My Great Birmingham Run Experience Vlog

Just a few snippets from the day. It's short and sweet! Hope you enjoy :) 

Harriet x

Why Do I Run?

I run...

To keep fit

So I'm able to eat more ;)

To think

To be alone

To challenge and better myself

For the endorphins. 

<3

Sometimes I need a little reminder of all of the positives running has to offer. 

Why do you run? (Or why don't you?!)

Harriet x

Great Birmingham Run 2014 Goody Bag

Check out what was in this year's Great Birmingham Run goody bag!

Event Review | Great Birmingham Run

One year ago I ran my first half marathon and my first official race. Little did I know, this would be the event to spark a fire. That race was the Great Birmingham Run and this year I took it on again.

Sunday 19th October came around and (I'm sure to everyone's delight) was a bright and fresh morning. My final long training run two weeks beforehand took place on a digustingly grey day in torrential rain so to be able to wear shorts was a great surprise!

Race Day Gear

Just like last year, the atmosphere in the city centre when we arrived was buzzing.  The great thing about this event is that there are also 'Mini' (1.3km) and 'Junior' (2.5km) events for 3-8 and 9-16 year olds respectively. Not only is this an exciting opportunity for these younger athletes to get involved in a large-scale event, but it also sets the scene for the arriving half marathoners. It's the little'ies and their massive smiles who remind me that no matter the time on the clock as you cross the finish line, these events are about having a good time and getting involved.

My aim for my second half marathon was to break the 2 hour barrier. Last year I ran 2 hours 6 minutes and 22 seconds, but with a lot of cross training and more running experience over the past year, I knew I was in much better shape to take on the challenge second time around.

After taking part in a quick warm up, it didn't take long to get to the start line. The first couple of miles are a steady downhill through some fairly narrow streets which makes for a quick start. It's important to make sure that you don't get caught up in the crowd and go off too quickly, but it definitely takes a wee while to find a comfortable spot and get on pace.

The course overall passes some cool landmarks, with Cadbury's World, Edgbaston Stadium and Canon Hill Park (my favourite bit) all on the list. The downside to all this is a little something which  Great Birmingham Run participants refer to as 'The Hill'. Just after the 11 mile marker comes a right hand turn, which hides around it a monster of an incline. As you can see from the the elevation profile below, it just keeps going. I felt much better knowing it was coming this year.. and that there are nice volunteers at the top with tubs of jelly babies!!

Credit: Great Run

The 1km straight stretch to the finish is a joy, lined with lots of supporters and music pumping. The road also flares out and become wide enough for a sprint finish without any interference. It's got to be said, it's the highlight of an overall tough course.

I found it hard work this year and found it a little difficult to get myself going. By mile 5 I had finally kicked the 'this is impossible' attitude, found my stride and started enjoying the race. Birmingham is a great event in terms of supporters, with university students and families lining the streets for the majority of the course. You're never alone and that makes a big difference.

I came in at 1 hour 56 minutes and 49 seconds- a time I could have only dreamed of a year ago! I beat last year's time by 10 minutes and was over the moon. Will I run it again next year..? We'll have to see! If you're interested in taking part entries are now open here. It's a great race for people of all experience levels.

Did anyone else run Birmingham? I'd love to hear about your day!

Quick Hits

The Good Bits

- Supporters are awesome and there are no 'quiet bits' on the course

- A fun atmosphere and good race for first timers

- Lots of hydration available around the course (Lucozade and water)

The Not So Good Bits

- Streets can be narrow 

- The Hill!

- Not a particularly flat course overall (it's a challenge!)

After receiving my official time- "I just ran a PB eeeek!"

Post-run with Mum

Birmingham Half Marathon Preparations!

It's the day before the Birmingham Half Marathon and last minute preparations are in full swing! I'm super excited to be running this race for the second consecutive year.

My check list for today is looking a little something like this:

A Roller Coaster Week of Mail!

My week has been pretty up and down and I must admit, my mood has been largely determined by what's come through my mailbox. There's been an assortment of news, good and bad!

My Birmingham Half Race Number, Runner's World Magazine and London Commiseration Magazine