Sunderland Half Marathon, 20 Jun 2021

This was to be only the 2nd properly timed half marathon 'race' I'd done. I was pretty hopeful for a good time and was looking forward to what was advertised as a flat course to try to post a time that would qualify me for the elite entry for the Great North Run.

All week the weather forecast had been for heavy rain... so on the Sunday morning, I turn up with my space blanket to keep me warm before the start, only for the clouds to clear and the sun to appear!

I was a late entry, so I had to start right at the back with the slower runners. The first 6 miles was spent running in and out of people, sidestepping, and not having a solid rhythm. Nevertheless I felt good, and went through half way in about 42 minutes.

Passing my support at 9 miles with some jelly babies gave me a small boost, but it couldn't resurrect the pain I felt from 9 miles onwards. This section was really undulating, twisty, and generally awful!

I finished in a 7 minute PB of 1hr28, and an overall position of 6th woman. The time was a little off what I was hoping for, but given the circumstances and difficult course, I was happy. And ice cream on the beach after was certainly a highlight of the day!

I love the long distances and that's a testimony to Tim's coaching and training to help me over the long and painful miles at the end! My next half will be at the end of a 70.3...I'm not sure it'll be quite so quick!

Sarah Harding