Category: Half Marathons

I woke knowing today’s half would be testing. With the forecast of Storm Dennis bringing around 70mph winds to Blackpool running along the sea front was not going to be any easy run.

With an 11am start I was great full to not have to be so early to eat but at the same time found myself waking before my alarm at 6.45am so then felt I was just clock watching and figiting about.

Although not completely UN nerved I didn’t feel as nervous as I did in Manchester. Maybe cause I knew the start area was straight forward to get to, maybe I had just got use to the race morning routines.

The beauty of staying in self catering accommodation is being in control over pre race dinner the night before which had been Turkey Risotto and breakfast on race morning. The thought of having to eat out and what to eat is just too stressful the night before so booking accommodation like Kennedy House really works for me. A small apartment type style flat but perfect for what I needed.

I made my usual porridge for breakfast at 8am followed by a banana about 9am before starting to get ready. As always I had pre laid all my kit out the night before. I always have this fear of forgetting something important so like to go to bed knowing everything is definitely there, even though I know it is as I’d checked the case a zillion times prior to setting off.

Once dressed I prepped my water bladder with Tailwind and ensured I had 30ps in change just in case I needed a loo stop. In fairness once I get going I’ve not yet had to make that stop but like to be prepared and had been pre warned the toilets were coin operated en rout apart from the start / finish line ones.

We left the apartment and was instantly hit by the blustery cold wind, Thank fully it wasn’t raining and if the forecast was right the rain was going to hold off. My exact words to my husband Stu as we made our way to the tram stop was I must be mad! To which he agreed.

Several tram stops later it was obvious we were at the right one with lost of sportingly dressed people some even running up and down already! Now that is dedication or maybe it was just to keep warm.

We walked down the slope to the lower sea front are where people were starting to gather. I was surprised to see how many people were there and the volume really came to light as we started to move down railed off areas to get ready at the start line.

No pens at this one so i’d already told my self i wanted to be about half way to 3/4 in the starting zone and that I wasn’t going to get caught up with the fast start pace. Last thing I needed was to burn out too early on.

After a couple of speaker difficulties cutting out the starting ladies instructions we were off heading towards the starting flag and then we were off!

We headed out towards the tower all in good spirits, turning at the first turn and going along the very bottom of the sea front. The view of the sea really was a nice site to be looking at whilst running and in fairness the wind didn’t seem to bad down on the bottom. It was at this point I checked in on my watch to ensure pace and discovered it had stopped! So had to mess around re setting it. At that point I made a decision to not look at my watch but to go with how I felt pace wise and enjoy the run. It wasn’t long before we were begin routed around and back up to the mid section to follow back along where we had started and then to loop back onto the bottom level again.

The wind was definitely stronger in the middle section but running was still doable. Again we circled round to the bottom section and began our run all the way along further up the sea front this time.

It was at this point I noticed I was following a gent in a bright yellow waterproof jacket with a yellow t shirt stating he was the 2.30 pacer, at this point I was feeling strong in a decent pace and decided to pace behind or along side him with the though that if I had more to give towards the end I would power past him. It was quiet nice packing along side him even though he may not have known I was stalking him. At one point I thought I’d lost him but then realised without knowing it I had actually passed him and he was now behind me. Legs still feeling strong I carried on with the pace I was at.

The sea front seemed to stretch for miles and miles but the sun had come out and it was a nice view to look at whilst running along. The fast runners were starting to overtake on their second loop and I watched in awe as they ran past full of energy and driving force to speed away. I really wished I had that energy. I am never going to be a speedier racer and do not plan on even trying but do think those that are are amazing runners and must be so dedicated to their training.

The route then took a turn up a small steepish hill coming out on top of the cliffs again where I was instantly hit with hard winds. I could see runners ahead walking and slow motion running.

It was way to windy to keep the pace I was doing so slowed to what felt like a walk at some points but with the wind battering my legs in the wrong direction meant it was a battle to move in some parts. My pacer choose this opportunity to overtake me and there was no way I was going to try keep up so I altered my plan to keeping him in sight knowing that it would mean a time similar to Manchester.

