Ranelagh Harriers’ annual half marathon race, which dates back to 1980, is a fast and flat course which runs through Richmond and Twickenham, down to Kingston Bridge and back up along the Thames towpath to Ham. The second (and last) of the organised half marathons in my 13 day challenge, this course will pass follow the tow paths through beautiful surrounding scenery and pass Teddington School (home of Teddington Hockey Club), before heading back to Riverside Drive. Finish this one and I will earn some more 'bling'. 

Distance:  13.1 miles

Duration:  1 hr 38 mins 22 secs (official chip time)

Blister Count:  +1 = 3  (so... got the two blisters on my achilles under control... and then a beauty popped up on the middle toe of my right foot. Blister strategy to be reviewed)

A very early start (5am wake up to give me time to get enough fluid into my body for what promised to be another hot one) and not anywhere near as much sleep as I would have liked. But as soon as I arrived, I felt confident for Day 3.

The Ranelagh Richmond Half Marathon is another superbly run event and I would definitely add it to the list of recommendations! And the course did not disappoint. Stunning!

The weather on the other hand, definitely suited spectators more than the runners. Unexpectedly hot, although it did make for a beautiful, albeit somewhat challenging run.

Once again, the ever-positive and enthusiastic course marshalls meant there was little to think about other than getting round. I thought some additional encouragement might come as I turned on to Broom Road, waving at the Teddington Hockey Club juniors as I passed - they didn't wave back. They were too busy enjoying themselves!

But reaching Teddington School told me I was two-thirds of the way there and feeling ok (not great... but ok). And then, with the finish line just a couple of miles in the distance, the course started to incline (and carried on doing so the remainder of the way). A tough finish but the thing about these official races is that there is always someone to chase. Not sure why, but anyone in a green or yellow vest had a target on their back and guided me home to a 178th placed finish out of 423 (should add, most were club runners - I am not!), 58th in my category and another half marathon comfortably under 1:45.

One slightly disappointing edit to the previously advertised race details, was that there was no medal for finishers (I must have dreamt it). And the post-race goody bag did not offer much consolation... a beer (not advisable after strenuous exercise, in the heat, followed by a drive home), a beer mat (??), running shoe keyring and a packet of flaxseeds (wasn't sure if I was supposed to plant them or eat them). But, one of the best blueberry muffins (albeit, Richmond-priced) I have ever tasted, purchased from the coffee van, more than made up for it. Day 3 complete. Huge thanks to all at Ranelagh Harriers (https://ranelagh-harriers.co.uk) for making this another amazing event!