Race Debrief

Phew. It’s done! 4 months of training, 250km of runs, countless yoga classes, spin classes and swims. The Kew Half Marathon was such an experience, made sweeter with my Dad at the finish line cheering me on. I love that running is just one of the many things that brings us together. We get it, we know it, we love it.

This race was special because I’ve made so many memories at Kew Gardens, weaving our way around the grounds before heading out onto the river, for a big old ‘out and back’ past Richmond riverside, ending back at Kew to be greeted with a shiny medal and more importantly, a Cadbury’s Creme Egg, it was Easter Sunday after all!

I knew going into this race that pace was less important, that completing the distance and enjoying the stunning surroundings meant more than a sub-whatever time. My fourth half marathon, my second fastest out of the four and by far my favourite because I didn’t pile all this pressure on myself. The goal was the finish line, injury and blister-free, which I succeeded in!

The joy found in now going for runs with a less rigorous structure and big distance goal in the near future (but Royal Parks Half I’m coming for you!) is such a relief. Heading out the door with the fortunate ability to just be able to run and love it, means more than any PB. Runna Coach app has been a total game-changer and I’ll definitely keep using it for my upcoming plans. A gentle 4km run this morning was exactly what I needed to ease my way back in before building up the distances again.

Next up is a local 10k with my Dad in May, which I’m excited to share with him and to have something always on the horizon keeps me motivated. I’d love to get quicker, but with Runna I have the expertise in knowing how to reach my goals safely and sensibly. Not every run has to be a flat-out effort, and that’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned from training for The Kew Half and a lesson I’ll take into every future event I do!