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Llanelli Waterside Half Marathon 2015



Lining up for the Llanelli Waterside Half Marathon, I have a strong sense of déjà vu. It’s another cold, grey, murky Sunday morning - just like last year - but with added wind and rain to ring the changes. I’m drenched and freezing cold before I even cross the start line, but it really warms my heart to see Ma and Tom there cheering me on.


And we’re off! I love this course – an 'out and back' along the stunning coastline – but, my goodness, the horizontal rain, gusty winds and mixed terrain certainly make for challenging conditions. Even more so for the marshals who stand at their posts for hours and do such a magnificent job - although I can’t resist throwing a few names at the guy who cheerfully quips as we pass, ‘see, if you had run a bit faster, you could be home by now!’. Nevertheless, I dig in and feel… well, not too bad considering! Fuelled by hearing Ma and Tom cheering as I reach the home stretch, I’m delighted to cross the finish line with a course PB of 2:0:39 coming 9th in my class and 735 out of 1175 finishers overall.


A few post-race thoughts:
  • Ma tells me even alpha males were commenting on how tough the race was as they came in – glad it wasn’t just me!
  • I always feel outnumbered by blokes at this race… and  that’s because I am: 768 men (most of whom are under 40) to 442 women, of which only 18 are in my age group.
  • Being soaking-wet makes for some interesting injuries; Ma reported a few cases of severe chafing among the men, mainly thighs and armpits. I felt quite smug about this until the euphoria wore off and I discovered the band of my sports bra had given me a painful friction burn!
  • Will I do it again?  You bet!

Many thanks to everyone involved in the organisation of a wonderful race and a special thanks to Ma and Tom for their love and support.

Comments

Kathryn Freeman said…
Oh boy - that weather. You need to do the next one somewhere warmer! Amazing to be 9th in class - well done that lady - and just think without the wind holding you back you'd have been sub 2 hours. Awesome :-)
9 March 2015 at 06:49
Clare Chase said…
Congratulations again, Chris! Sounds as though you came through brilliantly in the face of some very challenging conditions! :-)
9 March 2015 at 06:49
Jan Brigden said…
Good on you, Chris! You are an inspiration! :) Xx
9 March 2015 at 07:32
Jane Lovering said…
Absolutely fabulous, darling! I think it's a triumph to finish in those conditions, let alone beat your course time! So lovely that your mum could come and cheer you home, too. x
9 March 2015 at 08:48
Maggie Christie said…
A course PB in those conditions!? I'm in awe. I sometimes miss running, but not after reading that! :D Note that I've always run my half marathons in perfect sunny conditions on a flat city course. Llanelli half is a bit hardcore!
9 March 2015 at 10:42
Sheryl Browne said…
Ohhh, well done that girl! I think you just guilted me into doing some exercise. Where's the kettle? ;) xx
9 March 2015 at 11:33
Mandy K James said…
My hat is well and truly off! Well done xx
9 March 2015 at 12:03
Frances said…
Oh Chris, what a day for that race. Perhaps next year the weather gods of Wales will grant you all at least a dry course?

All the same, huge congratulations to you of your race time, and persistence, and for letting us see that video of the finish.

Bravos also to Tom and your Ma for braving the elements to support you.

(Sorry about that chaffing.) xo
9 March 2015 at 18:02
Sally Townsend said…
The guilt is just washing over me in waves, I think I shall embrace the duvet harder and go refill the kettle. Well done, a terrific achievement x
10 March 2015 at 00:51
Kath said…
Well done, Chris! Great that you ran in this - I'm impressed by that alone - but it's wonderful that you got a course PB in such horrible weather conditions.
10 March 2015 at 03:07
Gilli Allan said…
I am beside myself with admiration, Chris. Congratulations. Gillix
10 March 2015 at 07:00
Pondside said…
I smile to myself as I think 'there's my friend Chris, in another little clip as she runs in the miserable weather' - and I love your energy and your spirit! You are brilliant!
11 March 2015 at 11:06
Chris Stovell said…
I appreciate all you comments and kind words very much. Thank you. So sorry not to reply individually but I currently have very limited internet access!
13 March 2015 at 00:22
Flowerpot said…
That's brilliant Chris - we're all so proud of you! X
17 March 2015 at 10:41
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