'Saved' Coventry half proves a real winner

Front runners: waiting for the start.

Event: Half marathon
Location: Coventry, West Midlands
Date: 19/03/17

WHAT a fantastic experience! The Coventry Half this morning was simply brilliant.

The week leading up to the event hadn't exactly gone to plan. Fearing that if I pushed a 'niggle' in my leg too far I would be out of the event before it even started, I did no running whatsoever (even though the 'schedule' showed a couple of outings).

The thinking was: rest and recovery - then at least there'd be a chance of actually completing (surviving?) the course.

I did drink more water than normal, however, to aid hydration. No point guzzling gallons minutes before the run! But apart from that, kept to my usual diet.

Village buzz: a busy Race Village at Coventry half.

I'd read about loading up with carbs, so had pasta the night before. With hindsight, perhaps not the best move; felt stodgy in the morning. Would perhaps have been better a couple of nights ahead of the run. But as this was my first HM, it was just finding out what worked, or what didn't.

The other part of the plan was: early night, good solid sleep, wake up bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and raring to go. Well, the 'raring to go' bit was ok, but the other elements weren't quite as envisaged. My 'inner athlete' remained a little bleary eyed.

Talking to others, I learned that a number of them had also suffered a restless night; so perhaps it was that heightened anticipation (if not the pasta!).

Excitement builds: Runners gather at the start of the event.

Any nerves were quelled by the buzz of excitement, however, with the Race Village outside Coventry Transport Museum heaving with runners and others, supporters gathering along the route, and the PA system pushing out music, updates and instructions. It was a great atmosphere.

I was just thankful I didn't have to join the queues for the loos

Loo queues: Waiting for the Portaloos before the run. 

The field built up as those taking part made their way to the pens indicating their expected completion times. Being in the crowd, muscles twitching ready for the start, adds to the thrill of the event.

At the ready: Waiting for the off at Coventry half marathon.

There was an air of ceremony as Coventry Lord Mayor Lindsley Harvard, Cllr Abdul Salam Khan and the city's own Olympic champion Dave Moorcroft OBE, former 5,000 meters world record holder, launched the proceedings.

The day was overcast, blustery in parts, with a slight chill in the air early on, but things soon warmed up once the run started.

The course begins with a lap around the city centre, before moving out, along a gradual uphill stretch (Holyhead Road) - followed by steeper slopes as you ease into the countryside.

After one quite taxing incline, there were heartfelt murmurs of 'aaah, it's downhill from now on!' Alas, more wishful thinking than reality, as there were a few more undulating climbs before the final stretch - which, to the relief of many, was actually downhill!

To be fair, there's nothing really that gruelling, but it's the steady drain on energy that has its effect.

Seeing the kaleidoscope of colours as runners snaked their way along narrow country lanes, against a backdrop of cloud-smudged blue sky and sheep peacefully grazing in the fields at around miles 5 to 8 (Washbrook Lane and Bridlebrook Lane) was heavenly. There was nowhere I'd rather have been on a Sunday morning.

I was proud to run alongside a group of club colleagues. Although you're running as an individual, wearing your 'team' strip creates a great bond - and a shared experience of pounding the miles.

Gathering support: Onlookers begin to line the route.
Below: Runners and supporters before the run.

Public support was fantastic. People lined virtually the entire route - even at the more remote spots. One onlooker called out cheerfully: 'You must be mad. You're all mad!' We smiled insanely, and pushed on!

An encouraging sight was the number of youngsters involved, with their families, cheering, high-fiving - and giving out enough jelly babies to populate a nation! A massive thanks must go to them, and everyone who made the effort to turn up and give their support. Such enthusiasm is uplifting.

Some of the loudest encouragement came from running buddies from my own club, Massey Ferguson. They were that animated and vocal, they'd have drowned out a Force 10 Gale, let alone a mere gust or two. I think they'd been at the jelly babies! Thanks gang!

