Hello all. I did it! 2 hours and 28 minutes was my official time, which was within the aim set by my more experienced running friend! I was just determined to finish, especially after raising so much for Macmillan. Next year I'll run for what the charity actually is lol.
I am so pleased I trained in Blenheim for this run. It wasn't just the distance that has to be overcome.... most of Blenheim has some type of gradient to it, so even a supposedly flat bit is steep, let alone the actual hills!
We started outside the palace and was given a false sense of security by running downhill towards the 7k route! This is where the steepest hill in Blenheim is and I knew this was the bit I needed to take slow. So many people raced past me - wow some of you can run fast! But then the hill slowed people down.
I broke the route down into chunks, luckily for me it was mostly the routes I had trained on so the next stage was the 5k run from the lake towards Comb through a deceiving flat looking part! This bit was where I first started my 0to5k jog/walks, so it was lovely to remenisce and recognise how far I've come since January.
Thankfully the hill we ran in Comb wasn't the steepest one available but by this stage Comb was beginning to feel quite big! I hit the 13k stage here and this was where I began to feel my first panic of can I do this? My running friend had moved ahead, in my sight still but a distance in front. This didn't matter, there was a lovely supportive atmosphere amongst all of us running. The mindset being finish rather than race, especially when you saw those hills! I didn't stop - of course - I heard people from this group saying slow and so whilst others walked Comb hill I very slowly jogged up it and then made up my time when we hit the flat again.
Going back into Blenheim for the final slog was a relief as I knew the end was coming but I also knew I was still a good 5k away and a tough 5k as we had to redo part of the 7k route and then follow the lake. I usee my friend ahead of me as my pacer and my music to motivate me. By this stage I was counting my steps to 4 and just determined to reach the end.
The downside to running where I trained was that we had to run past my usual stopping point! On my longest run ever thid was more of a mental barrier to overcome! As I was finishing the 7k route uptowards the lake I caught up with my friend, no easy mission, but we trained together so it was nice to run the last 2k together.
My partner and 2 girls were standing waving at us as we started our final lap round Blenheim lake, which was lovely but took me out of my running for a moment. I needed to get back into my zone. I got emotional.... seeing my girls. The music playing. Thinking of Glen.
But this last 2k whilst tough as I hadn't ran further than 19k was the usual route we would run each day. My friend was beginning to struggle, so for once I was able to be the motivator for her. It felt like the end of one of our very worst runs. That last 1k needed some mental strength but I had enough motivation and determination for both of us. I knew we were close to hitting under 2hrs30 so I tried to run faster on the flat bits to combat the last rise of the sloping finish.
Just as we saw turned the lake Mr Bluesky came on my music and my emotions hit. I hadn't heard this song prior to Glen dying but I found it when running and it reminds me of everything we have to be grateful for in being alive. And all that those not with us are missing. It was the best song to finish on. One final push. My friend had enough energy to run the last leg, I stayed slow and steady behind her, enjoying my moment of acheivement before I became overwhelmed by it all as I was given my medal.
What a run. Such a journey; physically yes, but mentally much more. Who would have thought I would run a half marathon! But I did! I was tired and it was tough but I would do it again. It is exhilarating and I am so proud of me. The strength we find to keep going. Amazing. Running has given me the strength to keep going when life gets tough too and kept me sane throughout my grief.
The only other official run I've ran in Blenheim was the 7k and that was cold, with little organisation. This run was so well organised. Perfect amount of toilets, even on route and spaced out water stations too. One at the 10 mile stage which I sooo needed! I will definitely sign up next year but I am now thinking Marathon!! I am a little crazy! 😜 Thank you to all of you for your support. I think I can truly say I'm a runner now! 😊🤗🏃♀️👊🖤 #Irunbecauseican
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Half marathon
First half marathon
Half marathon training plan started
Barnstaple Half Marathon
