The Reading Half Marathon is all over for yet another year and here are some of our 2009 success stories and proud recognitions:

Ryan interviews Phillips-Fit client, Andrew Bailey after the race:

Ryan: Andy, well done for hitting a great time today, all your training efforts have paid off and I’m very proud of your achievements! Tell us, was this your first Half Marathon?
Andy: Yes and quite an event for a first one I must say. The number of runners and organisation was amazing. I did a lot of running when I was younger and fitter and wanted to use this first half marathon as a training goal.
 
Ryan: How did you like it?
Andy: Well, it was quite an experience. The number of runners and the atmosphere is hard to describe. I'll certainly be looking to do more events and improve on my times as I get fitter and lose more weight.
 
Ryan: What did you think of the course?
Andy: The course was good. I'd run it twice previously during my training and that made it easier to track my progress on the day. However the course was very congested the whole way around and that adds a dimension I wasn't prepared for. You constantly have to watch where you and the people around you are running. The spectators along the route were fantastic- that gives you a big boost on the day.
 
Ryan: What time did you do it in?
Andy: My official  chip time was 1 hour 48. It took around six minutes to cross the start line so when I cross the finish line the race clock showed 1.54. The last event I ran was a 10km a few years ago before I started training seriously with you. I did that one in 1 hour 3 minutes (pretty poor considering the running I used to do). I'll definitely be using this RHM as base to improve on. Ideally I'd like to get under 1 hour 40.
 
Ryan: What kind of training did you do to prepare yourself for the half marathon?
Andy: The running programme you gave me worked very well. The variation of longer and shorter runs and the sprint work in the final weeks prepared me well for race day. I always knew I would finish the event and it was just a matter of the time I would achieve. From the 10 mile mark I was able to dig in and go a bit harder and faster as a result. The weight training with you and masssages from Phil also played a big part in preparing me for race day.

Ryan: What would be your top 3 tips for someone that is thinking of doing a half marathon for their first time?
Andy: Most people can run the distance if you are reasonably fit but it's the time that you do that's important and you need to feel like it's an achievement when you finish the race. My three tips would be:-

1. Enter the race well in advance. Knowing you are entered makes you do the training more and makes the event seem more "real". You're less likely to pull out or find an excuse not to do the event when you have paid up front.
2. Set a realistic time goal and train hard to achieve that time. But on the day don't be too worried if you miss my a minute or two. It's something to build on next time!
3. Be prepared on the day. Be ready early and make sure you are kitted out well. Don't wear too many clothes because you are a bit cold at the start (you'll get plenty warm when you run), don't carry water (there are plenty of water stations) and don't wear an iPod (enjoy the crowd and the atmosphere).  
 

Picture of Andy Bailey

Despite all his injuries, Kieran Beale finished in 1hr 51mins

Phil Chalmers comments on Kieran's journey to date:

Phil says, "Kieran is a determined character. When he started training with me (nearly 4 years ago) he had a long-standing troublesome knee that prevented him doing most impact activities. We worked together to overcome this & he started running seriously for the first time in his life."

"Once he joined the Running Club he progressed fairly quickly to his first 10k, stepping up to his first half marathon a few months afterwards. In the process he experienced a major calf strain (from a gruelling x-country run) that was overcome with a course of sports massage. He stepped up to his first full marathon in the autumn of last year (Dublin) despite suffering at the time from severe shinslplints. This was addressed by introducing a programme of intense cross-training (on a static bike) prior to the event. A time of just over 4hours was a fantastic effort given the circumstances."

"He was only able to run for 2km 2 weeks before the race!" 

"In preparation for the Stockholm marathon (May 30th 2009) Kieran entered the Reading Half marathon. A calf strain (in the other leg) brought on by different/new running shoes threatened both Reading & Stockholm but we worked together to enable him to post a half marathon time of 1hr 51min - amazing considering he was only able to run for 2km 2 weeks before the race!"

"Many people would have thrown the towel in, but Kieran has proved that common running injuries can be overcome given careful corrective action & a very gritty determination. A sub-4hour marathon time (in Stockholm in May) would be a massive achievement even for someone who hasn't experienced any injuries along the way; watch this space..."