Great South Run - 10 Mile

I was good last night and had 3 vodkas and left the pub at 10.30 to go to bed! Was up so early that even ITV didn't have a programme on!  Had to leave at 5.30 with Ian but wasn't so bad as the clocks went back so really it was 6:30am.  We drove to Portsmouth and caught a train that took us near to the run. It was a bit of a walk and saw where I was going to run.  I went to my wave which was orange.  This one didn't quite have the hype and atmosphere of the Great North run.  Didn't have the big screens so couldn't see the elite runners. I was near to the front this time which was nice for a change for the big runs that I have done.  The first few miles were the best and got to run through the dockyard and saw the naval ships which was interesting. I had a clear run and was able to run in a straight line compared to Great North where I was running around people constantly.  The course was flat all of the way. The last 2 miles was back on the seafront. It was windy but it was as it was a cool breeze.  Another good run for me, PB again by nearly a minute.

Completed it in 1:34:48 so was really happy!

XCountry Tonbridge

First XCountry of the season for me and first time doing XCountry. I don't really count Alton Towers as that was so extreme with all that mud! We arrived at the grounds of a school. 5k for us ladies doing 2 laps and 10k for men doing 4 laps.  A group of us did a warm up and tried the hill that was in front of us, it was so so long and steep. So from start we had to go up that hill and pretty much the course was up and down most of the way. Was great to see the men on side lines cheering us ladies on.  On the 2nd lap of the dreaded hill, I saw Mick, he was running up the hill with me giving me encouragement shouting to pick off the people in front one by one to over take. That really helped and managed to pick 3 people off in front of us. My bright pink spikes had managed to stay pink! That was a tough course but was fun.

Came 89th but don't know out of how many, but near to the last finishers.

Right off to the pub with friends from the club!

Winter Handicap

Its this time of year again, the time of the Winter Handicap. The rain was chucking it down on the way to the start line so not a good start, oh well! Tonight I started off from scratch and was in the lead all the way till in the middle of the Golden Valley where Jo had caught me up and over took. Then we got to Sandgate Hill, the killer hill and managed to close the gap between me and Jo. On the last lap round I had manage to catch Jo which I was pleased but she soon over took again. Saw Dave on the last stretch who was able to speak quite easily and not out of breath giving encouragement so that was good.

Completed it in 39:08 just under a minute slower - never mind.
Back to the club and had great food!

Maidstone Half Marathon 16 October

OMG what a fresh morning, so so cold. Really couldn't decide what to wear, started off in shorts and vest, way too cold for that and had to change.  All of a sudden the race had started with no warning so off we went. I forgot how hilly the course was up and down up and down constantly.  I saw Figgy at mile 6 so was pleased I manged to get that far being in front and then Alison caught me at mile 9. It was a great course with lovely scenary. I felt good running this race and it had some nice down long hills.  I keep seeing the same girl at races and we always finish at the same time lol. I got another PB today from just only a few weeks ago.

Completed in 2:05:16 so was very pleased!!! Last Half Marathon for the year.

Ashford 10K

This race flew by, think it is because I have recently done 2 half marathons.  This race was quite hilly and my average pace was 9.02 which I was pleased with.

Completed it in 56.23, 1 minute off my pb, never mind. Still pleased as it was hilly.