One more VLM race report ... πŸ˜πŸŒ§πŸ„πŸ„πŸ„ - Fun Beyond 10K & ...

Fun Beyond 10K & Race Support

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One more VLM race report ... πŸ˜πŸŒ§πŸ„πŸ„πŸ„

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon
β€’111 Replies

Five weeks ago was the first time I seriously considered running a marathon. I entered on impulse. Flooded with doubts, I sought out a running buddy - one of my daughter’s friends who’d never run more than 12k (but walks a lot - think three peaks challenge - and being almost 35 years younger than me believes anything is possible) agreed to join me. We only managed two long training runs together but a plan developed; walk the first 1.5miles, run 23x 1 mile reps (1.2k run, 0.4k walk), then finish with a 2k walk and a 1k β€˜sprint’. The route was planned, checked and triple checked, with potential toilet stops identified along the way (none of which were needed as it happens); a loop one way down the river, a loop the other way up the river and a small loop around a lake to finish.

Worsening ankle/calf pain in the two weeks leading up to the event, meant I really wasn’t sure I’d be able to run yesterday, but was going to give it a good try. Pouring rain for two days prior meant our trail route by the river - solid earth trails, grass fields, compacted gravel paths and some roads - would be unrecognisable from the training runs and route recce rides we’d done.

It was with complete trepidation that we both got up on Sunday. My buddy's car had picked up a flat tyre the night before so I drove to pick her up …I was a few minutes late, so when my phone went I assured her I was on my way. Oh good she said only someone drove right past that looked a bit like you! Oops, yep that was me … back I went (wonder how long it would’ve taken me to realise by myself).

So we parked down by the river (empty car park) and got ourselves sorted. Very glad we opted for rain jackets as it was wet and windy. Almost immediately there were puddles as wide as the path (we soon gave up trying to dodge round and keep our feet dry), mud as sticky and slippery as could be (glad I decided to risk my trail shoes, previously untried over long distance) and of course the never ending wind, rain and cold!

I had water in my shoes, then mud between my toes and then I was happy for more water to wash the mud out again! They tell you to visualise anything that might happen during your race so that you’re prepared for any eventuality - well, how about a group of cows that have decided to lie across the road, or the fallen trees that we had to limbo under? Trust me, I plan everything to the nth degree, but somehow I missed those possibilities πŸ€¦β€β™€οΈ

But this was London Marathon day, and spirit and fortitude were evident everywhere. We met lots of other bib wearing runners and walkers and we all cheered each other on. We met other runners, dog walkers and families who clapped and cheered as we passed. On road sections we were brought back to the present by horn tooting cars (and just one particularly obnoxious car who went as fast as possible through a massive puddle sending water everywhere). A couple of times we were cheered on by supporters presumably waiting for other runners. Our thanks go to every single one of these people (except the splasher), it was really uplifting.

One group of runners in particular - I recognised the name on the lady’s bib and called out to her - I’m Miss 9389’s mum I shouted! She works with my daughter. I’ve checked her route and we only overlapped for such a short distance, it was an amazing coincidence to bump into her (especially as we've never met before). That was our only unscheduled stop - a quick selfie!!!

Then there were our own supporters. Pretty thin on the ground, but they made a huge difference and a lot of noise. My daughter in her car at 7k, my daughter’s friend at 17k (actually there to cheer on her sister who we didn’t see). Mr9389 informing us we were 47% of the way through!

I had made a variant of my usual pace band - this time it had the planneed time we should take to get to specific points on the route. As we turned to come back at around 28k we were 20 minutes ahead of schedule! The chatter in my head started. That meant sub 5:30 was a possibility - beyond anything I had hoped for, but the thought took hold and I swear the excitement of that possibility kept me going to the end.

I sipped an electrolyte drink throughout, and had had an energy bar in small chunks over the early part of the run, but around 18 miles (the app marked every mile with some distracting chat and loud cheers) I thought I was feeling a bit dizzy, so from then on I kept eating small energy chews and a few mini cheddars; I was worried I was about to experience the notorious 20/21 mile wall but it turned out to be nothing (or maybe it was, but was fixed by the increased food consumption).

Our final 3.5k should have taken us round a lake, but neither of us could face any more mud. My buddy was going to run the last bit on her own anyway, while I was going to run/walk it. We agreed that once we got to where our supporters were waiting, we would separate for the last few kms.

