Norwich Half Marathon

Last week I did the norwich Half Marathon despite the heavy rain and wind.

The start was delayed due to an accident on the main road to the venue which slowed the traffic in to the race venue. By the time we got to the car park the grass had turned in to a mud field with cars wheel spinning.

I just got a few kit items and nutrition items into my bag and headed to the race start. Luckily I had collected my number the day before and just got to the started with a few minutes to spare. Luckily they had delayed the start by 10 minutes so I had plenty of time to the additional outer layers on.

As there was only water available on the route at the aid stations I decided to take 4 gels and a sports drink with me. I also had a sports compression leggings on while running for the first time plus they where under my outer leggings due to the strong wind and therefore windchill factor. I also had two 3 layers on my top with only one being a long sleeve and buff scarf, hat and gloves.

So I was nice and warm, I only had to pull the scarf up in some of the route which was more exposed to the elements.

For the first couple of miles I went of faster than I was planning but managed to just hang on to a reasonable pace for me although the last few miles was more of a struggle but I managed it in 1 hour 52 minutes. This was 2 minutes slower than the last time I ran this but the event was in the summer then plus I had not done a few marathons and ironman in the previous 4 months.

I was getting some boo's from spectators, runners and marshals as I went round. I am not sure why?
Below is a photo of me from the BBC web site gallery for this race.




I had to wear the Ipswich Town top and hat for this race as norwich city at the time were bottom of the league table. Interestingly I saw two other runners wearing Ipswich Town kit , and a Colchester United person as he went past me but only one person wearing norwich kit. That was the same amount as number of Scooby Doo's that was running.

I finished about half way in the results which was ok for me as this was not a main race for me. I think the conditions and/or traffic problems may have affected a lot of people from taking part as there was 500 less finishers (over 20%) than people who had registered for the event which was just over 2,200.