Morwenna and Nick participated in the Run to the Beat half marathon race last Sunday, which barring aching legs and a few blisters was a fantastic day.
 
It was a cloudy, windy day at the O2, mobbed with competitors, as well as sellers of divers energy drinks, gels and bars, most of which we sampled, before shivering our way to the start line and putting our best feet forward.
 
The 13.2 miles could be split into three sections:
 
First 7 miles: Morwenna & Nick set off at full tilt: jinking and swerving through the field like Shane Williams and a lanky Stuart Barnes, ‘high fiving’ spectators, and passing an assortment of runners, including the teletubbies, a pair of brides and a rhino.

I nearly swallowed my tongue when my ipod said we were averaging around 8:40 per mile; and the thought of thrashing our 1hr 50 target actually crossed my mind for a second.
 
Mile 8: The speedy start began begins to take its toll.  Heads went down as we rounded a corner to face a hill of Sisyphean proportions.  Docklands’ answer to Lombard St, San Francisco trimmed Nick’s pace to a plod, while if anything Morwenna’s pace went up a gear!
 
Mile 9: Nick’s legs continued show an aversion to animation or movement, meanwhile Morwenna’s Jean Claude Van Damne kick boxing regime came into its own as she sprang on like a leaping leveret. 
 
A mutual decision to split up for the final stages was taken.
 
Mile 10 - Finish:  Morwenna maintained her fleet footed pace (she later said she found the last mile a real struggle – but I’m not sure I believe her).  While Nick adopted a more deliberate pace, allowing for continued ‘high fiving’ with the crowd. 
 
Spent, separated and a bit delirious, both dug deep, finding the energy for a sprint finish. 
 
Morwenna crossed the line bang on target at 1hr 50.  Nick followed 6 mins later.
 
Finish line - The Trafalgar, Greenwich: All the glamour of public cheering and free energy drinks ceased post-race when we found the tube was down: forcing us to walk another 3-4 km to the pub and well earned rest, roast beef and beers.
 
All in all an epic day.  Two personal bests.  Plenty of room for improvement.  And a whopping £650+ raised for the Red Cross’ Pakistan Flood Appeal*.
 
Huge thanks to all of you for your support and generosity.
 
Cheers,
 
Nick & Morwenna

 

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