Gosport Half-Marathon

[Deleted User]

Right folks. I have positive news I think! Have just driven round the entire course and, although this is my first half, I am no more daunted than any other race. Yes, it's really flat. It's also a balanced course in that the first half of the big lap is along the seafront (I hear we're due for northerly winds that day which will be nice on the bum) and then a boring half mile along Haslar Road and over the little bridge and then back in through lots of residential streets where crowds of well-wishers will be cheering us on, offering jelly babies/toilets/a lift before we get back to the start and do it again. There is nothing nasty about this course whatsoever so we can now get on with enjoying the views over the IOW on the way out and into people's front rooms on the way back in.

Lovely jubbly.

[Deleted User]

Oops, there was one thing that I had to concede on my tour of duty - it's a very long way. But entirely do-able if the knees hold up.

[Deleted User]

A most informative and entertaining synopsis, Lou. Thanks for that! You say it's a very long way. How long do you reckon it is, exactly?

[Deleted User]

Well, with the benefit of hindsight, i'd say it'd have to be at least 13 miles, give or take a few hundred yards. If it's any more than that, i'm not doing it.

[Deleted User]

I remember the bridge and the seafront but not the crowds of well wishers....

but the good thing about a half is that you're not so out of breath as a 10k so it's a bit more chatty with the other runners

[Deleted User]

13 miles? I thought a half marathon was about the length of a fun size chocolate bar! Time to reconsider me thinks

Thanks for the info Little Lou.

Glyco - resist the temptation - you know it makes sense.

[Deleted User]

Ian, I can never do that. I hear other runners chatting to each other, but I'm always hyper-ventilating. There must be a knack to it.

Hey BDB, no need to get your snickers in a twist. tee hee! Anyway, I am making arrangements to switch an evening appointment for tomorrow to tonight, so I can run tomorrow instead. BDB has influenced my decision to hold-off running for one more night. Hope it works. I'm gonna be scared!

[Deleted User]

Gulp! I now responsible for Glyco's recovery. Think I best keep a low profile on Sunday, just in case .......

[Deleted User]

That's right. No pressure.

[Deleted User]

Glyco, let me re-cap on my tasks for Sunday;

1. Produce a PB busting time
2. Run an extra 7 miles
3. Make sure you're fit and well

Have I missed anything?

Blackers

yeah, chat up all runners you meet of the opposite sex, whilst running.

[Deleted User]

1. Yes, a 1:38. With me 10m behind.
2. Of course, it's only courteous to escort your wife safely home.
3. Erm, OK. If you've the know-how.

How about... all the above, but in fancy dress? I've just read in my local Shropshire Star that for the first time ever, a dolphin was spotted by ferry passengers on the Gosport-Portsmouth ferry. As it only happened last Friday, it would be apt for you to wear a dolphin costume. The kids in the crowd would love it.

Glad we've got that sorted ;-)

[Deleted User]

Just checked, the weather forecast is swinging round in our favour. Sunny all weekend for Portsmouth, and a cool 9 degrees.

[Deleted User]

Eeeeeeeeeekkkkkclick - dolphin for "great news" (just getting in practice).

[Deleted User]

That sounds more porpoise to me, but I suppose it'll do. There's little time to perfect the accent.

Is Mrs. BDB all set?

[Deleted User]

No (dorsal) fin-esse that's my trouble.

She is - had a slight wobble yesterday worried about being last and showing herslef up etc. Soon talked her out of that so now looking forward to it.

Did you manage to not run last night?

[Deleted User]

Please tell mrs BDB not to worry about being last. I persuaded Mr Little Lou to accompany me on a 5m XC race on Sunday and he had the same fears - which were realised when he did come last out of the men. Any negative thoughts had been completely surpassed by the joy that he had actually completed a very hard course after such a long sabatical. The joy will be in the competing and the finishing. I often think that the further back you are the more genuine support and encouragement you get anyway. To even attempt something as hard as this takes serious guts. Hats off to Mrs BDB and hope we get a chance to meet on the day.

[Deleted User]

Exactly! Mrs. BDB needn't worry about a thing!

(... you'll be there with her, anyway...)

No I didn't run last night. Doing tonight instead, will report back tomorrow. Gulp!

[Deleted User]

Thanks Little Lou and Glyo - I'll pass the sentiments on. She is looking forward to it and she's worked really hard to get to here as she only started running in May.

And good on your husband Little Lou - does this mean that he'll be taking up running too?

Take the run easy tonight - don't want to jeopardise Sunday.

