Bracknell Half Marathon, 11 May 2025

Initially my plans for this race were to run it hard, I've been running well and thought I would be able to get a PB. However, after a big week riding in Girona, a swimming competition the day before and warm weather predicted, I adjusted my expectations for race day. The plan was still to go out hard, but not be disappointed if the heat/fatigue from the week got the better of me and I had to slow the pace. This was not an A race, just a great local race with friends and family, so no reason to give myself heat-stroke from emptying the tank. The plan was to run 9 minutes and walk 30 seconds, this was for two reasons - generally I tend to run better in intervals and I prefer to walk to drink/eat - this also meant that my heart rate would be able to settle back down again (important in the heat).

Grateful for an earlier start than other runs; the gun went at 08:45 and we immediately had a gradual incline (a theme for the entire run) - the pace initially felt a little tricky, and my breathing took a while to settle (but maybe that was just the incline and hustle and bustle of the start!), but within the first 9 minute segment we found my rhythm. Then for the first walk, taking on some electrolytes (getting them in early to hopefully not pay the price later). The first few miles were rolling ascents and descents, with some lengthy uphill sections, here I didn't worry about my pace slowing too much as I knew I could then gain again on the descents. Miles 1 through 5 were really good, and my legs felt comfortable and run/walk was working, then miles 6 through 8/8.5 were hard, there was little shade and the sun was getting hot - here I slowed to a more comfortable pace, pouring water on me at the water stations and taking water on from the lovely public who turned out to support! I thought this was the point of no return and I would just have to survive the heat until the end, but fortunately we then had about a 5k section mostly through the woods and shade (winning!) although it did come with a lovely incline at mile 9. No matter, my body (and head) began to feel better so I picked up the pace again - my legs also felt surprisingly good given the crazy week. As I had a plan set on my watch, I had no overall time, so just kept plugging away - mile 11 the legs began to go, but someone mentioned I was still showing lovely form, which is always nice to hear (particularly as I would not say I usually hold good form), and this helped spur me on. More underpasses and little uphills, we got to the last long climb up after mile 12 (killer!), but from there you know it's almost over. I dug deep, with the legs burning and was able to continue forward. Rounding into the home stretch, the atmosphere was incredible (the structure of the Lexicon amplifies the noise), so this carried me home for a sprint finish and I crossed the line - I checked my watch and it said 1:49:59 (mad!!) but waiting for the chip time was agony to see if I had gone sub 1:50. A few hours later, the official result came through 1:49:55 - WOW! I never thought I could get that, particularly on such a rolling course (617 ft elevation), a hot day and after a big week - so I am stoked!

Lottie Lindsley