And, of course, a big shout out for the amazing volunteers, marshals and other helpers - such as the police cadets. Without them, the event simply wouldn't be possible. After runners have enjoyed the glow of achievement and collected their medals, the crowds dispersed and calm once more descends, there's the clearing up to do! The army of volunteers who get stuck into that, away from the limelight, deserve our respect and thanks.

One final point. This year's HM may not have taken place at all if it hadn't been for the city council, who stepped in to save the event after last year's organisers pulled out. They did the city proud. Well organised, well promoted, Coventry's Half Marathon lives to run another day.

This was my first-ever half marathon. Time: 2h 5m 24s.

I couldn't have wished for a more enjoyable initiation!

Better start planning for the next one, while that niggle holds out!

Me (yes, with the flattering hair and cool dress sense) and 
my friend Jill with medals after completing our first 
half marathon in Coventry.

For a detailed description of the route, click here.

Off track - one week before half marathon

Event: Half marathon training
Location: Coventry, West Midlands
Date: 12/03/17

JUST one week to go before my very first half marathon - in Coventry.

I had a 'gulp' moment when I realised it was so close. It seemed a good idea at the time!

Since then, I've been following a 'sort of' training programme, where I've taken a published schedule, and adapted it to my needs and commitments.

Parkruns have been substituted for some tempo runs, for example (even though on the 'plan' it has Saturday - parkrun day - as rest).

Spring bloom: Beautiful cherry blossom at
Coventry's War Memorial Park.

I've been adapting long runs as I go along and juggling other days as and when.

In general, using a plan has been helpful. At least it gives a structure to work to.

But, as a late-late starter to running, and having very quickly run myself into IT band injury in the 'early days,' I'm trying to be a little more 'sensible,' and - as all the literature advises - listen to my body!

So after an exhilarating Coventry parkrun yesterday, including an adrenalin-fired finale with around nine or 10 of us sprinting shoulder-to-shoulder for the finish line, and a few niggles around my heel and right knee today, I made the decision to remain housebound.

At one with nature: Running along an avenue 
of cherry blossom.

It's frustrating, as I've been itching to 'get out there' and do a final long run before 'HM Day,' but I'm working on the principle that under-trained is better than over-trained. Forcing a run now, and possibly exacerbating the niggles, could mean being out of action altogether. And I'd rather have a slow run than no run!

I 'accidentally' completed 16 miles last weekend after wind and rain whipped up and I ended up soaked, freezing and missing a turning on to a road I was intending to follow. Yes, I don't know where I was looking at the time. It was just a 'head down against the elements' moment!

But one of the masochistic pleasures of this kind of activity, is that it doesn't matter how far out you go, you've got to come all the way back again. And it's down to you. So if you're cold, wet, hungry, tired, it doesn't matter. Unless you really do reach a point of desperation where you have to call for help, there's only one person who can do anything about it - you! And you just keep going!

Some of the route last week was littered with fallen branches and had disappeared under a quagmire of squelching, oozing mud. Not the most pleasant of experiences.

At least it gave me some confidence that I could grapple with the 13-odd miles of a half. I hope.

Training for the HM has not been entirely as I might have expected. I haven't followed the plan as closely as I thought I might (and as the experts often seem to advocate!) though I have managed to complete a reasonable range of running activities; and my caffeine and chocolate intake still leaves much to be desired.

But then, I have engaged in a wider range of running than I might otherwise have done, and have certainly gone further than I ever thought possible.

Sharing the experience with my friend Jill, also running the half  (her first as well), has been helpful. We've been able to swap running tales and keep tabs on what training - or not - we've managed to squeeze in.

So we'll see. I'm looking forward to meeting my Massey Ferguson running buddies and other friends at the start. Last year I was a marshal looking on. This year, it'll be interesting to experience the miles from the track itself!

Know your number: Exciting when you get your
run number through - makes it real!

Running note

Coventry City Council deserve a massive thanks for their involvement in this year's event.

There were fears that it would be axed after the previous organisers chose not to renew their contract. Thankfully, the council stepped in with both cash and resources, enabling it to go ahead.

So if it hadn't been for the council, there would probably have been no half!

Last year, an estimated 4,000 runners took part, raising money for local and national charities and good causes.

