Half Marathon

I wish I could upload a photo of me crossing the line. It's not a great photo but at least you could see that I did it! Trouble is I don't have the software for this camera so have to wait unti I re-order it. Hey ho.

Anyway - it was a great run - a cool, still, drizzley day so not too hot, not too windy and not cold either. I set off quite slowly in my sub- 2.15 bracket and within a couple of miles felt that the whole bastard race was going to overtake me I honestly thought that I was going to be running along the road by myself! Anyway, I stuck to my guns and, after 3 or 4 miles, after the first hill (sort of) I started overtaking a few people myself.

I think all the hilly training I've done out here in the Peaks has stood me in good stead. Where a lot of people were flagging on the small inclines and walking, I hardly noticed them as hills at all. I ran all the way and overtook people on every hill. It rreally gave me confidence to know that the hills were nothing like as scary as I'm used to.

So, around the half way mark we hit Ecclesall Road which is a busy shopping street and there were loads of people out supporting the race and clapping etc. That was a massive boost. After that it was (mostly) downhill and I felt progressively better and better. I started to pick up the pace and pick off people who had overtaken me earlier on and I never felt too tired or as though I needed to stop to walk or anything.

At 11 miles it was a bit weird as I've never run that far before but I didn't flag and managed to keep increasing my pace. At 12, we hit the stadium and I was really pounding. Once we got into Don Valley Stadium, no-one overtook me - I mean no-one!! I was sprinting up the home straight to the point that one woman who had a go at taking me out gave up! So, I made it home in 2 hours and 10 minutes and I really enjoyed it. I don't have any major aches or pains although the act of sitting or standing is a bit tricky! It was great - for a lot of the run I had that elusive runners high thing you read about - I was that happy to be out. It's hard to explain but I pretty much loved every minute. I don't want to run a full marathon though....before you ask!!

I'll catch up with more news later. Byee and a massive thank you to all who sponsored me....it is much appreciated and your comments on my Just Giving page were fantastic!! Really - you were great.