I was great full after about 2.5 miles of battling the route started heading down towards the start line and back along to the turning point which took us back onto the lower and less windier section again.

I had no idea until mile 10 what miles I was covering and where. With no mile markers in place due to the winds apart from cones which to be honest I never saw till I saw the big mile 10 painted on the stone wall I just ran without thinking about the numbers.

I loved the thought that only 3.1 miles left to go what  I didn’t like was having to battle with those winds again along the cliff tops, but i’d done it once I could do it again and at least I knew as turned the corner I was homeward bound!

It was at this point I noticed I felt quiet hungry, something I’ve not experienced when running before . Maybe it was the smell of the seaside food surrounding me or maybe I had used up more stores battling the winds. Either way was something I was going to have to look at for much longer runs.

The wind had definitely picked up even more this time round and there were a few places where it was so strong I had no choice but to walk for a minute at a time until past the sections when I could pick up a very and I mean very slow jog to keep moving forward. I could see the tower in the distance slowly getting closer and closer.

As I headed towards a bright yellow sigh with the word FINISH on I felt a sudden surge of energy and picked up the pace to run the last 200 yards in a sprint form, hearing my name shouted by a few supporters from a running group dressed in black (If this was you thank you very much) surged me on and I was through!!!

  

I had had a cheeky glance at the clock as I came in 235 it had said but knowing this was when they started I still had no idea of my official chip time but felt so excited to find out.

I could hear my name being called and it was at this point I realised my favourite supporter was stood at the side of the finish line holding the camera to capture my achievements. He may not be in my photos but my husband is my rock, he supports each and every run I do, he supports me when I have to go out training in evenings and mornings and without that support I wouldn’t able to do what I do.

He came round to meet me and my first words were “storm Dennis has battered me, lol) not by running the distance, my legs and self actually felt quiet good apart from a small niggle in my right knee which had started the last couple of miles when i had to change to a walk / very slow jog and altered pace, but by the winds. Running when your legs are being pushed in the opposite direction by pure brute wind force is not an easy mission.

In just under a year i’d not only ran one half marathon but two! Something I would never have thought I could do when I picked up that couch25k app the first time back in March 2019.

 

 

We didn’t hang around long as the wind was still blowing and I could feel my self getting colder despite putting my jacket on, plus we had reservations at The White Tower Restaurant at 3.45 and I definitely needed a shower.

My hard work was done for the day time to enjoy lunch / dinner and maybe a glass of fizz or two!

Heres to my next race, Retford half marathon on 8^th March!

So it would appear doing 2 half marathons (Great North West and Retford) , a 20 miler and a full Marathon is not enough this year as I’ve just signed up for The Great North Run via a charity place with Tommy’s as wasn’t successful with ballot. Am I mad? Maybe, I can’t fully explain what setting these goals does for me, it gives me a driving force and excites me, something I deffinetly didn’t think I’d be saying about running. Here’s to a year filled with goals!

Alarm sounded at 6am, to be honest I was already awake and pottering about and had been for about half hour. Suzie woke shortly after me which helped to occupy my mind slightly whilst the time on the clock ticked away.

Breakfast was porridge, to be honest I had to force it down, if you’ve ever forced your self to eat porridge when you don’t really want it you’ll understand its an effort. It was a necessity today I knew I couldn’t go out there unless I was fuelled right. This was followed by a banana about an hour after.

As I watched the light come up over Salford Queys, the nerves began to grow I really had no idea what today would throw at me all I knew was I had trained for this and no matter what I would cross that line even if I had to walk.

I started to get ready taking my laid out items one by one, checking off my check list, making sure I had everything, and before I knew it it was time to Say good bye to Stu and Suzie.

It was raining out so I’d prepared myself with an old zip up hoody to throw on whilst I walked my way over to the start. The 1.2 mile walk to the starting area really didn’t feel that long. Yes thats me in the light grey hoody on the bridge.

