I'm working towards a half marathon at Carsington Water on 2nd December. As part of my training I've entered a couple of races. I say 'race' but I'm not racing with anyone. I have my own agenda and a time that I would like to achieve.
So on the 1st October I ran the Forest Runner, Sherwood Forest 10k, my first proper timed 10k. I completed it in 1:20:40 which is a little slower than I wanted but I ran the whole way (ie no walking) which I'm claiming as a win. The race is on forest paths and rough tracks, which I enjoy, but it is much harder to run on those surfaces than it is on the road. You have to pick you feet up and watch where you are running! There are also quite a few hills which are always challenging.
We started the race in fine weather but by the end it was raining so I finished in an unattractive hot wet mess! The compere tried to engage me in conversation but I had no energy to stop and chat! I had to go and sit down for a moment as I get a little wheezy at the end of a run when I've pushed myself. Then I headed to the cafe for a well earned cup of tea and something to eat. While sat in the cafe, my Garmin watch gave me a high heart rate alert (twice) but I don't think I need to worry, it was because my heart rate hadn't yet returned down to normal levels.
My next event is the Rasselbock Roliston Rumble on the 17th November. It is a looped course and I plan to do 4 loops which is approx. 17km or 10.7 miles. I hope to complete this in around 2.5 hours.
