I hope you've all enjoyed the hot weather last week, it was very similar (well even hotter!) in Madrid, the location of my 4th half marathon of the year! We had 2 glorious days in Madrid before the race but luckily it wasn't as warm on race morning. In these, still warm, but good conditions, I ran a new PB time of 1:21:28, beating the adjusted PB I got in Brighton which I didn't really count! I felt the best I have done in a race for ages and actually ran a negative split (2nd half faster for those non-runners reading this!) so I'm extremely happy! Next stage, with a bit more speed work, is to go sub 80mins. I feel it's doable very soon!
It was a really nice course taking in the streets of Madrid, there were a few cheeky gradual hills and a couple of little steepish ones too but overall a pretty fast course. The city is incredible, amazing buildings and the Bernabeu was just immense! As was the bull fighting arena! Well worth the weekend away to my first half marathon of the 12 in a different country!
Many thanks to Jo and her parents for joining me for the weekend away and helping organise it all! Was a cracking weekend and well done Jo for doing the race with me! It was her 5th half marathon in her 4th different country in 3 years!
Since my last half marathon, I've had an amazing response on the donations front, with my total now standing at £900.31! So I'm now within £100 of my target after just a third of the challenge completed. Thanks to everyone who has sponsored me so far, it is all much appreciated. Anyone who hasn't donated yet, anything you can give would be great. It is dead easy, you can donate on my just giving site:
Or get in contact with me to sort it out for you. Once I hit this £1,000 mark, I'm going to push my target up to the £2,000 mark which I think is very achievable, but only with your help!
I now have 6 weeks until #5 in Leeds in May, which will be 4th successive year at this half marathon! Thanks for your support so far, please keep it coming!
Adios, James x
