Way back in 2012 I had a pretty rough racing experience. It was a half, I won’t say which, and part of the training for my first full marathon. I toed the start line determined to run a PB. I did – simply, I think, to get it over and done with quicker. And it remains one of the most valuable races I’ve done.
What was so horrible about it? It was 2°C and a combination of pouring rain, driving sleet and wind. Barely any supporters had turned out (understandably), none of my fellow runners smiled or chatted and the marshals looked furious. Oh, and I’d rocked up completely unprepared, with no towel or change of clothes. I had to travel home in my sodden running kit and, unsurprisingly, came down with a chest infection that put paid to the rest of my marathon training.
Why so valuable? It gives me mental strength to recall getting through such a tough couple of hours. To this day, if I’m worried about a race, I think, “Well it can’t be as bad as that one.” And my kitbag now is so well stocked I’m prepared for every possible weather system or eventuality – I’ve never been caught out since.