Race Report: Cardiff Half Marathon

 

The Cardiff Half is a race I’ve entered 3 times but only run once and that was yesterday!  Having been injured on and off for what feels like forever, I was determined to get this race done once and for all.  

 

I’d set myself a fairly ambitious goal of 1:45, and was placed in the green pen just behind the sub elites and speedy 1:30 white pen.  Training had gone reasonably well but I wasn’t confident that I could get my time.  I wanted to get under 1:48 and secure a PB at the very least.

 

The race start is located by the majestic Cardiff Castle, despite the drizzly rain spirits were high and we were treated to a rendition of the Welsh national anthem.  Thankfully, the rain didn’t last and it stayed dry throughout the race.  The Welsh weather gods were listening to my prayers!

 

I ran an average of 4:50/kms for the first 4 kms, which was a bit punchy by my standards but I feel comfortable.  I had a nagging doubt that banking time might be foolish but I cracked on regardless.  I took my energy chews every 5km and sipped on my electrolyte drink, things felt good.  I saw my family at 6-7km which spurred me on, then I ran across the Cardiff Bay Barrage.  Before I knew it I was running past the pretty Norwegian Church and then through Cardiff Bay.  

 

Around at 15km, it started to get painful, my shins were on fire and I knew it was going to be tough.  My pace has slowed to around 5:20/km and I calculated that I still would have a time I was happy with but only just.  I pushed on, cursing the hill at about 19km.  I somehow picked up speed and gave it everything to the finish.  The relief at the end was immense 

I would definitely recommend doing the Cardiff Half, it’s fast and flat (except that for that sneaky hill at the end), perfect for getting a PB.  It’s a big race with 22,407 finishers this year, yet despite the large number of runners it didn’t feel overwhelming.  There’s plenty of lively entertainment and crowd support to keep you motivated when things start to hurt.  The race itself is extremely well organised and is part of the Super Half series which is gaining popularity.