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Thorpe Park Half Marathon Race Recap

Today was the second Thorpe Park Half Marathon and my second time running it. Last year's course, which was promoted as flat and fast, wasn't. So this year we ran a new course, which, while not as scenic, was significantly flatter.

Last year's race was also the first time that I met my Instagram friend Rachel and we've been good buddies ever since. We catch up for a run whenever we can including at today's race to celebrate our runversary, marking the fourth race we've run together.

The shorts and grey weather of last year were replaced by sun and sub-freezing temps today.

Cold temps meant leggings, two layers, a buff, a hat and two layers of gloves

The race village at RunThrough events always has inspiring since that apply to running and to life. The race organizers are fantastic. I saw Matt, who started RunThrough, and introduced myself and then found Lucy, who works for Matt and is an Instagram friend as well. I love how running brings people together.

 

With three weeks to go in my prep for the Limassol Marathon, training called for 16 miles at moderate pace, so Rachel and I set out for a steady 8:00/mile and finished in 1:44:23, just about bang on our pace. Well done to us!


After grabbing our medals, race shirts and goodie bags, we said our goodbyes and I finished my run by trekking the 3 miles to the train station to get home. Unfortunately the trains were cancelled so I called Beth and she offered to come get me. Thank you honey!!

Annoyed that I stopped my watch 1/2 mile early by accident

This race wasn't all roses though. I don't think I warmed up well enough, in fact, I know I didn't and I paid for it. About 4 miles into the race my right hamstring started to tighten up, not like an injury, just tightness like I didn't warm up enough. Then at about mile 8, it really grabbed. I continued on to test it out and it didn't get worse, so we kept going to the finish. In fact, it didn't start to really hurt until I stopped.

I've been icing and massaging it to speed up the rehab process. I have an easy 5 miles on the plan for tomorrow; if my hammy feels better in the morning, I'll go ahead and do my run...very slowly. If not, I'll take a couple days off to ensure I don't ruin all this training I've put in. Wish me luck!




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