Shakespeare Half Marathon, Stratford-upon-Avon 2004

[suzieq]

Hello Nigel,

Thanks for your 'kind' words on completing the half, but you probably know how disappointing it would feel to make that decision. Sometimes the body doesn't give you much of a choice though.

And I found the course rather hilly! Even though you said only two hills, with one being not very nice - it felt like there were more inclines than that. I actually remembered what you wrote in your marathon write-up after running this marathon - how you had trained for the hills and were passing people as you continued running up...it was tough. I hate hills at the best of times and especially when I'm feeling hot and tired. I didn't let them beat me though and managed to run them all - very slowly.

I think it would be a wonderful route if you could only do it in the early morning. It's very peaceful running in the country, I felt miles away from everything.

And I did enjoy the weekend there, although it was very low key. Got to see Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre which was great. It really is a lovely little town...next time I visit it I'll be able to participate more in everything (which would include having a pint or two in a local pub).

I'm going to try to do the Calgary marathon in July (starts at 7:00 a.m.). I didn't run for two weeks after doing the half on April 25th, but should be ok I think.