Chelmsford Half Marathon

So yesterday ( on the 16th October) I completed my first half marathon in Chelmsford. This was my first long distance race I have EVER done (apart from Park Run) and for the most part it was an amazing experience, but one that tested me mentally and without doubt physically. But as I sit down a share this with you….I feel stronger and part of me is looking for another challenge.

What made you decide to run a half marathon?

I’m someone who is used to physical competition, having played football for most of my life. However since I stopped playing and competing, I felt like I need something to challenge me and to motivate the people that look at my contact as a source of fitness inspiration. I’ve trained clients who have ran full marathons before, and as a fitness coach part of me felt like I should be able to inspire these amazing people and share my experience with them. Also my approach to fitness is someone who can not only lift heavy weights, but also someone who is able to run, stretch and be healthy mentally.

What was the training like for a Half Marathon?

So I starting training on 15th September (exactly a month before the marathon), and I did 8 runs in total prior to the race my progress was like so:

Run 1 - 15th Sept - 5km, 26:50 (avg pace 5:20)

Run 2 - 19th Sept - 6.5km 30:34 (avg pace 4:41)

Run 3 - 21st Sept - 10km 50:59 (avg pace 5:06)

Run 4 - 24th Sept - 10km 50:35 (avg pace 5:02)

Run 5 - 1st Oct - 11km 59:41 (avg pace 5:23)

Run 6 - 5th Oct - 15km 1:25:51 (avg pace 5:43)

Run 7 - 9th Oct - 15km 1:16:06 (avg pace 5:04)

Run 8 - 13th Oct 5km 24:45 (avg pace 4:55)

The plan was to run 3 times a week, however I got injured in early October and therefore I was only able to run once a week towards the end of my training. I felt ready for the half marathon on the 9th October after my 2nd 15km run, as I was able run 9mins quicker than my previous 15km run on 5th October.

So here’s my race experience:

0 KM: I’m on the start line with 1000 other runners. I felt ready and focused. Off we go!

1 - 4 KM: Crowded. I’m struggling to find my rhythm as I’m weaving in between people. I’m running a 4:50/km way too quick, 25 seconds quicker than my targeted split time.

5 - 9 KM: Pace Maker. I ran with a group of 12 runner’s who were running with a pace maker, the pace maker was running at a 3:30 Marathon pace. I ran with them for 4km, they pulled me along with them….but then they started to pull away from me.

10 - 14km: Numbness. I was running at a consistent pace of around 5:03, however my right foot started to go numb. Weird feeling, but I couldn’t stop now. I noticed runners started to run back past me (as the route went back on itself), and I desperately wanted to reach that point. The point where I knew I was almost done with the race.

15 - 16km: Second Wind. I’ve gone past the ’turn around’ point! I know I only have 5-6km to go. My body feels strong. This is what I trained for, believe and stay strong….I can do this.

17 - 19km : Struggling. Quads and Hamstrings are staring to feel heavy, I’m taking the final moments of the race 1km at a time. 17km…just do one more km.

20- 21km: Finish Line. Running back through the park. My legs feel heavy. Don’t give up. Don’t quit and Stay strong….these words are repeated over and over in my head.

21km: Finished. Line crossed and with it a target a goal achieved. I collect my medal, feeling like I’ve just gone 12 rounds with Mike Tyson.

Would I do it again?

Yes, as a Personal Trainer I feel it’s important to challenge myself and to inspire as many people as I can to do so. watch this space 2023.

Half Marathon

Finishing time 1:46:28

Avg pace 5:05