Leeds Half Marathon 2024 Mile by Mile Vlog

Probably the hottest day of the year so far, this was an epic challenge. The crowd at Leeds is like nothing else, really kept me going and I wish I could thank each one of them. I planned to do this as a training run rather than a race, but while I kept the pace easy, the effort was more race which I think was a combination of overdoing the day before and heat.
This is my mile by mile vlog of the day which I hope you enjoy. Please drop a like and maybe even subscribe for more if not already x

[@deansummerton2577]

Fantastic effort Craig. I felt for people running Leeds as it was so warm. It's a run you should be super proud of. I ran Sunderland half on the same day which was cooler thanks to the sea fret. Loved the vlog and the time it took you to make and edit. Brilliant ⭐

[@TheRunningWhale]

Thank you Dean, still a video editing novice so your appreciation is amazing and equally appreciated 😊 I am pleased with the run, time wise, landed around where i planned to, but the effort to do it was just so much more but I know why so onwards and upwards to Eccup 10 👍

[@SwimBikeRunStu]

Tough day out in that heat but you got it done 💪 Loving the random numbers in the middle 😂😂

[@TheRunningWhale]

Cheers pal. Yeah it was definitely a tough one in the heat. Went a bit daft the day before with parkrun and Zwift which didn't help, but i clearly lost my mind half way through thanks to the heat haha

[@MrCol104]

Cheers Craig. Great footage. What a tough day it was but you all did fantastic and can be proud. Great event to be part of. Awesome support as you would expect from a Leeds crowd. 🙂 Can so relate to your struggles. My own race had its ups and downs - quite literally. Thanks again for taking time to record, edit and upload. Wise words from your sponsor. "Like and subscribe". Ps. Bloke on phone at 2:13 made me laugh. He's either cool as a cucumber or just not taking it seriously. 😆

[@TheRunningWhale]

Cheers Colin, gonna haveto go back and watch that bit now lol. Yes I got to the mile 8 roundabout and actually thought of you doing the full marathon. Kudos to you, I think that would have been me pulling over and getting a ride back to the start before the big climb. Still Leeds really is one of the best places to race, such an immense atmosphere. Cheers for watching matey 👍

[@MrCol104]

@@TheRunningWhale Human mind is quite clever. I think if doing full marathon, mindset would change without even realising it. I gambled on fast start and hoped to 'free-wheel' final downhill section. Sometimes you have to take these chances. Passed half marathon at 1:26 but that 2or3mile 'hill' at mile 18 broke me. Also tripped on mile 23, rolled a couple of times before regaining my feel and continuing. A few scuffs but thankfully no major damage. Ups and downs for sure but a brilliant day.

[@TheRunningWhale]

@@MrCol104 Flippin heck, some right speed there. Sorry to hear about the fall, I know how that can knock your confidence for a bit too. Glad you've not done any major damage and hope you mend really quickly from it. So glad you still managed to extract enjoyment from what was a very challenging day, love that attitude :-)

[@lindalou8308]

Well done Craig!!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@TheRunningWhale]

Thanks Linda as always x

[@lindalou8308]

No worries. Short and sweet comment from me. MrCol104 said it all… 👍🏻

[@AndyCliffMTB]

I saw around mile 9 you were saying “why did I agree to do this?”, and it looked tough with the heat and the inclines but to be honest I think 2:05 is super impressive given that you walked in parts. You may know that I was lined up for MCR Half in Oct-23 but I had to pull out due to COVID. I’d be very happy with 2:05😀

[@TheRunningWhale]

That's good of you to say and I know you're right. Honestly, with the crowd alone it would have been impossible to leave Leeds that day without a smile on my face. I know Covid got in the way for you and it's a massive shame. Was thinking of signing up for that this year and then having a second go at the full one next year. Hey if you fancy doing a half, like some nice scenery and don't mind an undulating course, perhaps you might be interested in doing the Ilkley half. It's not the easiest but still recommended 👌

[@AndyCliffMTB]

@@TheRunningWhale You’re welcome Craig, I appreciate the invitation but I think I’ll do Manchester as I’m already signed up and it’s flat (and should be nice and cool in October😊). Hats off to you for considering a full marathon💪

[@sagsdothedu]

Well done buddy. Looked warm! Those fast runs prior still in your legs?

[@TheRunningWhale]

Cheers pal. Yeah the legs felt heavy as soon as I hit the first incline (of which there was quite a bit)! I'd decided to do an 18 mile ride on zwift the day before which after the parkrun was not one of my best ideas 🤦‍♂️