Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon

Sunday 21st February 2016 saw the arrival of the start of my longer distance running events for the year, the Tunbridge Wells half marathon.   Those of you not familiar with the course, it is characterized by 10k undulating though steadily loosing height for the first half, a significant climb at almost exactly half way, then 10k gently undulating with a slightly downhill final 2k.

Sam and Megan fellow tri club members before the start.  

Along with two club mates, Sam and Megan (who was running her first half) I warmed up and set the virtual pacer on my watch for my target finish time of 1:35.00.  Having run at the event in 2014 with a time of 1:41.40 this seemed like a realistic estimate, on the optimistic side.  Having miles in my legs in preparation for the Virgin London Marathon at the end of April I hoped to put in a strong performance.

The race started well, finding space within the 2000 runners and a comfortable stride early on I focused on economy during the many small descents, know this 'time in the bank' would be required by Fordcome hill at the half way mark.

At this stage of the race sadly the wind was not in the favor of the runner with a consistent headwind making progress along the valley bottom to the base of the hill more challenging than anticipated.  I arrived at the base of the hill 90 seconds up on the virtual pacer, gel consumed and feeling good about the climb.  I found my climbing legs quickly and though challenging reached the top of the hill with 20 seconds in hand over my virtual pacer and safe in the knowledge it was just 9 gently undulating km's to go.  With 5k to go I was well up on time and feeling (figuratively)good so tried to keep the leg turnover up and gain as much time as I could, the last K was all downhill and I was happy to keep strong form and clock a 4.02 final km.

Overall my finish time was 1:32.50, 2.10 ahead of my target and over the moon!  Thank you to anyone who has helped with my training, particularly the Weald Tri Club coaches, its a pleasure being coached by you and training with the club.


ps, My Strava log of the event can be found here: https://www.strava.com/activities/498781018