Berlin Half Marathon 2019

Race Report

My fourth time toeing the line at the Berlin half marathon, without doubt, my favourite race. In 2017 I finished in 2:05, 2018 in 1:42 and this year I fancied myself to go better again. The only issue was the heat, weather predictions of 16-20C proved accurate but not much you can do other than give it your best shot.

My plan was to start at 1:35 pace and pick it up after 4 miles. This never happened, at no point in the race did I ever feel good. The warm conditions were just too much. It felt like every step was a grind. I don't even remember running by Checkpoint Charlie.

I knew I was fading but not by much, still had a realistic shot at a PB. However at mile 11.5 I got this nasty whiff of a smell. A runner pulled along side me and it was very clear they had digestive issues. It was all over the back of their compression shorts and calf guards. I began to retch quite badly and put up my right hand to block the view, it was all in vain. I couldn't speed up to go by, so I slowed down to let them get some distance. This turned out to be my slowest mile and may have contributed to missing my personal best by 13 seconds.

Approaching the Brandenburg gate and probably 400 meters left till the finish line, I see the same sight above and immediately begin dry retching again. As they veered right through the gate, I went left and turned on whatever afterburner fumes were left, all in an effort to get ahead of this runner.

It worked and had a finish I can be happy with.

Having crossed the line in 1:36:36, I had no celebrations, disappointment consumed me. I was annoyed to have missed out on a PB. I was annoyed at the heat, I was annoyed that I didn't take the decision to speed by the soiled runner. 

While on the cool down back to my Hotel the cloud of negativity began to lift. I started thinking of a few positives. The biggest one was that I didn't throw in the towel, I plugged on and actually felt like I worked the hardest I ever have for a race, later my heart rate data from my garmin confirmed this.

Still without doubt my favourite race, the organisers produced another top class, well run event. The support from Berliners was loud and never ending, I'm already plotting for next year!

Positives

1. I really enjoyed the training and feel it's left me in good stead to attack some upcoming races.
2. Had a great weekend away in a super city, spent way too much in Decathlon.
3. Tapered well, reduced mileage and got lots of quality sleep.
4. Handled race day nerves really well, only had to pee 5 times before the start.
5. Fuelled well throughout the race and handled water stops in my stride.
6. Proved to myself that I've a new high level of mental toughness.
7. Despite the heat, I didn't capitulate too much.
8. Dealt well with the disappointment of my performance and am already looking forward to my next race.
9. Recovered well after the race and no injuries or niggles.
10. Worked on my tan base line.

Negatives

1. Ate far too much in the 2/3 days before the race.
2. Changed my running top the night before.
3. Didn't hit my target time or a PB.
4. On my watch, not having "timer" displayed as a data field. Two races in a row that I've narrowly missed out on a meaningful time.