I’ve been training for this event so knew I could run the distance. However, this was the first time I’ve run with others in a half marathon, let alone competitively.
A few days before the event date a suicide bomber killed himself, and 22 other unfortunate people. This made the run even more poignant, as the people of Manchester, and beyond, stood up and didn’t let extremists and terrorists change their way of life.
I had set my goals as follows:
- 2 hours – I’d be Excited
- 1 hr 50 mins – I’d be Delighted
- 1 hr 45 mins – I’d be Elated
As my previous best for the distance was 1 hour 53 mins 9 secs set in August 2016 I set 1:45 ish as my stretch target. And it’s worth mentioning that when I did that previous run I pushed myself so hard that I spent the next 6 months battling with injury as a result.
So I’m elated to announce that my official finishing time in Manchester on Sunday was 1 hr 45 mins and 14 secs – see the official results here https://www.greatrun.org/myresults/646/31703
And if you really want to check out my Strava feed for the day (which isn’t officially accurate for distance or time): https://www.strava.com/activities/1009356287
Here are the stats:
- 8750 runners in total
- My overall position: 957
- My age/gender adjusted position: 482
- My GFU score: 642 points (see https://www.greatrun.org/great-for-you)
I also raised £355 for my chosen charities.
I’m beyond pleased with my achievement, in fact, I’m boring everyone around me by basking in the glory 😉
My next challenge is the Great North Run on September 10th 2017. I’m considering setting my stretch target for this at 1hr 40 mins – that’s a whopping task to achieve.
I’d better get started with my training! 🙂
