MY RIBBLE VALLEY HALF MARATHON
I’m ready. I’m trained. I’m focused. I’m running the streets and lanes of the Ribble Valley on my own today. It’s a strange feeling to get ready for a race and be the only one on the road, yet have the excitement and nerves internally like any other race morning.
I check the weather and see that it is perfect for a long run. There is slight misting rain, and temps are in the low 50sF with a very slight breeze.
I mentally remind myself of the route and my goal time. I know that running on my own I won’t have the physical pluses of focusing on other runners, but I will have over 1000 runners in my mind’s eye that have, will have or are doing their very best in their respective races. That along with the “shouts from the World” will carry my feet.
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Any course that I select around here has hills, they just can’t be avoided. I start out in my little village with the first uphill. The air is refreshing, the misting rain comfortable and I am prepared with my waterproof and hat. Breathing is good as I reach the turnoff and the lovely downhill and flat to one of the duel carriage ways. Making a left I continue along coasting downhill and finish my first 5K in 38.25 with splits of: 13.00, 12:15, 12.05
The next 3 miles take me along a somewhat busy road with morning drivers and folks getting their papers at the shops along the route. I leave this to enjoy the road venturing off on to a side shoot that will allow me across the duel carriage way and into the more rural section of my course. My next 3 mile split is accomplished in 37:15 with miles done in 12:47, 12:20, 12:08.
I’m virtually on my own, little traffic along the loop into the countryside. The rain is a bit heavier now and there is a low misting of clouds out across the fields. The River Ribble is in view as I approach the level straight. I’m listening to the 2nd playing of the “shouts from the World” and Blacklab’s great song kicks in and pushes me through the fatigue I’m starting to feel. My breathing is good, my pace steady and mile 9 sees me complete this section in 39:28. My splits are 13:29, 13:30 12:29 (thanks to BLACKLAB)
Now the more difficult uphill section back to the main road. Legs are tired, breathing a bit laboured. I take my first walk break to get my stamina back. My SIS sport drink keeps me fuelled and start running again. I’m approaching mile 10 and mobile rings; it’s my hubby checking on my progress. He’s a great encouragement and tells me how great I’m doing. Phone call over and still going uphill. Finally I’m making the turn onto the main road and a bit more even ground. I know this straight stretch so well; I’ve run it countless times. I pick up speed and know that the rest of the way is a clear shot to the finish. I hit mile 12 with a time of 43:02 for that section and splits of 15:21, 14:17, 13:24.
Now it’s my final push, I’m tired; I’m running this distance faster than I have run it alone. All I need to do is just breath, pace, and relax. I’m crossing the main road to the lay-by that will take me down the short hill to the finish. I’m continuing to pick up pace. I’m watching my time, I can see the finish. No cars, no dog walkers just me crossing my PWWH finish line. I stop my watch and see that mile 13 was done in 12:27 and that very last .10 mile in 55sec.
I shut off my watch and I am really happy to have finished in 2:50:35. Not the fastest half marathon I have run, BUT it is THE fastest half marathon distance I have run by myself. I was 1:44 faster than the First PWWHM and that WAS during a scantioned race. (Not mentioning the 15K hilly trail race I ran the day before!!) I walk up to the corner bakery and phone my husband with the results. He’s applauds me and offers to come and pick me up. I ask him to bring the camera and my REGO after race drink. I continue walking a bit further and then while waiting I am surprised by my running friend and “marathon training advisor” out on her Saturday long run. She stopped and congratulated me on my results. My husband arrived and captured the moment. 
We wished her safe running as she left to complete her 18 mile run. A great finish line moment shared with my two great running supporters.
I will remember this day with fondness, and pride. Thank you to Steve R, and everyone who made this event so fun.
I’m ready. I’m trained. I’m focused. I’m running the streets and lanes of the Ribble Valley on my own today. It’s a strange feeling to get ready for a race and be the only one on the road, yet have the excitement and nerves internally like any other race morning.I check the weather and see that it is perfect for a long run. There is slight misting rain, and temps are in the low 50sF with a very slight breeze.
I mentally remind myself of the route and my goal time. I know that running on my own I won’t have the physical pluses of focusing on other runners, but I will have over 1000 runners in my mind’s eye that have, will have or are doing their very best in their respective races. That along with the “shouts from the World” will carry my feet.
.JPG)
Any course that I select around here has hills, they just can’t be avoided. I start out in my little village with the first uphill. The air is refreshing, the misting rain comfortable and I am prepared with my waterproof and hat. Breathing is good as I reach the turnoff and the lovely downhill and flat to one of the duel carriage ways. Making a left I continue along coasting downhill and finish my first 5K in 38.25 with splits of: 13.00, 12:15, 12.05The next 3 miles take me along a somewhat busy road with morning drivers and folks getting their papers at the shops along the route. I leave this to enjoy the road venturing off on to a side shoot that will allow me across the duel carriage way and into the more rural section of my course. My next 3 mile split is accomplished in 37:15 with miles done in 12:47, 12:20, 12:08.
I’m virtually on my own, little traffic along the loop into the countryside. The rain is a bit heavier now and there is a low misting of clouds out across the fields. The River Ribble is in view as I approach the level straight. I’m listening to the 2nd playing of the “shouts from the World” and Blacklab’s great song kicks in and pushes me through the fatigue I’m starting to feel. My breathing is good, my pace steady and mile 9 sees me complete this section in 39:28. My splits are 13:29, 13:30 12:29 (thanks to BLACKLAB)
Now the more difficult uphill section back to the main road. Legs are tired, breathing a bit laboured. I take my first walk break to get my stamina back. My SIS sport drink keeps me fuelled and start running again. I’m approaching mile 10 and mobile rings; it’s my hubby checking on my progress. He’s a great encouragement and tells me how great I’m doing. Phone call over and still going uphill. Finally I’m making the turn onto the main road and a bit more even ground. I know this straight stretch so well; I’ve run it countless times. I pick up speed and know that the rest of the way is a clear shot to the finish. I hit mile 12 with a time of 43:02 for that section and splits of 15:21, 14:17, 13:24.
Now it’s my final push, I’m tired; I’m running this distance faster than I have run it alone. All I need to do is just breath, pace, and relax. I’m crossing the main road to the lay-by that will take me down the short hill to the finish. I’m continuing to pick up pace. I’m watching my time, I can see the finish. No cars, no dog walkers just me crossing my PWWH finish line. I stop my watch and see that mile 13 was done in 12:27 and that very last .10 mile in 55sec.
I shut off my watch and I am really happy to have finished in 2:50:35. Not the fastest half marathon I have run, BUT it is THE fastest half marathon distance I have run by myself. I was 1:44 faster than the First PWWHM and that WAS during a scantioned race. (Not mentioning the 15K hilly trail race I ran the day before!!) I walk up to the corner bakery and phone my husband with the results. He’s applauds me and offers to come and pick me up. I ask him to bring the camera and my REGO after race drink. I continue walking a bit further and then while waiting I am surprised by my running friend and “marathon training advisor” out on her Saturday long run. She stopped and congratulated me on my results. My husband arrived and captured the moment. 
We wished her safe running as she left to complete her 18 mile run. A great finish line moment shared with my two great running supporters.I will remember this day with fondness, and pride. Thank you to Steve R, and everyone who made this event so fun.
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