Drink, walk, run, repeat - a half marathon survival story.

Two days after completing my 3^rd and final half marathon, my son has kindly advised me that I am still walking like a zombie off Shaun of the Dead.

I am having to use the lift at work to get DOWN one flight of stairs.

So was it worth it? What has the experience taught me this time?

Don’t worry, this is not another blog about determination, how rewarding it is to overcome adversity, how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to undertake such challenges etc.

I set off from historic Cardiff Castle with my daughter and have the following experience:

Mile 1     Great, a 10 minute mile, keeping up with 20 year old daughter nicely!

Mile 2     All still good, but waving daughter on so I will not slow her down or hold back her enthusiasm and potential to do well.

Mile 3     Water, followed by a long but gently inclined hill. Time to slow down a bit and pace myself.

Mile 4     The scenery of beautiful Cardiff Bay starts to come into view. I’ve been looking forward to this bit.

Mile 5     Still enjoying scenery but getting tired. If I keep up this pace, I may achieve the time I aspire to, but will not enjoy doing so one bit. Do I press on miserably and miss out on the great atmosphere, possibly overdo it and get another injury? Or do some walking if I need to in order to make the most of the experience?

Mile 6      Still prevaricating… with more water. Thinking about the Achilles injury I have overcome during the summer.

Mile 7      Decision made. Enjoy and soak up the experience. Finish in one piece – you will still succeed in raising money for charity no mater what your completion time.

Mile 8      Being kept going by all of the supporters lining the route and have lost count of all of the charities being supported by all of the runners.

Mile 9      Drink, walk, run, repeat.

Mile 10    Roath Park. Great fun. Being watched by curious geese. Brass band playing the Theme from Rocky. Supporter with big placard with picture of a target inviting runners to ‘hit for power’. I did. It worked.

Mile 11    Legs hurting a lot now. All hope of a ‘good time’ gone but confident I will finish.

Mile 12    The end is in sight. I will ‘run’ the last 1.1 miles… so much crowd encouragement now.

Mile 13.1 The Finish Line!

So was it worth it? What has the experience taught me this time?

• Planning and preparation does not always go to plan, but still persevere.
• You can keep reviewing progress and making realistic adjustments.
• Targets can be dynamic.
• Try to be clear about what objectives really matter, and which may be ‘nice to have’.
• Accept and appreciate help and support along the way. It can be unexpected and take many forms.
• Have a mindful experience and be ‘present’ all along the way. 

Next year, I am going to volunteer to marshall or support my chosen charity in another way.