Lived in Bristol for a couple of years and, along with Sydney, was the happiest time of my life. Actually very sad re-visiting, but there you go.
Before travelling out to Europe I had a look to see if there were any interesting races to do as a tune up for Berlin and spotted this one. Hadn't planned to visit Bristol, but this was reason enough and thought I might be able to catch up with old mates Tim Howes and Ben Greatorex and, maybe, Matt and Howard. However the former were on holidays/Aberdeen, the latter had food poisoning. So here I am, entertaining myself by writing this race report in "Start the Bus". Tom Ager also on holiday, but caught up with him and family at Bird's nest in Sessay.
Bristol was also the first race Victoria ran. I got her into running, but she really got into it and subsequently got me into races. At the time I couldn't think of anything worse. She did an amazing job and I was very proud, she's only ever got better since. I seem to recall she ran it earlier in the year though so don't know if it's changed date or there are two. The course certainly seems to be roughly the same as she told me she'd done.
My plan was to run at roughly 100 minute pace with a "quick" final 5k or so. Aiming marathon pace. Trouble is that my watch has broken so decided to run with the 1hr40 pacer and kick on from ten miles.
Weird running with mile markers. I was constantly thinking, "bloody hell, these kilometre flags seem spread out".
Started from Millennium Square and then a 7 mile out and back under the suspension bridge. Actually really enjoyed running at a relaxed pace and taking it all in. I think it's a slight uphill out and downhill back.
Almost got my numbers wrong and was about to take off at 8 miles before remembering that wasn't 5km from the end. Had a little chat with the pacer, but kept it brief as I know people with a pacer are often after PBs/working hard and the last thing I've ever wanted to hear is somebody running comfortably/chatting.
10 mile came and I said a quiet thanks to Dom, the pacer, before increasing my own pace. Tricky without a watch and my splits were a little random. Was passing a lot of people and felt a bit bad. Some were struggling and I could hear the odd curse as I went past.
The last third is actually quite tough. Headwind, very twisty (to avoid all the construction/roadwork in the city centre), and the odd hill. I'd forgotten about the one next to Castle Park which took a bit of the wind out my sails.
Last mile really dragged and I was happy to get it done in 1:38:xx (according to my phone). Crossed just under 1hr40 gun time.
Cold and windy and I got back to the hotel asap.
Sounds like some great times at Blackmore's today, but haven't had chance to take them all in. Neil won his age group, CT third in his (despite only pacing 80 minutes), and Scotty smashed another 31:xx 10km. I have a bet with Timmy that he won't go under 30 minutes, but I'm starting to feel less confident than that.
Timmy ran an "easy" 91 minutes...but it looked anything but from the pictures I've seen!
I'm going to try and do a Berlin prediction post this week, headline being I think 3hr is out of reach, but I should become the fastest housemate. Finally knock the bird off his perch.
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