Stafford Half Marathon 2012

Created on Sunday, 08 April 2012 Written by David Hetherington

Wow, where to start? It has been a long time since I have written a race report actually up until nearly 2 months ago I had forgotten how to run, some would say I still dont know ;-)

Those of you that know me regard me as a quiet, shy guy who would not say boo to a goose, not!!! I have effectively been away for nearly two years in Sheffield but still travelling to work in Tamworth on a daily basis, believe me it takes its toll. Unfortunately this meant I did not have much time free to run but circumstances change as they often do in life and Im back in Staffordshire.

I only really started running again in mid February and planned to get back into my running gradually, of course this did not happen. A place was available in the Stafford Half Marathon as pointed out to me by Rob 'Sick Note' Lloyd ;-) Im sure this was a bad idea considering I only just got back into running but since when have I used my common sense ;-) No more rambling from me, back to the race although I dont ever really race, I just do it (Nike quote).

It was a beautiful day, hot and sunny, personally I would have preffered it to be cold and wet but thats just me being weird. I was picked up in the morning by Mr Griffiths who was kind enough to give me a lift, brave man ;-) We met up with so many Harriers before the start, it was reported 25 were running.

I was pretty excited and yet nervous at the start but did not feel pressurised as I only planned to finish the race, no real time in mind although I would have been happy to get below 2 hours. My pb for the Stafford Half is 1:37.

Mr Phil Cowely was using the race as part of his training run. He ran 10 miles before the race and the poor guy agreed to run with me during the race, another brave man ;-) Anyway back to the race.

The race started and we all set off. Phil was my pace maker during the race (8:30 min/mile), although he didnt know it. He often said 'David, take your foot off the pedal' , if I had pedals I would have got round the course quicker ;-) We had some good banter, putting the world to rights as we went round the course. The support from the crowds was amazing and there were so many people out. There was huge support from Harriers members on the road side, including Deka and Steve Burnham (Bad Spelling?). Steve apparently has a good picture of me but I dont believe that for a minute. At Milford Yvonne, Neil and other Harrier members were supporting. I ran past them but could not resist going back and doing a Rob 'Sick Note' Lloyd high five down the line, I am sorry Im sure it was embarassing for you guys.

When we got to 10miles Phil, the brave man Cowley told me to push on as he was shattered and wanted to rest for a minute; remember he had hit 20miles at this point. I actually believe that he had had enough of me, I can understand that, imagine what its like for me. Anyway I did as I was told and pushed on.

My speed increased in the last few miles and particularly the last mile. As I got quicker I passed Colin, Darren and Chris within site of the finish line almost. As always I went for my signature sprint finish, I must be an Exabishenist (Have I spelt that right?). These sprint finishes are never a good idea but as I said common sense and Mr Hetherington dont mix ;-) Anyway I had a mad 200m sprint finish passing many runners, taking one on the line I think! Yes victory I finished my first race in nearly two years and Im still alive, Result! Once I passed the line and stopped I really did feel trashed, hung around the Saint Johns ambulance people just incase but after a few minutes I was all good.

I finished in 1:51, not a great time for me but good considering I only just got back into running. The important thing is I finished the race and more importantly in one piece, phew!!!!

Thanks go to all the guys and gells who welcomed me back to the running club and supported me in so many different ways,your all stars.

Congratulations to all the Harriers who took part and thank you again for all the support club members gave.

Please check out the Gallery for images and videos

Happy Running

David