Solent Half, 2019

I ran this race twice, back in 2006 and 2007, but memories of it were a bit hazy.  I was full of anticipation and excitement about this one, as I had a proper mission... our good friend Becky was looking for a sub 1 hour 30 minute time to qualify for the London marathon championships, and she had asked me to be her pacer.  I was really excited at the prospect of being part of such a glorious achievement, but also just a little bit scared of fluffing my lines... being a pacer is a proper responsibility.

After a glorious and slightly relentless few weeks of late warmth and sunshine, the day dawned wet after a night of thunderstorms.  The lovely Mrs S and I arrived at the intriguingly-named Gang Warily Sports Centre near Fawley in damp conditions and met up with various Romsey and OS runners in a loud and rather claustrophobic gym hall.  Becky and I agree that I'd keep bang on a 4:10 min/km (which would get us home in sub-1:30) so she had a benchmark to chase if it got tough.

It poured outside for the half hour before the 10am start, but by the time we were ushered outside it was just a drizzle.  Everyone was grimacing a bit as rain landed on bare shoulders (the field was predominately club runners, so a lot of singlets were on display). Vicki, the race director, gave a briefing that no one had a hope of hearing, and we were off.

Becky went off at an ambitious pace around the playing field, and I caught up with her on the road. We'd agreed that to get under 1:30 we should be aiming for a 4:10 min/km pace, but we did the first km in 3:56. But once on the road we got settled into a decent pace.

Approaching Hill Top, the first significant apex of the route, we had an exciting encounter with a couple of loose donkeys, but otherwise it was steady going.  Onwards past Exbury and as the skies lightened we got great views of the Isle of Wight.  We were knocking out consistent 4:02 - 4:06 kms and as we went into the second half it became clear that we had built up time in hand and that we were in a strong position.

The last third has got some interesting hills before getting into the rather dull long drag on a main road back towards Fawley and the finish.  But by this stage Becky really had the bit between her teeth and we lifted the pace.  It was great fun.  And then into the sports field and the final push on the grass to the finish line.

1:25:56 - four minutes ahead of target!  Here are my stats.  It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to run this with Becky and witness a really technically accomplished and gutsy performance from one of Hampshire's best runners.  Just to prove the point, she was also second lady.  And later it transpired that not only had the lovely Mrs S knocked 3  minutes off her half marathon PB, but Becky, Liz and Mrs S had scooped the third female team prize.  Hats off to the ladies!

All smiles from Romsey