We head down the A1 for a half marathon that I’m barely fit enough to run. Actually scrub the barely but
I’m still giving it a go.
First problem is parking, which we had pre-booked but it still
ended up being a free for all. Somehow they manage to slot us in a pre-booked
section although I’ll be blocking people in if I don’t get a shift on with my
run.
Having parked, the start is very close on the nearby Embankment.
My next decision is how much compression stuff to wear. I opt for two calf
guards on my extremely dodgy right leg and one on my not quite so dodgy left
leg. Then compression socks on top.
The start pens are in parallel with each other, which is
different. They are also very narrow, which is also different. However despite
causing quite a bit of confusion, it seems to work well. The narrow pens mean
that it takes longer than usual to cross the start line but meant that everyone
was nicely spread out from the off and of course your time is handled by your
chip.
The route takes us through the centre of town (Nottingham
take note) before, I think, visiting every housing estate in Peterborough.
This doesn’t make for the greatest of scenery but that is counteracted by the
amazing crowds who only have to step outside their front doors to give us a cheer
and they do so in large numbers (again Nottingham take note). Great
local support, everywhere.
My multiple layers of calf support largely hold things
together although I wouldn’t pretend I was running anywhere near freely. Things
only get really grim, as regards calf pain, over the last three miles.
At the end they hand me a slightly dull technical t-shirt
and medal for finishing. I finish in 1:49,
not bad in the circumstances.
The aim of this run was, originally, as a warm up to Leicester
in two weeks’ time. I now have until midnight
to enter that event before the price practically doubles.
No offence Leicester... but I don’t think
I’ll bother.
