Xmas Report
An awesome xmas period to celebrate the best career and life decision!
So nearly 2 years ago I interviewed for the job in the Caribbean and now I can simply say it was the best decision of my life. I have learnt to so much about myself and most importantly I have met the girl of my dreams who I will soon marry! ...I have also benefitted greatly as a runner and recently smashed my half marathon PB!!!
Over the Xmas period Laura and I travelled the West Coast of America taking in California, Vegas and the Canyon as well as a few other random stops! It was during this trip I proposed to Laura and I was elated when she said ‘yes’...then it was a simple matter of finding the perfect ring together! Luckily we did find a beautiful diamond ring and soon after we were jumping 18,000feet out of a plane to complete our first ever sky dive – like I said, it really was an awesome xmas period, and the best 3 weeks of my life!!!
During the action-packed trip I was still able to find time to run in preparation for the Boston Marathon. I managed to complete some high mileage weeks however I did fall ill whilst in Vegas – my own fault for a heavy New Year and taking in too much second hand smoke! I was therefore a little pessimistic going into the Southern Californian Half Marathon on January 7th at the end of our trip.
I first want to apologise for not wearing the Stubby Green Vest in the race – the colder weather in California compared to the Caribbean meant I had to opt for a sleeved shirt, buff and full winter gloves! If Laura had of let me, I would have also worn running tights and a coat!!! However once the race started I soon warmed up and got into a nice groove.
The first 4 miles I run at 5.40pace but come the 10k mark I picked the pace up to keep up with a local runner called ‘John’ who recently completed the Berlin Marathon in 2.35. The next 6miles we maintained a solid 5.30pace and in the final few miles we upped the pace further finishing the race at under 5.20pace. John did drop me during the 10th mile but waited at the finish to congratulate me! I am however pleased to say I overtook another runner at the 12th mile so I ended up finishing in 6th place and second in my age category.
This was the first time I have managed to run a negative split for the second half of a race and I was also very happy to cross the finish line in 72minutes 17seconds. This was a huge compliment to the training I have completed since September and gives me great confidence that I should record a positive marathon time in Boston this April.
What I should finally say is that coupled with the news of our engagement, Laura and I are also moving back to the UK this June. I have already secured a new job working at Portsmouth Grammar School and Laura will now also be looking for a new teaching opportunity in the local area.
2012 therefore has a very bright outlook :-) I look forward to seeing everyone in June at the RR10s and other summer races...
Cheers, Lewis Chalk