Watford Half Marathon 2014

Night before race day!

On Saturday evening I went out for a meal with my buddies to Pizza Express to carbo load . I enjoyed a goats cheese pizza which was really yummy:-) Pizza Express has become my lucky pre-race ritual however I was home nice and early and pretty much went straight to bed. Melinda on the other hand, had about 85 teenagers partying at her house until the early hours!!
Before I went to sleep, another important part of my ritual,  I laid my clothes out in position, ready for the morning. Yes I am a weirdo!!!

 

I woke early Sunday morning to have a cup of tea and most importantly my porridge in bed. We could not have asked for a better weather for race day. It was very chilly but the sun was out for us which makes such a difference.
Melinda and I met at the Grove and then headed over to Cassiobury Park together. We parked up and made our way to the start line. As we were walking Melinda said to me where is your timing chip?  Being a blonde I'd left it at home, so much for being organised ( I blame the chip not me, because the last few races I've competed in the chip has been on my number not on my shoelaces) There was no time to go back and get it so I had to start without and rely on Melinda's.
We started near the back as we were a little late getting to the start position but think I prefered that rather than arriving too early and hanging about in the cold.

The gun went and we were off. Melinda and I weaved our way around the other runners in the start but it was a little cramped for the first section of the course. Once we were out the park the runners dispersed slightly so it was much better.
Below is a picture of Melinda and I about 3 and a bit miles into the race and ready to take on the hill we were approaching.

Melinda and me running through the massive flooded area

After running through all this water my shoes were absolutely soaked and my legs were very cold but this was not too far from the finish so Melinda and I put our heads down and pushed towards the end.

Final Sprint

We were so happy to finish and both did a fantastic time of 1hour 46 minutes on a really tough course. Melinda did absolutely brilliantly #jobdone

Training buddies at the finish

I have to admit for the last 2 miles all I could think about was going to Nando's!!

My reward - Nandos:-))))