I'm going to be cheeky and ask for some more local information (as if I haven’t had enough already);) Anyone know of a decent/friendly pub where I can watch the rugby Saturday afternoon in Gosport or should I shlop over to Gun Wharf Keys for that too?

[Deleted User]

Ooh now that's a toughie. You're looking for 'decent/friendly pubs' in 'Gosport'? Before I get told off for making slanderous remarks, i'll wait and see what those in the know suggest... There's plenty of pubs in Gunwharf though, might be your best bet. Mrs BDB will love the shops too. It's an outlet centre don't you know.

As for husband, twenty years ago he was a sooper dooper marathon runner. Then I came along and didn't see the point so he . I discovered the point when I started running 18 months ago and he laughed at me, gloriously basking in some pretty impressive pbs of yesteryear. So now he's started again, taking it steady while I overtake and smile to myself!

[Deleted User]

I think we'll be heading over there for food anyway so hanging out there for the game will be no great hardship for either of us.

Good that he's started again though eh Little Lou? Just have to make sure that you stay in front.

[Deleted User]

Yes, if he beats me I'll never be allowed to forget it...

I still feel strangely calm about this race. very odd. I think it's just so far off my Richter Scale of achievable events it simply doesn't register.

Problem is I need a bit of panic. If I don't do the three regulation toilet stops before i leave the house on Sunday morning, my routine will fall to pieces and then i'll be done for.

I have a niggling feeling my panic will set in as I try to settle for a good night's sleep on Saturday. Crikey, getting butterflies just thinking about it now... Can't wait! It's going to be glorious. Sort of...

[Deleted User]

Hum. Managed 1/3 mile then had to stop. Ouch. Not very good really.

[Deleted User]

gf, i wish i could say something really constructive, but you are the great wise one so i guess you have to do what you'd be telling us. Which I think is to have total rest until Sunday and then see how you go. I'm a bit rubbish at this but your words of wisdom/common sense worked for me. Good luck.

[Deleted User]

Me? The great wise one? Nah, if I was that wise, I'd practice what I preach. Anyway, you're dead right. Gotta rest it until Sunday and maybe even use Sunday as a recovery training run. That'd be a shame as I've never done a flat run before, so I was interested in knowing my potential. But hey ho... such is this strange sport.

Anyway, it sounds everyone is revved up and ready to go, so that's great. I wonder how many beers BDB drinks whilst he's watching the sport on Saturday? Or maybe the PB is directed towards Saturday rather than Sunday :-)

Hilly

Just popping in to wish you all luck on Sunday. Unfortunately I'm not able to do this now, but will be back to read how you got on on Sunday/Monday. Race well all!

[Deleted User]

This will make you smile. Go on, paste it into your browser, you know you want to:

http://www.met-office.gov.uk/lib/includes/fsssi/city/portsmouth.html

[Deleted User]

Ooooo - nice and dry! Great.

Sorry to hear you can't make it hilly - hope you make a speady recovery.

Not great news for you either Glyco. I bet you'll wake up SUnday and feel fine - these things have a strange habit of sorting themselves out at the right time. You were right not to push it yesterday.

Little Lou - maybe you're entering a new phase of serenity? All being well within your world. Anyway, try to get a good nights sleep on Friday. I always sleep badly the night before a race but make sure I get plenty of zzz the night before. Kind of makes up for it.

And as for beering on Saturday - none for me I'm afraid. I really didn't time this race very well. WOuld have been great to meet up with some mates and have a few beers with at leaset one of the big games this autumn, but no. I got to listen to the game last Saturday in the car post training run whilst waiting for Mrs BDB to finish with only a tin of slimfast and a cup of tea for company and this week, it'll be orange juice and ordiet coke. Still, it's the taking part that counts.

[Deleted User]

That's very disciplined of you, BDB. For my last two half marathons, I stayed alcohol-free the night before (despite it being Saturday). However, as I'm effectively screwed this time around, I'll perhaps allow myself one or two, or perhaps three. After all, I am visiting the in-laws!

As for the injury, thanks to you and Lou for your positive vibes. I'm just going to see how things unfold. I was totally pain-free before yesterday's run, so therefore I'm not going to have any idea of my chances until I actually start running on Sunday. I should know within the first two miles. Exciting eh? I love a bit of uncertainty! Perhaps Angus and Mrs BDB could offer me a fireman's lift around the second lap...

[Deleted User]

A fireman's sounds a bit tough on them, but given your pic, bring a push chair and we'll take turns...