New Forest Half Marathon

Ov. Pos.	Cat. Pos.	Name	Own Time	Official Time
301	SM 148th	Richard Nash	1:41:32 PB	1:41.57
303	M40 46th	Chris Starmer	1:41:35	1:42.00
484	SM 220th	Joe Naughton	1:47:34	1:48.00
556	SW 35th	Katy Nash	1:50.28 PB	1:50.54
801	M50 62nd	Grayhame Fish	1:59.50	2:00.18
847	W50 9th	Anne Fish	2:02.58 PB	2:03.24

There were 1176 finishers for the Half Marathon.

Race Reports

This was the club weekend away. It was a big shame that many could not make the trip this year as not only was the race very enjoyable but the whole weekend was a giggle from start to finish.

Others from the club did come down to support like Jan and Denise whose husbands ran in the half marathon, but also Karen, Heidi and their partners making the big trip down to support. So in all there were 12 of us.

Katy, Richard, Karen & Sean made the trip down on the Friday night to the caravan site not far from Bournemouth. After a quick tour of the campsite to find the facilities, we ended up at the smokey club house for the evening. A loud disco and about 200 kids with parents accompanied our cafe style dinner. Later on a cabaret show hosted by an ex Stars-in-their-Eyes competitor entertained the campers whilst we whiled the evening away playing pool. Richard however had a brief moment of fame being spotted and singled out by the host doing a silly dance to one of the numbers! Don't do embarrassed!

Saturday morning was far more relaxed. Prior to the rest of the Striders arrival we went for a gentle 3 mile jog around the forest spotting colourful birds and foxes. Karen & Sean went to workout in the gym and the rest chilled in the sun and chatted. By 3pm everyone had arrived and settled in.

Having booked an Italian restaurant in Bournemouth, we hit the town taking in the sites of the waterfront, pier, amusements and ice cream (yum). This was the time of night in Bournemouth when local men went around in nurses uniforms and girls wore very little. Even the pubs seemed to have strange vending machines in the toilets selling sexy snakes that buzz!?

Unabashed we had our meal and a few drinks before returning back to the camp site. Gathering in one caravan, with Jan being a great source of entertainment and Grayhame's tea-making abilities, we chatted and laughed into the night.

The next morning was race day. Nerves were showing (Jo missing the turning and many toilet stops) as we gathered for the start of the race. The gun went off and 25 seconds later we were across the start line. Over 1100 runners started slowly through the town of New Milton with many supporters cheering. Chris and I waved back thinking every cheer was for us!

Chris decided to keep me company being that this was my first half marathon and that he had done no training... well actually only Katy and I did any training for this and we wanted a good time! Slowly the town was left behind and supporters filtered out into odd pockets cheering and clapping. Whole lines of cars were stopped while grumpy drivers waited for us to pass.

Up a big long hill brought us into the New Forest, wild horse played and ran alongside watching us crazy runners. Jan, Denise and Heidi walked to parts of the forest to support while Karen & Sean rode out and across the New Forest.

About half way round, we were cheered on by Katy's family who had come over from the Isle of Wight to support. Chris was still pace-making me and we were still on for our 8 minute pace. Feeling pretty good at this stage I decided to pick up the pace a little starting to pass many runners who were already feeling tired. Seeing our Stowmarket Striders cheer leaders again helped to keep me going, running the second 6 miles nearly 4 minutes quicker than the first.

Nearing the end of the race, I was feeling the pace. However Chris allowed no respite constantly talking to me, picking the pace back up if I slowed. Back into town and with less than a mile to go, I kicked down to a fast finish in front of all the crowds (and a surprise visit from Katy's aunt & uncle!). I was ecstatic! This was not only my first half marathon, but also a fantastic time for me and I still felt great!!

For this I express a MASSIVE thank you to Chris Starmer for his company and support throughout the race.

Over the next 20 minutes the other striders came in. Katy got a PB too but the others felt a little more training would have meant this race to be a little less painful!

After the race and a picnic with Katy's parents, Katy and I met back up with the others at the camp site. Sadly Chris & Jan, Karen & Sean had left for home, so the rest of us took to the leisure pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. This was a nice way to ease those muscles after the race... Well that and Heidi's personal massages!

To satisfy one of Heidi's desires, we ate that night back in Bournemouth at 'Harry Ramsdens' for some good 'ol Fish & Chips. A little tired we headed back to our caravans to relax. The girls in the group kicked the boys out to the bar to have their girly chats, though Rich did manage to infiltrate as a honorary girl to catch the gossip. Believe me, they have far dirtier minds than men discussing the size of men's genitalia just before the drunken boys returned! Though Jo did go missing for a while, hummmm??

This was a very enjoyable weekend, full of friendly bantering, laughs and for me, personal achievement. I also feel I know 10 other people a bit better now and cannot wait for the next Stowmarket Striders weekend away next year... the more the merrier!

Rich