Brighton 1/2 Marathon

This morning I ran my longest run to date the Sussex Beacon 1/2 Marathon in Brighton.

I had to set off at 7.30am this morning as guess what there were train disruptions (I know hard to believe). I was greeted at the station by another runner ready to brace a cold Brighton seafront. By the time we got to Clapham Junction there were more eager athletes. I was glad to see I wasn’t the only eejet out at that hour of the morning in the freezing cold.

Gloves, hat, tracksuit and two tops I was all set. By the time I got to the seafront though the sun was shining so I decided against wearing the hat and gloves. (and was glad I did). The race started pretty much on time. It was 2 mins 41 before I got across the finish line. Think there were about 2000 athletes but I was near the very back.

Starting at the Marina Drive we headed along the pedestrian path down around Hove Lagoon. I was plodding along, all going well, but ever aware that there were no markers. When I did finally get a marker @ 4 miles I was a bit like 'oh is that all. Wow I’ve a good bit to go yet.' They had water stop at 4 miles but only in a 1/2 filled cup. Thankfully I was carrying some with me. As the Brighton sun was hotting up. 6 mile mark I took a tiolet stop. Not long afterwards I was greeted by Dave as he encouraged me on.


Upper leg and hip muscles were starting to feel tired. But I was in good spirits.

When I passed through the Madeira Drive again it was quite strange (Start and finish) as the first guy was coming home to win in 1 hr 11 mins. I was only at the half way mark. They certainly left the best till last. Not only have I not trained beyond 8 miles and would have found it tough anyway but the sun went in and the wind picked up as we headed on a long incline as the course rises through a tunnel and zigzag paths to the top of the cliffs out to Rottingdean Windmill at the 10 mile mark.

We had a welcome water point here.

Although on the long road home and a lot of it downhill my muscles were tired for these last few miles and I could only really muscle up a plod as the cold wind chilled my face. The last mile into the finish line I passed those that had finished ahead of me and I gave it that last plod to cross the line in around 2.17 on the clock.


I later got a txt message that I signed up for with the following.

'Congratulations MICHELLE MITCHELL you have completed the Sussex Beacon Half Marathon on 20-2-2005 in a time of 02:14:54:30.'



Ok so I was well down the field and many of you will think this is a slow time. But for me (not only because it is my first 1/2 marathon) but because of my speed this is a very good time and really consistent with how things were going in training. I was really happy with myself.


I collected my medal and headed for a well deserved bowl of pasta before having to endure a 2 hour train journey home (think that was more painfully than the race itself).

Looking back on the event, and on my 1/2 half marathon I really enjoyed it. Listening to my music helped me a lot. I was still able to talk with a few of my fellow runners as they encouraged me and visa versa. I think I need a bit more distance and hill work to cope with those last couple of miles but I'm slowly getting there.

Job well done I think and now time for bed. zzzzzzzzzz (bet my muscle will be sore tomorrow)