12mths after embarking on the C25K programme, Iโve just completed the Oxford Half, a month after doing the Great North Run!
Yesterday (Sunday) was perfect running conditions....cool and sunny. I arrived at University Park, the race village, with my partner Judy, my brother Del and his partner, in plenty of time to take in the atmosphere.
Nine to ten thousand runners were taking part so it was heaving by 8.30. We had a coffee and a banana and after that I was starting to feel quite nervous.... butterflies and all that goes with it! Toilet queues were really long so my โUrgency Cardโ came in handy ๐ค
Warm up started at 8.45, the usual prancing around ๐ before being asked to make our way to the starting pens, a 15min walk away.
The race started at 9.30 for the elite runners, it was 15mins later before we got away.
Taking in the sites of Oxford is fantastic, especially if youโre a tourist which many of the runners were. I had only gone a couple of Kms before nature called and I was breaking my neck. We got to the first block of portaloos where I had to stop leaving my brother to carry on. I carried on at my own pace and only saw my brother the once when we did a u turn coming back on ourselves at about 4 miles.
I got into a rhythm running at around 11min/mls, passing several uniโs and the Oxford Spires whilst counting down the miles. I was enjoying it, none of the walkers really getting in the way. However, once I passed the 7mile mark I felt my right glute begin to tighten up again just like the GNR! I thought โOn no, not again!โ
As soon as it started to get really uncomfortable, I resigned myself to the fact I wasnโt going to be able to run it all. I stopped twice to do some stretches before carrying on and starting jeffing at about 9mls....a lot more running than walking I might add!
Upon reaching the 10ml watering station, I was pleased to see it manned by a few of my club members who really egged me on shouting encouragement, that really gave me a boost as I was close to calling it a day because of the discomfort ๐ฌ
I though โNo, Iโm going to do this!โ and I did, crossing the finishing line in 2โ29โ, only 12 mins behind my brother who ran it all!
We collected our T Shirts and goodie bags but alas, no medals as the shipment was delayed due to Storm Ali.... took the edge off it a bit but Virgin Sport have assured us that they will be mailed to us ASAP..... thatโs going to cost โem a few bob!
For me itโs still unfinished business as I havenโt yet run the complete HM distance so. as my brother is from Burgess Hill, itโs the Brighton Half in February next! ๐
Once again, if it wasnโt for my good friends support and encouragement on this forum, I wouldnโt be where I am now.... not bad for a Septuagenarian.... well I will be in 3mths ๐ณ
This morning I went for another sports massage, the second in a week, good grief that hurt!!! ๐ซ๐ฌ