Lockdown half marathon

I just finished a 21.491km running that lasted about 1hh:58mm:41ss !

Today I was due to run the Greenway Challenge half marathon around Letchworth, but all races are cancelled for now. I decided that I would run the distance anyway to see how I had progressed since last year. I was just over two hours last time and hoped to get under that milestone.

I got up early to have some breakfast of cereal and fruit to fuel my run. I also set the bread machine going to make a loaf for lunch. As I went out it had just started to rain, but it did not last long. Conditions were generally good for running as I did not want it too warm.

It is a new experience to set off for my usual Sunday loop with the prospect of doing it twice in a row. I initially set off quite quick and had to force myself to slow down a bit. I needed about 5:40min/km to achieve my target. I slowed down a bit on the long slog up West Drive, but was feeling okay. The downhill stretches cancelled out some of the slower parts. I improvised a route through the new Stotfold estate that did not come out where I expected and I ended up doubling back to get to the main road. I took the longer way around Arlesey to complete a first lap of just over 12km.

I had left some water by our gate to re-hydrate. The selfie was taken then. I set off on the second lap wondering what I had set myself up for. I was still feeling okay. I get the odd twinge in my hip, but it never seems to get really bad. My feet were a little sore. The On Cloudflow shoes are light, but not as cushioned as some. I did wear the fancy socks I was given when I bought the shoes. They have a little more cushioning than my others.

Second time up the hill to Fairfield was okay and I was still on target. I saw different people on each lap. I had wondered if any would see me twice and possibly question why I was out so long, but that did not happen. I took a slightly different route through Stotfold as this lap could be a little shorter.

Getting into the last few kilometres I still had something to give some of the last few splits were the best of the run. I took the shortest route home through Arlesey as I knew it would be enough to hit the distance. I was not sure of the exact place it would end, so kept going a little longer and stopped the watch as I walked the last bit on the two hour mark.

I improved by five minutes over my previous best, so I am happy with that. I am even thinking I could do this more often. A full marathon still feels beyond me, but who knows what I could achieve.

I will use the #LockdownHalf tag on this and maybe others will join in.

Stay well and run free.