Trail race race (Loseley Park Half Maratho) 1:44:17 [5] 21.0 km (4:58 / km) +350m 4:35 / km
weight:68.5kg
Wanted to do a longer run to see how my legs were and whether or not I was ready for Gosport. This was a low-key if expensive local Half that promised a nice route and provided an opportunity to run without racing. There were problems with the marshalling and some of the second lap was improvised (I think) after we weren't sent round a loop during the first. But I made it the right distance in the end, and given the climb I guess the time wasn't too bad either. (Never felt that quick though and was convinced the course was short.) Stopped for the loo after 5 minutes so went from top ten to almost last. Was reeling people in to about 6 miles, by which time I was about 20th and running with the right people. Did struggle a bit on the second lap, especially the second big hill, and did wonder whether the odd sensations in my legs would bring me to a halt before the finish. But I hung on and ran the last two miles in a bewildered state as I had absolutely no idea how near we were to the finish. And the last mile included a Windridge-type ploughed field! Something I've never had to face in the closing stages of a Half before. On the whole I guess I enjoyed the route and felt reassured about taking on Gosport in a month's time.