I'd entered a couple of hilly halfs last year (Stoke & Uttoxeter), which nearly killed me, so I vowed I'd find an easier half next time. I'd also run times just over the hour and half mark, so my goal was to run under 1 hour 30 minutes.
A 9 o'clock start time, meant an early start. I left Sandbach at 6.30am to arrive with an hour to spare before the start. Victoria Park, was our designated start area, and I arrived to the usual commotion of loud music, stalls and hundreds of runners milling about getting ready for the start. My pre race routine, involved the usual toilet stop, putting my number on and a gentle warm up.
At 8.55 am we were called to to the start line, and after a quick briefing, we were on our way. We meandered through the park, then ran along the main beach road. This, was a long 4 mile straight road with sand dunes either side, boring was the only word to describe this, then to add insult to injury, we turned round and ran back 4 miles along the same road. We then did a circumference of Southport marine lake, before heading back to Victoria Park for the finish. My pace throughout was reasonable, although I was struggling with the heat, it was hot! Reaching the 12 mile marker was a relief, and I was able to find a spring in my step and raise my pace. I'd avoided looking at my watch, as it would only give me added pressure, after all I was running as fast as could, but with about a 1/3 rd of mile to go, and the finishing line in sight, I glanced at my watch to see 1hr 27mins and 30 secs, my gut reaction, was that I'd blown it, but I put my head down and gave it all I had to the finish. Crossing the line I glanced at my watch to see 1 hour 29 mins and 31secs, I'd done it, just!
This was a good run, not the most scenic, but well organised and good PB potential.
For more information visit the Southport Half-marathon website.
Tony