A fantastic sub 2hr 1/2 marathon by Lesley Proctor, she reports:
We arrived at Hose Village Hall. The weather was just right, hazy sunshine with a cooling breeze/wind. I collected my timing chip, only to discover that it only gave you a finishing gun time, so after a panic(in my case every second counts) and a moan to the Ipico chip guy who blamed lack of finances at a small event (700 runners), I was ready to run. Across the field I spotted another teal vest which is always a welcome sight. It was Marianne and her husband/partner Paul, who i knew i wouldn’t see for dust once the gun had gone off, so we wished each other well and were under way. The course was extremely rural and some of the views across the Vale of Belvoir were stunning. It was advertised as a mainly flat course, which on the whole it was but i do remember a couple of hills and some gentle undulations going on, which inevitably slowed me down but i got there in the end with seconds to spare! Gun time 1:59:09 My time 1:58:50. At last i’d broken through the elusive 2 hr barrier! It was touch and go at times but I managed to keep my positive mental attitude going to the bitter end so thanks for that Maria! I was euphoric!! I would recommend this race especially as next year they are promising the chip timing system at the start line as well as the finish line! Plenty of water stations en route and snacks, bananas and bronze running shoe momento at the end. See you there next year!
However the euphoria didn’t last for as long as i’d hoped! Instead of being able to put it to bed now, i keep thinking if only i could keep a consistent 9 min mile pace going throughout the race i could come in at 1:57:00!
Results
Marianne 1:33:26
Lesley 1:59:09