Personal experience tells me that while that ought to be true, it doesn't seem to work quite like that! I did poorly in this race last year, and then went on to set a PB in the FLM a few weeks later. I shall be back again this year, though, as it's a club championship race for me!
Think it depends on the weather how quick you go on this one, last year if I remember it was a pretty hot day, and noboby had acclimitised to racing in the heat, the whole field suffered or many of the runners I spoke with did, myself included.
Although I haven't done a huge number of halfs, this is my favourite by some distance.
As mentioned above the warm weather last year made it harder going than it should have been. It's generally flat - there's a small hill after a mile and a half and a couple of railway bridges but that's about it.
If last year was anything to go by be particularly wary of miles 8-11. A lot of people (myself included) seemed to slow down considerably. I can only assume this was due to a headwind, or failing that some kind of weird Bermuda Triangle factor...
That happened to me as well, was going well until the drink station at 10-miles, then lost loads of time between 10-12miles, before flying at the finish!
The course is nearly all flat - a couple of climbs to cross over railway lines I think, the main one being in the first few miles. There is plenty of room on the road to run but you could be exposed if it is windy as it passes through countryside. Normally fair temperature, might need a T-shirt but not thermals. I really like this race - it will be my 4th year running(!)
Hi everyone, I think this half is the best around the Kent area, properly because it is the last run before the FLM so you know you are fit and it is only 2 hours. I have just check the closing date and it is the 20th Feb is that correct seems a bit early.
I got a paper entry form for Paddock Wood handed out at the Tunbridge Wells Half on Sunday - it says entries received after 25th march will need to collect their number on the day at race HQ. Entries are normally possible on the day as well. It certainly doesn't close for entries on Feb 20th.
Redhead - if you fancy one more race before the FLM, try the Folkestone 10 on Good Friday. If it's not too windy, and you've put the miles in, it's a great chance for a PB!
few familiar faces on this thread,would love to do this, at the moment not too sure, if my son has a rugby tournament will have to pass.have to look around for another 10 mile or 1/2 either the week before or week after.anyone aware of any.
thanks for that tracey,sandy 10 thats the sandy in beds isn't it. i'll look into it. i've also been told about a run in maidenhead on good friday and the thanet run of course on the same day.
To do Dover in the dry, you probably had to beat about 1.25 this year, so you should have no problems, Stellina! Remember that muscles move faster in the warm, too, so the sub 2 is definitely on - especially if you time yourself on your own watch and hit the "stop" button rather than the "split" after 2 miles (like I did last year)!
Entered on-line yesterday....planning 3 weeks of hard training then this one as part of FLM preparation.....can't be as undulating of wet and cold as Dover can it !!!
Comments
Hot weather seems a long way away.
As mentioned above the warm weather last year made it harder going than it should have been. It's generally flat - there's a small hill after a mile and a half and a couple of railway bridges but that's about it.
If last year was anything to go by be particularly wary of miles 8-11. A lot of people (myself included) seemed to slow down considerably. I can only assume this was due to a headwind, or failing that some kind of weird Bermuda Triangle factor...
That happened to me as well, was going well until the drink station at 10-miles, then lost loads of time between 10-12miles, before flying at the finish!
Wasn't it because the course was wrong, my garmin showed I'd done an 8min mile ( think not) and then it shot up to over 11mins.
i'll look into it.
i've also been told about a run in maidenhead on good friday and the thanet run of course on the same day.
Really look forward, hopefully it will not rain.
No race number either and was starting to worry but if it's as you say I'm reassured.
I've had a look at the site and can't find the link you are refering to (this could me losing my marbles) ...could you possibly post the link ????
Looking forward to this one - never done it before but seen some rave reviews
Cheers
Dave