By Emma Goodwin
I had heard many things about the Hastings course. Having completed the Eastbourne half two weeks previously, and claiming at the finish line that that was it, no more, I was convinced to enter by the rave reviews about this race. (I don’t race by the way I just put one foot in front of the other and see where I finish).
Arriving early with trusted chauffer/photographer Tony and running conscience Hilary, we got ready for the off. Hilary was off fast, with me happy to sit in the pack. The first mile was ok, a couple of hills but nothing for me to be concerned about, hit Harley Chute road, which had been my main concern, and found it was only short steep climb. What was I worried about? With the worst bit over, I settled in for duration. Hmm what did I know!
Miles 3-6 was a steady uphill that goes on and on. And on. It is straight with one right bend; did I mention it is straight?! Those miles seemed to take forever and I was mighty glad to see the back of them. Mile 7 saw an unscheduled pit stop necessitating for the landlord of the local pub to open his doors earlier than he intended doing! Any thoughts of a PB were gone at this point so I decided to push where I could and enjoy the tremendous support that seemed to be along the entire route.
Miles 9-11 were predominately downhill which I enjoyed tremendously and was feeling confident at this point about my finish time – just put one foot in front of the other, I thought. We hit the sea front and the last two miles only to be met by a wall of wind with no respite for the remainder of the run.
I was struggling hugely at this point; I thought Brighton and Eastbourne had been windy, that was nothing compared to this. I tried to tuck in behind a couple of chaps in an attempt to get some shelter but the wind was coming from every direction (never behind me, mind). Deciding that this tactic was fruitless, I got my head down and attempted to go for it.
With the finish line in sight, I hear a shout from Tony which spurred me on to the end where running conscience Hilary, who had long since finished, stood shivering awaiting my arrival.
A great course, tremendous support and one that is on my calendar for next year without a doubt. My favourite half by far and given my unscheduled pit stop I was happy with my 2:19:28 finish time.
STOP PRESS: ITV reported that this year’s race was the windiest in the 33-year history of the Hastings Half!!!