Half and Half

Six months ago, I had never run more than 5km, and then, only very very reluctantly.

Last weekend, I ran a half-marathon, and what's more, I liked it.  The Royal Parks Half Marathon is 21km through four of the Royal Parks, past Buckingham Palace, up The Mall, past Westminster Bridge, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and a million ducks.  

I raised £473.75 for Cancer Research UK, thanks to very kind and generous donations from:  Dani, Lisa, my parents, Jenni, Tori, my parents-in-law, the Schlams, Ms. Byers, the Husband, Tomoko, Robin, Sally, Elton, Ben & Ben's Dad, Danny, James, Kathy, anonymous, Hui, Sander and Aimee.

And I've promised to not do another charity run until next summer.

Running is like walking, but faster.

As a non-sporty person, my initial goal was to finish.  I did, at a rather lowly 2:26:10, or 9565 out of 11480.  ... and I'll admit, I was a bit disappointed, and that took me by surprise.  I followed a strict beginner's training schedule, gave up alcohol for long stretches to help with developing distances, and got up early for practice runs in the rain.  After telling everyone that I would be happy just to finish on my feet, turns out, I would have been happier... just a little bit faster.

Which is why, tomorrow morning, a week after the run, I will don my trainers again and get started on the prep for the next one. I have a couple of 10kms lined up for the winter, and then..

May 2012.  Edinburgh Half Marathon.  Goal time: 2:06:00.  Boom.

I'm in the silly black cap on the right.