From one beach to another...

Burnham Beeches Half Marathon -

One of the year`s favourite events for me. It`s a championship event, which normally means they have a good route, good facilities (inc use of the venue`s open air swimming pool afterwards), quick results, plenty of parking etc.

I normally use this event as a gauge for the forthcoming Great North Run for example,

BB`09 - 01:52:20 v GNR `09 - 01:48:04

BB`10 - 01:46:39 v GNR `10 - 01:43:15

Seeing as my build up was slightly different to previous visits to BB i.e. holiday break beforehand rather than afterwards - only got back on Tuesday - I knew I would not be `racing` this one - which was a shame really.

I took up Dave (club mate) on his offer to drive, along with hungover Dan, we get there nice and early - especially good as the start is a good 20 mins walk away from the parking (good to ease the legs off afterwards), we get a cup of tea, watch the starting area fill up. I say hello to several familiar faces - some I`ve not seen for a while. We assemble towards the back of the staring area, and wait - I guess there is a problem as the start is delayed for 15 mins or so – lack of toilets leading to massive ques. Anyway we start - and one of the `odd` things about this course is that after 500 metres there is a massive slope you need to `run` up so that slows the pace down but then it`s out unto the surrounding roads.

As it`s Dave`s comeback long run (not really run since the Sam Run back in July) & Dan`s hangover we keep the pace sensible & run together (making sure we don`t block the road). We the plan to sped up towards the end (8 M+) but go round steady, I chat to a few runners along the way. As we move through the miles the runners spread out and we carry on with our pace - still running in a formation - Cove Joggers pack of 3 - which is good. The hills along the course are towards the back end of the lap (4.5 - 6M) which are good fun & catch a few out (inc Dan).

Second lap - It is a good feeling passing people – even when not racing but it does the importance of correct pacing. We keep the pace steady esp at 9, 10 & 11M – knowing that the last bit will a bit tougher. Some good lessons for Dan at towards the end of course. I`m also learning that the Nike Swifts may not the shoe for me – but it could be `a bit of holiday footwear` hangover. We eventually come round the last corner & into the School field – down the slope (which is more fun as the grass is damp). Past the `I`m not a 400 metre runner` sign and come through the finish together.

Nice run & the soak in the pool afterwards was nice.

Splits & Garmin data;

1) - 1m - 10:07(10:07/m) - 128cal
2) - 1m - 8:47(8:47/m) - 132cal
3) - 1m - 9:16(9:16/m) - 132cal
4) - 1m - 8:42(8:42/m) - 131cal
5) - 1m - 8:24(8:24/m) - 129cal
6) - 1m - 9:38(9:38/m) - 135cal
7) - 1m - 8:43(8:43/m) - 132cal
8) - 1m - 9:51(9:51/m) - 135cal
9) - 1m - 9:06(9:06/m) - 133cal
10) - 1m - 9:00(9:00/m) - 130cal
11) - 1m - 9:00(9:00/m) - 132cal
12) - 1m - 10:23(10:23/m) - 132cal
13) - 0.81m - 8:02(9:57/m) - 102cal

(Last year my garmin measured it as as 12.75M & in 20090 it was 13.09M – twists and turns & a lot of the course is under tree cover)

Next up – some long slow runs, a night on the beer, the Club`s (Morris & Jean`s) BBQ & the last (or 1st depending on your viewpoint) Woodland 5 & a bit on Wednesday night, then the Surrey Spitfire 20 at the weekend (a 5 + 5 + 4 + 4 + 2 plan may be on the cards there – unsure yet)

PS Great news already in for next year – Fleet Half Marathon & Reading Half Marathons are not going to clash – Fleet Half is on 25th March & Reading is on the 1st April – just fingers crossed for the Lightning 12hr (but I do have a plan B in place :-) )

Oh if you want to read a true inspiring running blog then read James Adams`s blog - an incredible & awesome run;

http://www.runningandstuff.com/ram/