So today was wet, it didn't stop raining from the time we got up.....and even as I write this post it's still bloody raining. Wokingham Half is a popular little race amongst the @ThamesTurbo tri club, we manage to always get a good number of peeps out there. Today was no different, it might have been wet and cold but that didn't dampen our spirits.
My mate Richie picked myself and a fellow mate Andrew up and took us to the race. As soon as I got there and dropped my bag off in the baggage area I was pretty much on my own. I took my Biestmilch Booster and kept it in the pocket of my cheek (for most of the race). This is something of a tablet which releases guarana and energy. Chris McCormack talking about the booster.
I also saw some of the lads from my triathlon club that were racing, all were feeling really good and ready to enjoy a run, basically another day in the office.
For me today was a tough day in the office but a rewarding one as well. The first 10 - 11km I was feeling good, I was happy with my pace and my booster was doing the job. As the booster ran out, I thought to myself I will take on a gel, so I pulled out a Tri Berry flavoured GU gel and took it on board. Well as I got into about the 15km mark my pace started to drop, my tummy was starting to cramp. My right Soleus muscle was really giving me trouble. Image of where this muscle is
I stopped a couple of times to stretch the best way I knew how to alleviate the pain I was feeling.
The pain and the cramping however was not going to stop me from completing this race, that was for damn sure.
I got to the 11 mile marker and said to myself, harden the fuck up (rule number 5) and get moving. So that is exactly what I did. I sucked it up, found a track on the shuffle, lifted my feet and went on. I managed to pass quite a few people at this stage which did wonders for my confidence. As soon as I saw mile 12 I said to myself, embrace the suck (aka Chris McCormack's words) and do not stop. Forget the pain and push on.
As soon as I came in view of the straight to the finish line, I do what I always do and sprinted my arse off, passing another 5 people on the way in. I could see the clock was nearing 2:33. I was a bit disappointed as secretly I did wanted to do 2:15. I did however beat my previous half marathon time of 2:32 with my Garmin advising me 2:28. So I was happy with that.
Todays run file
Next race is not till March 2nd - G3 XC 10km race. First club championships for the year.
Thankfully according to my 70.3 IM Training plan tomorrow is Day 1 of Week 3 and its a rest day, THANK GOD!
Till next time, thanks for reading, have a great week, keep up the training.
Smooches
xx
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| Wokingham Half Marathon Finisher medal |
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| My shoes post race- absolutely saturated |