This year we saw a record number of Pegs taking part in the half marathon. A number of runners were raising money for various charities including Mind, Macmillan and The Dogs Trust. Out on the course we saw many more charities being supported and a few interesting costumes. This year we also had 3 first time half marathon runners and here is what they had to say:
“Well, now what?
This half marathon had been giving me mild anxiety and taking up a surprising amount of head space for months. Training was going OK, 3 club runs a week and longer ones at weekends. I’d built up to a couple of 12 milers and was thinking for the first time I would be OK doing the distance. Life was good.
The last couple of weeks before the half the wheels fell off my training. A combination of drink, feeling poorly and work meant I missed the last couple of weeks of club training, and did little else. The Friday before the half I went for a panic 5k and came home early feeling a bit ill. I recalibrated my targets from times to just making it to the start line and trying to stay in front of Helen (sorry Helen).
On Sunday I was feeling much better, but clearly still looking nervous as Sally grabbed my cheeks (face) and told me not to worry, it would be OK. She was, as always, correct.
I couldn’t believe how big an event it was and how many runners there were. I’d always avoided the city centre when it was on before and hadn’t realised the scale of the whole thing. It was, and remained the whole way round, busy. I hadn’t anticipated that you would be avoiding other runners the whole way round. We got under way, and it all went well… after a slow start my watch was of the opinion, I was on my approximate target pace (6 mins per km / 10 min mile zone). Life was once again good.
Until about Roath Park. Veterans had told me of the horror and slog of it, but I’d been there before, seen ducks, and was sure they were wrong. They were not. I lost my will to live on the first uphill and only found it again when I got to the pub after.
That whole bit around the Roath riviera once again saw me re-calibrating my target from times to just ‘I’m not going to stop’ . My head was basically ‘not going to stop, not going to stop. Really want to stop, not going to stop’ for about 40 minutes.
The veterans had also told me about the support; how good it is and how it keeps you going. They were not wrong. I think it was Cardiff at its best. The crowds and the bands and the occasional very loud Peg kept me going.
I was very, very pleased to get to the final straight where I was loudly cheered by my daughters so did what I will laughingly call a sprint for the line, I did try to use the arms though, honest.
I had a little bit of light-headedness / swimming vision once I’d finished which was new to me, so I’d obviously put some effort in somewhere.
I met some other Pegs as soon as I finished and then met up with the family before making our way to the Café. It was lovely to see everyone there and I managed to force a beer down, so was obviously fully recovered by then.
On balance I was happy with my time (2:09) which was just ahead of the 10 min mile target. I found the whole thing harder than I’d hoped, but that I suppose wasn’t too surprising.
So, what now? I wasn’t doing it again when I was at Roath Park. I really wasn’t sure I’d do it again on Tuesday. It’s now Wednesday and I’m thinking I might have another pop next year…if I can keep the training up.
And as others have said, thanks to the club. I’d never have done this or enjoyed (some of) it without you. The club have really put the fun and the discipline into running for me, so thank you all and see you at the start next year (possibly)!”
Thank you, Grant.
“In 2022 I cheered on my aunt as she finished the Cardiff Half Marathon and absolutely loved the atmosphere. This is a race for all ages, all shapes and sizes and all abilities. So, I decided I’d sign up! Thanks to a training program I slowly worked on building up the distance over several months. On the day of the race I loved the excitement and encouragement from both spectators and other runners. It was a fun and enjoyable day to be out running with fabulous views of the marina, bay area and Roath Park. Although I had tired legs at the end of 21 kms I had a happy heart from being part of a fun and special day!
Special thanks to the fabulous members of Pegasus Running Club for encouragement and support! They truly are brilliant people who are both encouraging and inclusive!”
Thank you, Carol.
“Shortly after joining the Pegasus RC in June, I was soon signing up for my first half marathon. The club gave me the confidence and support in my ability leading up to the big day.
Then came race day, which I ran for the Charity ‘The Dogs Trust’.
Overwhelmed is an understatement, the biggest race I’ve ever participated in, and the crowds of support was out of this world. I’d trained to get to that day, but I’m glad I allowed myself to soak up the atmosphere and loved every mile of my first half. It’s definitely given me the bug to compete in further halves, and who knows, one day, my first full.”
Thank you, Lynda.
Some amazing stories here and we are so proud of all your efforts, from the old timers to the newbies. Keep training and keep running. It won’t always go the way we want it and we have to take the rough with the smooth but being part of a running club means we get support and encouragement along the way.
Here’s to the next one!
