Last fall, I was approached by Donna Raynor of the Bermuda National Athletics Association about the possibility of representing Bermuda at the World Half Marathon Championships in Gdynia, Poland.
Originally, the plan was to compete in Poland in March, but COVID-19 had a way of changing everything this year.
In the middle of the summer, she approached me again and provided the option to complete the Championships virtually.
Fast forward to Saturday, where I ran one of my best Half Marathon times over the last three years. None of this would have been possible without the amazing pacesetting efforts from Christopher Estwanik and Dage Minors, the water and Powerade provided along the way by Tom Mills and Chris Jones and Sharon Craig from @MAAC, Domico Watson, Donna Raynor and Earl Basden from Islandstats Bermuda in the lead vehicle providing support and coverage, Wayne Raynor Sr. providing much needed and accurate timing services right down to the millisecond, and lastly my wife Annamarie Trott, and parents Penelope Trott, and Randolph Trott providing support all along the course. I also want to give it up to those that joined me in running the half marathon. Rose-Anna Hoey ran a strong 1:26 time, far exceeding her pre-race expectations. Moses Mufandaedza hung on for a 1:21, Seamus Fearon pushed out a 1:23, and Alex Winfield cruised to a 1:35, achieving their pre-race goals and setting themselves up for strong 2021 racing seasons.
I also can't say enough about Chris Estwanik and Dage Minors, who both, after initially agreeing to pace me through 8 miles, decided to run the entire distance.
I'm super happy with my result and look forward to further progress over the remainder of the season!
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