Following Tim's lead, I'm curious about half-marathons next year, specifically in the months of March, April, or May. Basically, I want a race goal to train for, I've looked at the RW schedules, and think I can do it.
I name those specific months because this will be when I am revising my thesis so A) won't have the stress of writing initial drafts that keeps me glued to my seat and
won't be submitting just yet. Also, I'm hoping to go to foreign parts for the next adventure in academia in July, so it would need to be before this!
Anyway, I like scenic running much more than boring city streets, although the crowd atmosphere is good for motivation. Oh yes, and I need to be able to get there on public transport from Oxford, not spend loads of money, etc.
Okay, got all that?! Let the suggestions roll in, and thanks.
Hild
Comments
I would recommend the Bath half in march.
It is well organised with good crowd support.
The course is a two lapper travelling out of the city to the surrounding countryside and back in.
The running field is very good due to it being close to the FLM.
The only downside is some of it is run through traffic but this is not a big hinderance.
If you want to do it apply NOW it fills up very quickly.
I would also recommend the Shakespeare half in stratford upon avon which is a very nice rural run.
Hope this helps.
Paddock Wood in Kent is Mar, nr railway station & very flat.
Tunbridge Wells in Kent, late Feb but very hilly [although I have my PB on it]
All in the countryside.
I'll be following the Bath Half Website Intermediate schedules and feel the same as you; it's good to have an over-winter goal.
Early June is Woodhall Spa which is also flat and fairly well supporteed.
Also Fleet (Pre London half) in March is very well organised.
I would say Reading but its one of those that should be treated as an 'event' rather than a race, the organisation leaves a lot to be desired, and with the run up to London , you can afford to be choosy.
If you fancy a nice countryside run , Bramley (nr Basingstoke) do a 10 and 20 mile run in Feb/Mar ( I did the 20 last year) and although facilities are limited it is a well organised event.
I'll be doing Camberley,Fleet and Bramley.Still undecided about Reading.
I've not run Bath before (another on the list of 'to dos'
Quite a lot of runners building up to marathons do it, 20 miles in Feb is quite a punchy target though!
On another note anyone doing Windsor in a couple of weeks?? Ive just been out on the course with a novice this morning (I live very close) and scared him half to death with the hills,
Bring them on!!!
Cheers,
Hild
Any comments very welcome!
WiseOwl
If you live in Reading then you can go and look at the course! The route roughly is through Caversham, up London Road, up Kendrick Road (which is one of the hills), Shinfield Road, into the University and out on Pepper Lane, up Shinfield again (v short hill), down Hartland(?) Road (big down hill), along Basingstoke Road and up a slight hill, down Southampton Street, into town via St Mary's Butts and then out on Oxford Road and up a hill at that point (I think it's Russell Street and Tilehurst Road)(9miles) - then I get lost because I don't know that part of Reading so well.
So the hills are Kendrick Road, Shinfield Road, Basingstoke Road and Russell Street/Tilehurst Road. Hope that helps with the decision!
They're all fairly short and not that bad really.
Evil Pixie, I'm based in Purley-on-Thames,how about you. Fraggle is also Reading based living in Caversham
Doobs do you want your face resized to fit. If so mail me and I'll send it back resized
SY3
It was on 17th March this year – I’m not sure for next
Will