Council support: Letter from Abdul Salam Khan,
Deputy Leader, Coventry City Council,
welcoming people to the Half Marathon.

Blustery 10k made for a lively run around the water

Warmth in numbers: Ready to go at a cold and windy Draycote Water.

Event: 10k
Location: Draycote Water, near Rugby, Warwickshire
Date: 26/02/17

IT was a cold and blustery start to the Draycote Water 10k.

As we shivered on the exposed perimeter path to the reservoir, we hoped the sustained blast that was whipping faces and biting through clothing would become a tailwind and boost running times! Alas, that was not to be.

One of the group quipped: 'We've actually paid to do this,' and carried on shivering!

Straight run: On the way to the start. The track on the right was the
return route to the finish - it seemed a long way!

I was with my Massey Ferguson Running Club colleagues - and my son - in a total field of 482. Some had run a 10k here in January, when there was sleet as well. Earlier in the week, of course, Storm Doris, had also stirred up the water.

In some respects, we were quite lucky; there was neither sleet nor Doris to contend with. But it did feel as though some boisterous younger sibling of Doris was trying to get in on the act. I've since heard that it's always quite blustery at Draycote, even on a good day.

The man-with-the-megaphone was working hard to deliver advice and instructions, but from our position we were unable to hear what he was saying. The wind spirited his words away as soon as they were uttered.

Not that it mattered. When you're lined up with nearly 500 others all ready for the off, you pick up the gist of what's happening. And, after all, there was was only one way to go!

There was the usual banter as we shuffled around. Even in the cold, you get that 'warm feeling' as part of that human mass all eager to get moving.

Blustery start: A chilly and windswept wait.

And then we were off. Slowly at first, but gradually gathering pace as people got into their stride.

The course at Draycote is described as 'predominantly flat.' But don't let that fool you. In run-organiser speak, just as some terrain classed as 'undulating' can mean anything from a gentle slope to a killer mountain (ok, so it feels like a mountain), so 'predominantly' flat can mean just that - but it doesn't mean 'entirely' flat.

And when your legs are tired and you're battling against a mini gale determined to stop you in your tracks, those slopes can become a challenge.

To be fair, they aren't too bad. There are some runners who probably wouldn't even notice them, and they're nothing at all like those you can encounter with off-road trails, but they are there!

The camaraderie and mutual support at these events is inspiring. One runner confessed and offered thanks - as he overtook me, I hasten to add - that he'd been close behind and using me as a shield against the wind. Aaaah! It's nice to feel useful!

I tried to take in a view across the reservoir - might as well enjoy the scenery while running around it - but it wasn't that easy. Simply concentrating on the course was enough.

The last stretch - nearly a mile, I guess, depending on where you measure from - was perhaps the toughest. You could see the finish line ahead of you, but getting there seemed never ending, as you battled against the elements along the arrow-straight path.

The man-with-the-megaphone again (forgot to get his name, but he deserves a gold star. He was brilliant!) was encouraging people to wave their arms and smile for the camera. What? Wave our arms and smile for the camera?

There was more grimace than smile, and it was as much as you could do to keep your eyes on the course and stay upright. If you'd started waving your arms, you'd have been in danger of taking off. Mind you, that would have given your legs some respite!

Once over the finish line it was goody bag, medal and T-shirt time. I liked the 'bling.' Quite 'refined' and understated compared to some. But that adds to its appeal.

Red and white: Massey Ferguson runners eager for the off

The course director did a fantastic job keeping the enthusiasm going, and rallying support for runners still crossing the finish line. He probably used as much energy directing the crowd as he would have running the 10k!

Cheers and applause are infectious and can give you that extra boost when running. It made for a rousing finish!

The event, run by Race Organiser Management Service, was lively and well organised. It was my first run at Draycote. Would I do it again?

You bet - though next time it would be nice if the wind blew in the opposite direction!

All smiles: T-shirts and medals after the run.

• For another report of the run, click here.
• For this year's list of running events at Draycote Water, click here. 

Refined 'bling:' Draycote 10k medal.