Milton Keynes Half - 8 March

Milton Keynes Half - 8 March

Another fairly local race that I've never done before.  It seemed an odd mix of seeming to be a big and small race, possibly because it wasn't organised by a running club.

The first thing we noticed - beyond the long queue of cars to reach the venue - was that there were no yellow signs guiding us there.  But that didn't matter because we'd received detailed step-by-step instructions in the post.

The HQ was at the Open University campus, although everyone was crammed into a small reception area, so it was a good job the weather was good.  There was a baggage area - but it was just the upstairs area of the HQ, and nothing was labelled, or attended.  I heard afterwards that some people claimed their bags were stolen, which I suppose wouldn't have been difficult.

There were lots of arrows painted on the floor pointing the right direction - but there was a significant absence of marshalls at some vital points, which could have led to trouble (in fact, judging by some of the comments on the Runners World forum, some people did go wrong).  Someone not far in front of me nearly missed a turn in the last mile until I shouted at him (not very competitive, I know, but my conscience wouldn't let me get away with anything else).

It was a good course for spectating, too, since we kept running near the HQ.  There were even spectator maps designed for the supporters.

Overall, I enjoyed the race.  It probably deserves its reputation of being a fast course, but the strong winds made that difficult this time.  In particular, I remember seeing the 10 mile mark and preparing to look at my watch for a split time, and then not seeming to get any closer to it.  The moment I got to the lamp post with the 10 mile sign on it, a huge gust of wind came along and I felt like I was going backwards!  Statto reckons that the wind would have made about a minute's worth of difference, and who am I to argue with him?

Speaking of which...  In the last mile I could see that I wasn't going to reach my 1:20 target and so gave up a bit.  I crossed the finish line, not unhappy with 1:21.  I only had enough time to stop and catch my breath when a cheery voice behind me said 'Hello, Gary!'  I'd forgotten all about Statto.  He hadn't eased off at all in the last mile - far from it - and finished only half a minute behind me.  That could have been nasty.  Forgetting he was there showed a shameful lack of respect, which I suppose I'm making amends for by mentioning it now, and I really will try not to let him finish anywhere near me in future!

And strangely, before the race (and this was all Martyn's fault) I got interviewed by someone from Three Counties Radio, who was running his first half marathon.  Thankfully it wasn't live, and it probably won't be broadcast because I didn't make much sense.  But I did give him the simplest, but best, piece of advice I know: don't set off too fast.  Of course, you only ever realise that's good advice after you don't take it.