Yesterday I ran my first half marathon. I'm an aul doll, age 63, and Type 1 diabetic. I did 5 weeks training. So by any measure, it was something of a miracle to get round. For that, I dedicated my race to my da and my late brother who both passed in the month of September. It was their grit, their determination that helped me to get round.
Did all the 'faffage' the day before and had a big dinner, (Christmas dinner size) and afterwards, lay up on the sofa barely able to move. I slept better than expected, and got up at 6.30am to collect my friend for the trip to Belfast - 40 miles away. Had the bright idea of stopping at a service station about 10 miles from the race start to visit the toilet. About 400 other runners had the same bright idea, and I spoke to loads of people I knew.
There were 5000 runners at the start line. I spoke to a 75 year old lady I knew from Parkrun, who was running her 10th half marathon, so she gave me loads of advice and calmed me down.
And we were off! As we went through the start line, the heavens opened - and I mean opened! It was like a tropical monsoon, soon we were all soaked to the skin. At mile 3, another runner stepped sideways, and I stepped the other way - splash - into a massive puddle. Squelched along until mile 5 and stepped in another puddle, so now both feet were soaking.
The runners were all amazing. Without doubt, this is the friendliest place to run. Everybody was chatting, "do you know so and so?" "Yea that's my third cousin" "Oh, I worked with him 5 years ago". A fellow diabetic sprinted up next to me, and we exchanged tactics for the race. Another runner came alongside to ask if we needed anything.
There were loads of people lining the route, cheering and clapping all the way round. And the monsoon like conditions didn't put them off. Children were at the side of the road, offering jelly babies or 'high fives' to keep us going. The atmosphere was electric!
The route is amazing, simply stunning! It takes you past so many iconic sites, and through two beautiful parks. It enables you to take in the sights and history, and distracts from the grind of the miles.
At mile 9, I started to flag a bit, and knew I'd have to dig in. Also, needed to use the loo! Spotted the race toilets "shall I stop, or shall I do the other 4 miles?" Decided to stop. Chemical toilets - urrgh! But it was essential!
Back on track, and I seemed to have a second wind. The crowds were building up. People at bus stops were cheering, people coming out of cafes and restaurants came out to roar us on.
The last mile was tough, agony, my poor legs! Then round the corner and spotted the finish - and my friends waiting at the barrier! To say it was emotional is an understatement. A few minutes later, my friends hoisted me on their shoulders to a massive cheer from the crowd! You'd think I'd just ran in the Olympics. Finished in 2:41:10.
And 5 minutes later, they said "Will we start to train for the Marathon next May?" "Lets download a training plan and meet on Tuesday"
I'm going "Have you lost the run of yourselves altogether - no way!"
If you ever fancy running in the friendliest event, with the best sites to see, and a completely slick and organised event - come to Belfast. It is truly amazing!
With love to all of you who supported me, and sent so many positive vibes - it really did get me through the last three miles.
The aul doll completed the long road!
10 miles of "Timid not Tough" or how I avoided the "Puddle of Doom"
Another Manchester Marathon Race Report
