Adam in Runderland

It was too good to be true. As September approached I began to believe that I would make it through a whole year without injury. Eight months of pure running pleasure, six of those making a century of miles, and I was feeling that I had finally cracked it. Consistency. Then I ran the Northampton Half Marathon - hard - and decided that I'd be fine to do a sponsored run of 20 miles just six days later. Some people never learn! After ten miles I was knackered, mentally and physically I was at such a low. At one point I stared at the hill before me in dread, turned around and ran in the opposite direction. I should have known then that something wasn't right. Not right mentally but also not right physically as my hip began to get sore. For the first time since I started running three years ago I thought about giving it up. The next day my hip was agony so I was sensible and rested. Well that is what I should have done. Instead I went out for a three mile...

  The Northampton Half Marathon has become a regular fixture on my running calendar. I have entered on each of the three occasions the race has been in existence. In 2013 I finished in 1:39. A year later I knocked 5 minutes off with a 1:34 and so in 2015 I was aiming for a 1:30. It is a great occasion as so many local runners take part with great support from those marshalling too. It brings together parkrunners, PJR members, NRR members and other clubs from near and far. Every year the course is adapted and this year was the best route so far. The start was once more at the Guildhall. Over 500 people lined up for the start at 9:30 after a strange registration process that involved receiving your finishers t-shirt before the race had begun! We set off along St Giles Street heading out of town. I had started near the front to avoid any hold ups and set off at a strong pace. Turning left at St Giles Church we then took a right onto Abington Street in the direction of A...