As the keen eyed among you will have noticed, the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon was last Sunday morning and I've yet to post a race report. Well this is it, and quite simply: I'm still knackered.
Having had knee problems, not enough preparation time, and a last minute trip to Riyadh (via a bar in Doha), I entered Race HQ apprehensive but confident. Having managed 20km two weeks beforehand I was fairly sure I'd make it round, but I didn't realise how much I would be made to suffer...
There were some good things going on: the weather was great, Cross Country Ed was in fine fooling and looking forward to shepherding many of us across the line in 2:10, and I had loads of support from family and friends.
There were bad things: my knees were both in a bit of a mess, I was tired from my night flight back from Riyadh, and I was totally unprepared compared with the last time I ran the race. I was really disappointed not to have been able to follow my original plan to run a section of the course including the dreaded Fordcombe hill, but you have to go with what life throws at you.
As usual Dame Kelly Holmes started us off. I'd had the good fortune to see her briefly at race HQ where she was raising awareness of her charity. She's quite a tiny person but very beautiful.
The first few miles went extremely well. I had the chance to speak with a few of my fellow runners, and to look out for friends and family who'd come to support me. In fact: I'd go so far as to say it was enjoyable. Then two things happened...
- Forcombe Hill. I really struggled up the hill this year and it wiped me out completely.
- Gu.
For those of you who are unaware of Gu, it's an energy paste consumed by athletes to provide much needed sustenance. Cross Country Ed had warned me of the perils of Gu, but I took some anyway just after Fordcombe Hill and will never be doing so again. It was sticky, chocolaty and horrible. It got stuck all over my hands and face, and took a good few miles before I got rid of the taste. Nasty.
As for Fordcombe Hill: it just sucked out all the energy I had in my legs. I struggled from mile eight to mile ten where I stopped at a water station, had a short rest and walked for about 400 metres. Spurred on by some words of encouragement from a spectator (thank you whoever you are) I managed to kick-start my legs again and plodded towards the finish. My heartfelt thanks to Website Alex who came out to see me at about the 11.5 mile mark. Your presence really lifted my spirits and gave me the additional push I needed to find the finish line.
So, after 2 hours of nice jogging followed by horrible plodding I passed the finish line in a shabby 2 hours and 1 minute.
The fundraising support has been mind-blowing, with the total close to £1000. My company is set to donate another £200 so we're well into four figures. I can't thank you enough on behalf of the PSP Asssociation.
To view my Half Marathon run just follow the link below. Thanks for following.
http://runkeeper.com/user/grahamtutt/activity/72442794
Nanoo Nanoo
