Comments on: Race Report: Great Birmingham Run

By: 2017 Review: The year of the DNS and lessons learned – The PhD Runner

2017 Review: The year of the DNS and lessons learned – The PhD Runner — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 14:50:41 +0000

[…] my mind. I felt so unprepared, I almost pulled out of the half marathon. I ended up completing the Great Birmingham Run in a slightly disappointing 2:43:32 and hung up my trainers for the rest of the month. At the end […]

By: Maria @ Maria Runs

Maria @ Maria Runs — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 11:46:27 +0000

At least you finished it, so well done. Starting in the afternoon is really tough too – I’ve done a few like that and they have never been my favourite.
I must say, I would not enter another Great run- having done both the South and North run, the organisation of both was very poor- like you say, unattended bag drops, marshals not knowing where the bag drop was, non-existent finish areas, plus they are very expensive.
The journey back sounds tough too- when all you want to do is have a shower and lay down.
Probably my worst experience was the Bath half as I was aiming for a pb, but I ended up pushing too hard and felt so awful and shaky, but the end was not near the bag drop or anything and we didn’t even get a foil blanket- it was cold and raining and I was really shivering on the walk back- it wasn’t good. Ah well, we live and learn!

By: swosei12blog

swosei12blog — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 18:31:49 +0000

Sorry to read that your race did not go as plan. But, you always have another marathon to run. Just focus on the next one. The commute home sounds terrible; I hope that it is not that bad after the NYC marathon.

Do you have any more full- or half-marathons on the horizon?

By: AnnaTheApple

AnnaTheApple — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 11:43:19 +0000

Ah sounds like a very tough day at the office. Sorry it didn’t go that well for you. On the plus side you really can’t tell in the photos! You look strong and happy. Onwards to another day! Don’t dwell.
I’ve certainly had a few disappointing races. Mainly when I’ve set myself unrealistic and deluded goals. Now I don’t really set goals – I just aim to finish I injured. I have vague brackets of times I’d like to be around but generally times don’t make me that happy anymore.