Thank you for the Pom Pom support! Thought I’d let you know how it went.
The weather was more than kind, sunny, cool and dry. Perfect really.
The 1st stop of course were the toilets with huge lines of people at each one. I was worried that I might miss the start. As it happens I did miss the warm up and just about made it to my pen before the gun.
The slow shuffle to the startline was interesting as it became a slow jog to the start. I was very conscious of not setting off too fast but I needn’t have worried as the ‘pack’ at this point were pretty slow. I got a bit hemmed in with a wall of people that I couldn’t really get started at my preferred pace.
After it opened out a bit I managed to get into my groove. I don’t know if it was because it was my 1st time but I didn’t look at my watch once as I didn’t want to know if my pace was slow and get disheartened. I just wanted to complete the course and enjoy it.
Up to about 7/8 km all was going well then I started to feel it and felt myself slow as the last 2km held some hidden inclines which I had not anticipated.
Also I discovered I need practice at grabbing and drinking from a bottle whilst running and panting. I nearly had to stop from choking! 😄
The finish line was a very welcome sight and I tried a half hearted sprint.
I felt amazing after finishing and very proud of myself as I have never been a runner, I always thought I’d hate it, told myself I’d be no good at it etc and only started running last October. I was 60 this year and it was a promise I made to myself to quit the booze and start running. I am more than chuffed to have kept that promise.
Oh and my time? 1 hour 8mins. Not to shabby I think. 🏃🏼♀️🎖️