not really done any long distance running to speak of, apart from the very occasional 10 miler. So on the back of not really much decent training at all over Xmas, I was a little apprehensive!
From the start line, memories from London quickly came back – loads of people in the way! My race plan was just to go at a comfortable pace, not too fast, and get round – hopefully inside 01:40:00.
As the miles ticked by the course led us down quiet lanes, offering lovely views over the surrounding countryside. I’d heard that this course was one of the best, and it certainly beats running around a dull city course. Beyond mile 10 was new distance territory for me (in a long time), and the last 3 were something of a blur. Just before the end I remember a really long downhill section (but had no energy to take advantage of it!), then a few turns and small straights, back into civilisation, then a quick sprint to the finish line.
I finished in 01:32:58. I was pleased as this translates to just over 7 min/miles. Now of course I have a best time at this distance, the next objective would be to try and get inside 01:30…
My result can be viewed here. A map of the course is also here.