Royal Parks Half 7.10.12

This was a race of two halves, no mistaking it. I really enjoyed the first 6 miles. The crowd was amazing and the sights were even better. It felt a bit 'out of body' running the streets of London, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliment & Big Ben, London Eye,and on and on- especially as the gold detail on everything was still shiny and polished from the Jubilee/Olympics. Saw the family as I turned passed Trafalgar Square (how I didn't see Nelson's Column is beyond me, really must've been in the zone!)and headed through the arches and down the Mall feeling great. I even mugged for the photographers (that's a special pic ;) ). Had my first gel around then as I didn't want to stop feeling great and passed through the charity tunnel. For some reason, I expected to see the kids there even though I had just seen them, and I started to feel a bit glum. Then came the out and back through the parks, a few gradual inclines and people started walking. Mile 9 hit with a thunder clap. The sign asked if I had kicked a conker yet and I'm pretty sure I rolled my eyes at it even though I thought they were all pretty cute up til that point(They each had cheery little quips relating to the area of the mile marker). I tried to hold out til mile 10 for gel 2 but couldn't. Gave in at 9 3/4 and had to force myself not to completely throw in the towel. I was glad I had the girls' favorite songs on my playlist through mile 10 as I kept telling myself I would run my best for the 3/4min to make which ever girl's song it was proud. Nearly tearful (a lot) here. Especially when the asthma dragon overtook me looking rather chipper! Mile 11 seemed all uphill, passed some very unwell runners awaiting first aid. Mile 12 was a lot better mentally, most likely as I knew it was nearly over and the solitude of the wooded areas was ending. A swift little down hill and a small turn and I came upon another charity area. Hurray for Mind and Scope for cheering on each and every runner as they gave quite a boost. Passed the 20km sign as Fatboy Slim came through my earbuds. Thank goodness for him. The sun was shining, the crowds were building and the sense of relief that the finish line was near had me feeling a bit bouncy! The .1 (alright .3) and across the line felt great, great enough to do the whole arms in the air crossing pose. I didn't though, went for a reserved fist pump as I noted my Garmin time and promptly hit stop. A great race, I would do it again. On fresh legs.