Number 20 - Amsterdam Marathon

At last the race to take me to the half way point, and what better than the Amsterdam marathon. I was really blessed with lovely weather, not to hot but not raining. The course is very picturesque taking you through both the city of Amsterdam and out in to the countryside. It was really well organised with plenty of water stations and helpful toilets (which came in handy :-) ), and the marshals were all helpful and encouraging.
Disappointed with my time, felt strong, then got strange stomach pains in the third 10K, thankfully one of the pacers encouraged me to get running at 30K and I completed the final 10K in a reasonable time.

8/10

Number 19 - Royals Parks Half Marathon

This has to be my all time favourite race. It was just such a beautiful setting and everyone was so friendly and enthusiastic. I did hear that there were not enough toilets provided which is always a problem, but as its their first race I am sure they will learn from that. Apart from that everything ran like clock work, and I managed a reasonable time compared to my Reykjavik time so was really pleased. We were very lucky to have beautiful weather which did help, but running through some of London's most beautiful parks was very special.

10/10

Number 18 - Reykjavik Marathon

Well what can I say, the location was lovely, the people friendly and it was really well organised. Lots of support and encouragement and best of all lovely and flat. I did well in the first half, but slowed considerably in the second half due to driving wind and rain on the exposed peninsular. I also managed to fall over at about 3 miles which shock my confidence a little.

Overall a fab race and hope to do it again and improve on my time.

9/10

Number 17 - Down Tow Up Flow Thames Towpath Half Marathon

This was a very very hot day, and as such is reflected in my time. I was also carrying a niggly calf injury in my left leg, which after the previous year is always a worry. I did complete the race though so thats all that counts. It was very well organised with provision of the sports centre which helped. The marshals where friendly and encouraging. May have needed more water stations, due to the soaring temperatures. It was in the 30s by the time I got back to the car.

7/10

Number 16 - Girvan Half Marathon

Well what a lovely race, this is a small event on the West Coast of Scotland in Girvan. There were only a little over a 100 racers in this event, but the camaraderie was fantastic. Everything was well organised for a small event, and it was a lovely run though more undulating than flat and also warmer than I would have liked it.

I suffered a little in this race with a tight calf muscle which I picked up after running a fast track session in very light weight race trainers. Am only really just getting over that injury and will hopefully be racing again tomorrow.

7/10

Number 15 - Southend Half Marathon

Well after 8 weeks I of racing every 2 weeks I finally get to the Southend Half Marathon. Its a great race, great atmosphere and support and it is nice running by the sea. It was a hot day and there were loads of water stations and sponges en route so there was no problems there.

I enjoyed this race, and is definitely a flat PB race.

The organisation was faultless and had no problems parking or getting out.

9/10

Number 14 - Edinburgh Marathon

What a great race, the weather was perfect, the course is lovely (though could have done without the wind), everyone was really friendly and encouraging.

The only down point was the start, it was too narrow for people to drop bags and get to the start and queue for the toilets, there just was not enough space. However, everything else was well organised.

The course is flat and PB potential, though if it is windy there is a head wind for the first 18 miles, this does help on the last 6 miles though.

Will definitely do again,

8/10