I followed the quays along and really need ant have been nervous about finding my way to my designated pen area there was plenty of people to follow and our pen was the first I discovered right next to the rows of loos which I spent nearly an hour debating if I wanted to go and que to then discovering if you leave it till they start the first wave off there’s no que. Turns out I didn’t actually need to use them at all but worth noting for the full.

As I stood around you could feel the nervousness of others I think it was at this point I realised I wasn’t alone and started to relax. I spoke to a couple of lovely young ladies both first time and running alone, our joking about the sweeper trucks which were lined up behind haunting us seemed to make that 45 minute wait go quiet quick. Although stood in the rain was beginning to get cold and I have to be honest I was pleased when we were ushered forward to the start line, it was at this point I decided to pop a revies strip in my mouth to get me going. This is the point where every one began to strip off their top layers throwing on a nearby platform, which is where mine went. I really hope they go to a good cause and are not just thrown away, I felt quiet guilty throwing clothing away knowing the streets were lined with people who appreciate the items to keep warm, but with no one at the start with me I had no option. I would be interested if anyone knows what happens to them all do let me know.

We had a practice wave and I think this is when excitement started in my belly and then the countdown began before I knew it pink smoke was being dispersed from the start line and off we were going!

I don’t recall when it actually stopped raining but I’m pretty sure it was early on. Also the route is a little blurred as I was so engrossed in just soaking up the atmosphere and the surroundings that I really didn’t notice where I was in relation to the route map. I had set my self a pace now I was off I wanted to run it all no matter how slow I was determined I wasn’t stopping so I tried to stay between 7 and 7.30 as a pace, a pace I had trained with on longer runs towards the end.

For the first five / ten minutes there was so many of us that you really couldn’t have raced off if you wanted to which was a good thing because it gave me time to settle into m pace no one else’s. I remember seeing the board displaying Not everyone can be like Mo, just be you quick or slow which made me smile, that’s exactly what I was going to be , myself.

The one mile marker seemed to come so quick. I remember coming back past the start point after the first loop and they were already starting to dismantle the start line (nothing like being quick).

As we started to come round the corner to just before Mile 3 marker I could see a que for the porta loos, I had many conversations in my head in the 2 ½ hours I was going round but particularly remember telling myself that was about 10 people I had just passed and remember feeling very please with myself. As I passed the 3 mile marker I remember turning to the lady at the side of me (apologies to people along route who were blessed with my random conversations) and saying single figures left now yay! Not sure she got what I meant but hey ho.

I didn’t stop at the drinks station as I didn’t need to with my water bladder on my back I was able to sip as I went along helping me to be able to keep my pace.

I remember going past the large board announcing we were in Sale, about 4 .5 miles in, and chuckling to myself it was only a couple of weeks ago I was watching someone who had filmed their half marathon and who had made a bit of a joke about not being able to stop for the sales, its amazing how little things stick in our minds.

I remember it changing from the main roads into smaller back streets at some point but not entirely sure where that point was. Although there had been supporters all the way from the start cheering us on when we entered the smaller housing estates the support took on another level. Kids high fiving and handing out jelly babies ( I only had one but I am positive this caused me slight stitch around mile 7 mark, note to ones self for future reference to trail eating on route) tables of people with cake! Yes you read right cake. I have no idea how you eat cake and run and wasn’t about to find out so did pass on that one but thank you to that person for their kind offerings.

Mile 8 to 9 seemed to be a long one, not in the sense of I was struggling in fact I felt really strong, I wasn’t out of breath my pace was serving me well, don’t get me wrong I didn’t feel full of athletic energy but I felt good, it just felt like ages before we saw the mile 10 marker.

As I passed the Mile 10 marker I remember turning to whoever was around me and randomly saying that’s it now homeward stretch. There definitely was no way I was stopping or walking now. It was about this point I popped a Dextrose tablet in and then followed that with another Revies strip. I had contemplated taking a gel from one of the stations (I’d already come pre pared with one of my own as well) but didn’t feel like I needed it.

