Jenny McNamara reports on the Yeovil half, which took place on Sunday 30th March 2014:
The day started off chilly but soon gave way to glorious (if slightly unwelcome for a half marathon) sunshine. 818 runners completed the course, which was undulating as described, with a cheeky hill at the 6 mile point providing a separate mid-race “King/Queen of the hill” competition. There were plenty of spectators on the varied course cheering runners along, and a few singers/bagpipers along the route offering plenty of encouragement. The finish line was a welcome sight, with an added surprise of a handshake from Yeovil’s very enthusiastic mayor, Manny Roper, before I could stop to catch my breath. I was especially glad that I didn’t do my usual thing on the finish line of a race this time!
Jenny McNamara and new friend at the Yeovil Half marthon
Having considered not even toeing the start line due to a snotty nose and heavy legs, I amazed myself by somehow achieving a PB of 1.32.30- 6th woman overall and 3rd in my category (Fsenior). That was 3 mins 14 seconds off my previous PB, meaning that since joining Cheddar Running Club, I’ve knocked a whopping 20 mins 14 seconds off my BC (before cheddar) half marathon time!
So Yeovil half was the end of an era for me- I ran for the final time in my Vegan Runner’s vest, as I have changed my first claim club to Cheddar Running Club as acknowledgement of the superb training and support I have had since joining at the end of 2012. Now all I need to do is bag that sub 1.30…!
