Richmond Old Deer Park half-marathon, 22 February 2015
It is lovely to start the year strong. I improved my time from the last half-marathon even though I was running without my gps watch and unable to pace myself according to distance and time. The circuit was two identical laps, running around Kew Garden and along the Thames as well as another little park. The marshals were very friendly and cheered for everyone, water was provided on two locations and lots of goodies after the finish. Overall, very well organised and the price was modest, only £24, pretty much the same as the 10k in Greenwich and a lot less than most half-marathons.
I was only running to enjoy myself, like always that is my goal. However, near the turning point for the first lap a women stepped to the side, stretched her calves and then took a shortcut when continuing. The boldness of her cheating in this obvious way made me step up my pace to make sure that at least I would beat her, I did with around 5 minutes to spare. My goal was accomplished. After the race we had Sunday roast in a pub. When I came home I had a nap. I could do this every Sunday!
