From Rumana Chowdhury…
I was excited to return to London for the Royal Parks half marathon (entry via public ballot), having had a great experience at the marathon earlier in the year. For the first time, I followed a training plan aiming for 2 hours and it felt like I had a good chance of getting a PB. But it wasn’t to be. I blamed the weather (warm!) and a tough week at work, but I think sometimes it just doesn’t come together on race day. My legs weren’t moving well, I couldn’t lock into a pace, and I found myself getting progressively sweatier and slower…
The course itself is brilliant, with closed roads allowing you to run amongst iconic landmarks including The Mall, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and The Strand, all the way cheered along by huge crowds. Then it’s back to Hyde Park where you are surrounded by runners everywhere you look, snaking around the paths amongst the picnickers and squirrels (one of which I nearly tripped over). It’s like being part of a massive conga! If you’re the speedier type you might end up weaving around a bit as there are just so many runners on the narrow park paths. Overall though it’s a really well-organised event with a joyous atmosphere.
Anyway, back to me! A failure? No. A failed run? Sort of. Sometimes I find it hard to keep going when it’s not going to plan, but I did, so I’m proud of that. Will I try again? You betcha.