Having set a PB of 2:13 at my first GNR last year, I had been hopeful of shaving another minute or so off that time this time round. However, finding myself on the start line in a foul mood, in heat that was reminiscent of that in Edinburgh at the end of May, my heart really wasn’t in this, but I’m not a quitter, so put one foot in front of the other and off we went.
Planned pace was to stick to a steady 10 minute-mile, and keep something in the tank for the long drag up the John Reid Road, bomb down Marsden Bank and then ramp up along the never-ending seafront mile. Sounds straightforward? Must have just got carried along with the wave though, as the first mile went through in 9:14 (oops!), tried to slow down, so 2nd mile was 9:00. Oops again, but I was just constantly overtaking people, and that’s always a boost. Eventually reined it in, and probably should be thankful for the slower folks in front forcing me to hold back (cursing them at the time though), allowing me to find enough oomph for that strong finish, and a little smile.
PB by over 6 minutes – pretty chuffed with that. Ooh, and I even overtook that Nasty Nick from EastEnders!
Now roll on Birmingham Half….
Hilary Roberts
Full results here
