So this morning we arrived full of beans and raring to go, I'd had about 10 pees by the time the race started lol nerves. There were loads of people there from GRL we know.
The 20 mile race began at 10.30 and we started the 10 mile race at 10.45, Beth and I pinned our numbers on and walked to the start... Loads of laughing and the atmosphere was great. Off we went with the race timer beeping as we crossed the start mats, our pace had to be 7 to 7.30 per km to get in under 2 hours which was our goal.
Mile 1 to 5 was pretty easy for me but Beth feeling tired, we struggled to keep our pace down to 7min running at around 6.45/km, the first water stop came and we walked for 30 Seconds and I had a power gel and a slice of orange that beth had kindly brought along. Off we went again, Beth now feeling great, my legs started getting heavy at mile 7 just as the first 20 miler came flying past, he'd done 14miles! Wow. Mile 8 saw another water station and I had another gel. Legs getting heavier, Garmin says I've beaten my last 13km time, sweet. Beth is now constantly encouraging me, I need it.
Only 3km to go....
Seeing the same people around us now passing and we pass them again and again, feels like I have a small child attached to each leg.
2k to go we come upon an American lady who's husband ran off ahead, she's struggling, Beth drops back with her to encourage her, I don't have the energy do do anything but keep running, I walk for a few seconds and Beths beside me, "come on Dad here we go".
400m to go the finish comes into view, it seems a long way off and it's uphill, focus garmin says I've got 4 minutes to beat 2 hours.... Exhausted I want to walk, Beths on the case, she sheds a tear and tells me she's so proud of me... Gulp. !
I can hear shouting "Go Paul" I recognise the voices but I can't see them, I'm in the zone.... Boom! We cross the line holding hands at 1:58 . Soooooo chuffed. Couldn't have done it without Beth and she says the same.
Huge hug and off we went to get our first running vest. Now for pizza and rugby.
Written by
Paul46-ipswich
Graduate10
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Oh well done, well done, well done to you both, that's fantastic! What a buzz! And to cross the line together holding hands, how special is that! 🤗🎉 (I did a 'race for life' with my daughter, that was very special to me)
Great time, never mind those racing snakes and gazelles, you did it! You got to the start safely, you made it to the end safely, that's what matters.
Enjoy that pizza! I'll wager you might not see all the rugby........or might miss a few bits!.......zzzzzz! 😴
Lovely post Paul, and congratulations to you and Beth! I bet you were both chuffed that you beat the 2hr mark too! Rest up well...and good result in the rugby too! Perfect day, eh?🎉👏😀
Well done to you both, made me feel emotional reading that!! You did so well to keep going and dig deep. Fantastic! I hope you're feeling OK today and not too sore
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morning run
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