I remember seeing Mile 13 marker ahead and immediately behind it the finish line, I could feel the emotions start to rise and remember pointing forward and telling one of the marshal’s that there was no stopping me know the end was near. I seemed to suddenly find a new burst of energy, not convinced it was the dextrose table and revie I had taken earlier, I think it was pure adrenalin. I remember passing a couple of ladies towards the end, I could see they were struggling one of them was walking and shouting at them come on you can do it you’ve come this far. Then out of no where as I passed the mile 13 marker my legs grew a mind of their own they turned into sprinters legs, m face also grew a mind of its own, I could feel a huge smile across my face forming as I sprinted in through the finish line I had done it!!! I had gone from non runner to running a half marathon in just over 7 months.

     

I love this one with my flying feet

I look like I am on a mission here as I sprinted to the finish line

I do recall seeing a gentleman singing think he was playing a guitar, The rock star choir, a local radio station blasting out the tunes amongst the many other supporters and marshals ringing bells, shouting out my name, yes my name! Complete strangers were routing for me! How kind is that. I recall a gent about mile 9 ish shouting “that’s a fab pace your doing Laura, keep going you’ve got this (I did wonder if he’d been listening to me and my favorite saying in group lol) I couldn’t tell you where abouts on the course these people were but my thanks goes out to each and everyone of you. The atmosphere and support really did make such a difference to me as a first timer and I know it will have been the same for the others.

I collected my medal and I think that’s when jelly legs started to make an appearance as they realised what they had achieved, these legs had done me proud and I remember slapping them at the side and saying thank you legs. I followed the man-made walkway round for what felt like quiet a while not quiet sure where I was going or where Stu would be waiting but this was a one way only system so that was the way I was going. I picked up my free beer and then further down my bottle of water as I made my way round to the village area, filled with food stalls and proud people taking pictures. It was just out side the gates where I’d found Stu and Suzie in the buggy asleep.

Time for a stroll back to the apartment for a well earned bath before having dinner out.

Before I started I had given myself an idea of time I wanted to complete it in and had said if I completed it within the three hour mark I would be really happy so to complete m first one in 2 hours 37minutes I am happy with that!!

Now to think about the next training plan for the Full Marathon in April!

Oh My, Where did the time go? It seems like yesterday I was signing up to this crazy idea having only just completed couch to 5k and then my first 10k run and now its so scary.

After an emotional week family wise this week the doubts are creeping in, Ive ran two 11 mile and and one 12 mile run over the past few months but that little voice in my head is saying am I really capable of doing this? Especially after my last few runs.

So it’s time to get my amazing quote board out from an inspirational member of mine and start using those quotes each day. I can and I will do this!!

 

 

   

So this popped up on my Facebook page today and I seem to have received a number of emails from both the British Lung Foundation and Wiggle Manachester announcing that there’s only 2 months to go!

Still feeling nervous already and if this had popped up two days ago I may have been seriously questioning my ability to run it however after yesterdays hill session I am feeling more positive and confident again (for now).

Rest day today, I have discovered not only is it OK to rest it’s a vital part of training, running will resume tomorrow:)

The Barkley Marathon also popped up on one of my many running groups I’m part of on Face book and seemed to be causing quiet a conversation, so with Stu out this evening and Suzie tucked up in bed I decided to look it up and give it a watch. I could only find snippets on U Tube but with only a map and compass allowed and no marked route, it’s no wonder not many ever finished the challenge!! I know for a fact I  would fail this one instantly as myself and directions do not go together, I need those fabulous marshal’s that volunteer their time and stand with markers.

I’ll not give things away but if you get chance it’s worth a watch and makes my goals look simple! (I know there is nothing simple about my goals, I am not disillusioned, the road ahead will be long and present it’s challenges but at least it will be flat, in daylight and well marshaled, oh and portaloos just in case of course!)

So the countdown is on, training needs to get serious, race day will be here before I know it!