One "Hel" of a Weekend

…it has been a crazy few months and the 12 weeks training plan for Cardiff Half Marathon was somewhat taken over by the exciting planning for Badass Mother Runners

I was lucky to get a place this year only because I signed up for the double distance (Newport Marathon and Cardiff Half Marathon).  The Newport Marathon is a saga all on its own and something I don't like to talk about 😜

So the big weekend arrived.  Saturday was a drive to Bath - what a beautiful place, my first time visiting.  Driving up the hill to the YHA - we could be in our own Jane Austin novel - my son calls to ask where his football boots are.  It is too much to ask for a day OFF?!  This is the main reason why I run.

The walk, although somewhat blustery but dry, was a great way to view Bath - it’s called the Bath Skyline Walk for a reason - and we managed to ignore the intrusive thoughts and not hug the cows.  I really enjoyed chatting and getting to know everyone better.  I got some really good advice on my next big adventure (sorry Mom, I’m doing another Ultra).  I was gutted to leave the girls early but judging by all the photos a good time was had by all!

I got home in time for food and an early night in preparation for the half. The training hadn’t gone according to plan. I hadn’t managed any long runs, just lots of short tempo, fast and interval runs.  I know I am stubborn enough to run it but that elusive PB might be out of reach.

Plan A) aim for a PB, B) match previous PB, C) enjoy myself.  Well, it was soon obvious plan A wasn’t going to happen - which I was actually upset about as it could be the last time I run the Cardiff Half due to the ballot, but plan B was still a possibility.  This was until I saw one of the pacers catch and pass me - which made C harder to do!  But as ever the support around the course (and on the phone, thanks Beth) lifted my spirits to make sure plane C was achieved.  So I made some videos - accidentally with no sound, which about sums up my experience 😂

The best thing someone ever said to me after a race was “did you have a good race”, and on reflection yes I did, the sun was out (after the storm), the support was amazing and my body is awesome for what it achieved. And that’s the most important thing, at Badass we care about finish lines, not finish times, so much so we're bringing back the t-shirt!

Love, Helen xx