Half Marathon Challenge or Family Fun Run?

Opening a mysterious white envelope in my goody bag from  the Write This Run conference last November, I was met with the following words:

Eeeek! After the initial "oh crap" had faded, I realised that this was perfect πŸ™‚

I had been thinking about entering a Half Marathon in 2014, had done a bit of research, umm-ed and aah-ed about which would be a good "beginner option", and generally procrastinated on the issue...

And now everything was decided for me - it was fate!

The Royal Windsor Half Marathon Trail Run looks like a great option too - I've heard glowing reviews from friends who ran it last year, and the course is scenic and interesting, following the trail next to the river.

Even better I had a pair of entries, so the next task was to rope in a partner in crime...

I asked around and finally when I was visiting family over Christmas I broached the subject with one of my brothers. Both my brothers have developed a vague interest in running over the past year, dabbling in Parkruns and on-off training, but I didn't really think they would be keen to sign up to the not-insignificant-challenge of a half marathon...

Fortunately I was proved wrong! Ben (on the left) jumped at the chance, and after suggesting we should persuade my other brother to join too, I now have a team of three!

Whether it was a case of "New-Years-Resolution-itis" or a desire to beat their big sister (very likely!), I am thrilled to have my family on board (sis and parents have already agreed to come and support and hand out jelly babies...) and am so excited to share the journey to becoming half marathon runners with them πŸ™‚

I am also looking for a couple of intermediate races between now and May to keep me on track so if anyone has any suggestions for good 10ks in March/April time, let me know! I am hoping to do a series of posts documenting my training and various tips I pick up along the way so watch this space πŸ™‚

Have you ever raced with family members?

Beki x

8 comments

  • LazyGirl says:

    Hooray! I'm sure you'll have a great race. Regent's Park 10k is the first Sunday of every month throughout the year. One of my favourite races.
    Laura.

  • Stephanie M says:

    I'm doing it too πŸ™‚ I can highly recommend the capital runners series and the runthrough series, both do local to you 10kms xx

  • Beki Cadd says:

    Thanks Laura! I'll take a look at the Regents Park races πŸ™‚

  • Beki Cadd says:

    Yay hope to see you there! And thanks for the tips for 10ks- I'll check them out πŸ™‚ x

  • Lucy Edwards says:

    Sounds like a great route- are entries still open? I might have to sign up.
    I'm thinking of doing the New Forest 10k in March.

  • Beki Cadd says:

    Yes you can still enter! Check out the link: http://www.f3events.co.uk/general/royal-windsor-half-marathon-trail-run The New Forest 10k sounds good - bet it has great scenery!

  • Amanda @ Move Love Eat says:

    Eep and good luck! I have been toying with the idea of a half for a while now, it would be awesome running it with someone, especially a family member to help you keep going and bring a bit of competitiveness to it all!

  • Beki Cadd says:

    Thanks Amanda! It's a bit scary, and will be a challenge, but I'm really excited to have someone to run it with πŸ™‚ You should def look into it!

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