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Sunday 19 March 2017

'Saved' Coventry half proves a real winner


Front runners: waiting for the start.
Event: Half marathon
Location: Coventry, West Midlands
Date: 19/03/17

WHAT a fantastic experience! The Coventry Half this morning was simply brilliant.

The week leading up to the event hadn't exactly gone to plan. Fearing that if I pushed a 'niggle' in my leg too far I would be out of the event before it even started, I did no running whatsoever (even though the 'schedule' showed a couple of outings).

The thinking was: rest and recovery - then at least there'd be a chance of actually completing (surviving?) the course.

I did drink more water than normal, however, to aid hydration. No point guzzling gallons minutes before the run! But apart from that, kept to my usual diet.
Village buzz: a busy Race Village at Coventry half.

I'd read about loading up with carbs, so had pasta the night before. With hindsight, perhaps not the best move; felt stodgy in the morning. Would perhaps have been better a couple of nights ahead of the run. But as this was my first HM, it was just finding out what worked, or what didn't.

The other part of the plan was: early night, good solid sleep, wake up bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and raring to go. Well, the 'raring to go' bit was ok, but the other elements weren't quite as envisaged. My 'inner athlete' remained a little bleary eyed.

Talking to others, I learned that a number of them had also suffered a restless night; so perhaps it was that heightened anticipation (if not the pasta!).
Excitement builds: Runners gather at the start of the event.

Any nerves were quelled by the buzz of excitement, however, with the Race Village outside Coventry Transport Museum heaving with runners and others, supporters gathering along the route, and the PA system pushing out music, updates and instructions. It was a great atmosphere.

I was just thankful I didn't have to join the queues for the loos

Loo queues: Waiting for the Portaloos before the run. 
The field built up as those taking part made their way to the pens indicating their expected completion times. Being in the crowd, muscles twitching ready for the start, adds to the thrill of the event.
At the ready: Waiting for the off at Coventry half marathon.

There was an air of ceremony as Coventry Lord Mayor Lindsley Harvard, Cllr Abdul Salam Khan and the city's own Olympic champion Dave Moorcroft OBE, former 5,000 meters world record holder, launched the proceedings.

The day was overcast, blustery in parts, with a slight chill in the air early on, but things soon warmed up once the run started.

The course begins with a lap around the city centre, before moving out, along a gradual uphill stretch (Holyhead Road) - followed by steeper slopes as you ease into the countryside.

After one quite taxing incline, there were heartfelt murmurs of 'aaah, it's downhill from now on!' Alas, more wishful thinking than reality, as there were a few more undulating climbs before the final stretch - which, to the relief of many, was actually downhill!

To be fair, there's nothing really that gruelling, but it's the steady drain on energy that has its effect.

Seeing the kaleidoscope of colours as runners snaked their way along narrow country lanes, against a backdrop of cloud-smudged blue sky and sheep peacefully grazing in the fields at around miles 5 to 8 (Washbrook Lane and Bridlebrook Lane) was heavenly. There was nowhere I'd rather have been on a Sunday morning.

I was proud to run alongside a group of club colleagues. Although you're running as an individual, wearing your 'team' strip creates a great bond - and a shared experience of pounding the miles.

Gathering support: Onlookers begin to line the route.
Below: Runners and supporters before the run.

Public support was fantastic. People lined virtually the entire route - even at the more remote spots. One onlooker called out cheerfully: 'You must be mad. You're all mad!' We smiled insanely, and pushed on!

An encouraging sight was the number of youngsters involved, with their families, cheering, high-fiving - and giving out enough jelly babies to populate a nation! A massive thanks must go to them, and everyone who made the effort to turn up and give their support. Such enthusiasm is uplifting.

Some of the loudest encouragement came from running buddies from my own club, Massey Ferguson. They were that animated and vocal, they'd have drowned out a Force 10 Gale, let alone a mere gust or two. I think they'd been at the jelly babies! Thanks gang!

And, of course, a big shout out for the amazing volunteers, marshals and other helpers - such as the police cadets. Without them, the event simply wouldn't be possible. After runners have enjoyed the glow of achievement and collected their medals, the crowds dispersed and calm once more descends, there's the clearing up to do! The army of volunteers who get stuck into that, away from the limelight, deserve our respect and thanks.

One final point. This year's HM may not have taken place at all if it hadn't been for the city council, who stepped in to save the event after last year's organisers pulled out. They did the city proud. Well organised, well promoted, Coventry's Half Marathon lives to run another day.

This was my first-ever half marathon. Time: 2h 5m 24s.

I couldn't have wished for a more enjoyable initiation!

Better start planning for the next one, while that niggle holds out!

Me (yes, with the flattering hair and cool dress sense) and 
my friend Jill with medals after completing our first 
half marathon in Coventry.


For a detailed description of the route, click here.

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