I can't believe this was my first Ealing half marathon, although I did enter last year but had to pull out due to injury. I currently live in Sutton, but went to university in Ealing 20 years ago and lived there for 8 years whilst I was also working at Heathrow. So I was so looking forward to this race as it would bring back so many fond memories running through the streets of Ealing.
One of the places I rented was actually two roads away from the start of the Ealing half in Lammas park, so I know the park and the quite area well.
However, I was using the Ealing half as part of my training for the Birmingham marathon coming up on the 15th Oct 2017. This was my last long run before Birmingham.
The wife dropped me off at Wimbledon common (and sped off to Ealing) and I started from Wimbledon. It was an 8 mile run to Ealing taking in the sights of Richmond Park and Kew bridge. The wife parked a short 1 minute walk from Lammas park as it was a Sunday so parking was available, but Northfields tube is just next door to the park on the picadilly line.
My wife called me when I was on mile 6 and said 'Where are you they're starting the warm up?' 'I am warmed up!' I replied panting down the phone. I reached Lammas Park just as it was last call for the runners to get to the starting line. I had a ten minute breather, changed into some fresh kit as it was a stunningly warm day. So unfortunately I didn't manage to soak up the usual pre-race atmosphere which I always enjoy. Maybe next year I'm gonna have to do this half on it's own.
Anyway onto the race itself. For me it was about memories so I absolutely loved it, running past Ealing town hall where I got married and the passing many student digs that me and the wife had lived in over the years.
The Ealing crowds were out in force and really helped to create an atmosphere at various points in the course. Loads of kids out early on a Sunday, handing out sweets and high fives. Water stations were well manned and placed around every 3-4 miles. There was music along the course but not as many music points as I had hoped for. Although the locals were basting out their own motivational somgs for us!
The hills were not fun and there were 3 of them! but good training for me none the less. I wanted to get under 2 hours and I didn't catch the xempo pacer until the last mile as I started so far back at the start line. There were plenty of pacing groups of various times who always do a fantastic job if you are aiming for a particular time.
I was pleased to see the finish line at the end of the 21 mile long run and I'm glad I did it that way round rather than run home after the event.
There were plenty of stalls selling merchandise and food, but I am so glad that I booked a 10 min massage (£10) after the race in the race tents as it so helped with my recovery. Me and the wife sat on the grass and had some lunch and she told me she enjoyed hanging around Lammas park as the atmosphere was great for supporters.
I received a lovely medal and post races snacks were a banana, water and some mini choc digestive biscuit bags.
All in all it was a fanatstic day, but next time i'm gonna do Ealing on it's own so I can really soak up the pre-race atmosphere.