As we got to the final 3 or 4k we could see our cheer squad in the distance, we could hear them! They were amazing - just 7 of them, but what a noise! I was quite tearful and my buddy stepped it up a gear. We separated and ran on. I was not exhausted; sore, tired, heavy, but not spent so I ran 0.5k and walked 0.5k twice for that last 2k walk segment, then ran the final km or so as planned.

And that’s where it all got a bit confusing for us and our supporters! No longer on our measured route we were guessing how far to go before turning round. Talk about false finishes! Our cheer squad had brought a finish line that we had to keep running past; even when the app finally cheered us as finished (I’m sure I got the β€˜you did it’ message at 26 miles and again at 26.2), Garmin wanted another 200m or so (and no way were either of us stopping without getting 42.2km on Garmin and Strava)!! So there we were, up and down the street to whoops and cheers. I crossed the β€˜finish line’ as the app cheered, then ran on until Garmin beeped! Good job there was no one else around!!!

Photos, congratulations and recovery drinks in the street. We were all grabbing masks to go into the pub when Mr 9389 reminded us of the rule of 6. Ahh yes. That real world. So the two of us went home and left the youngsters to it.

There was of course another group of β€˜virtual supporters’ who were there whenever I had doubts, or needed to dig deep (which wasn’t too often) or whenever I needed to pinch myself to believe it was really happening - the bunch of supporters who have encouraged and informed and helped me fulfill dreams I never had!!! It is amazing what we can do, how we can repeatedly achieve the seemingly impossible. I feel so satisfied and content today; the stiffness and soreness are simply a positive reminder of how amazing I feel. With huge thanks to everyone here - HU is a truly awesome team!!! Never say Never!!!!

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linda9389
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111 Replies
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SueKen profile image
SueKenHalf Marathon

Wow, I got all emotional just reading that! Thanks for sharing your triumph with us.

(Have to say that on my short run yesterday I was disappointed not to come across any VLMrs that I could cheer on, but all the runners I did meet in the rain were exceptionally jolly for a change.)

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to SueKen

There's something quite mad about running in the rain - you can't help but laugh, and it gives you a common bond too which you just want to celebrate. I began to feel that people who weren't acknowledging others were missing out yesterday!

tiggs1 profile image
tiggs1Marathon

What an amazing achievement and well done to both of you :). The weather really did make life hard yesterday but you succeeded :)

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to tiggs1

Didn't it just! Having said that it's not the rain so much as the conditions underfoot that make it challenging - sometimes it was impossible to know where underfoot was, it was under so much water πŸ˜…

Wow, what an awesome report reflecting an amazing day you had! Congratulations on completing that marathon despite all the hurdles put in your way. You planned it, dreamed it and achieved it! Hope you are feeling a bit more mobile now 🀣

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to

I thoroughly planned it ... but didn't allow for the weather πŸ˜…πŸ˜…πŸ˜…. I'd probably have switched to a road route but my buddy was keen to carry on regardless. It made it all the more memorable 😊

Celeriac profile image
Celeriac

Great to read the whole story in detail Linda, Thanks for taking the time to write it. It was fun picturing the cows and the supporters confusion at the end!!

Great stuff Linda. So glad you are enjoying your triumph - Well deserved πŸ‘πŸ…

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Celeriac

I'm glad the end bit made sense. For those who're old enough, it was worthy of an episode in Fawlty towers!!!

roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon

This is so so so so amazing, brilliant, fabulous, and downright AWESOME!!!!!! You are a complete superstar Linda 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to roseabi

It was awesome! And I still can't quite believe it. There are two nagging voices in my head ... 'How about if you trained peoperly? Could you maybe run it?' and 'Half to full was a big jump, full to ultra not so big?' πŸ™„πŸ€·β€β™€οΈπŸ€¦β€β™€οΈπŸ™ˆπŸ™‰πŸ™Š

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Marathon in reply to linda9389

πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

Mx

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Madge50

You too huh? 😍

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Half Marathon

Amazing report and an amazing achievement Linda! πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ…πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰ You are an absolute inspiration - just fantastic! Had to smile at the need to have the almighty Garmin ok your distance..and visions of folk running up and down the street with finish lines! πŸ˜‚

Well done my friend, rest up well and enjoy the glory! πŸ’ͺπŸ™‚x

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Sandraj39

I think most of us will be able to identify with the necesity of those last couple of hundred Garmin/Strava metres . Not sure our cheer squad will understand, even now πŸ˜…

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Half Marathon

Great to read the whole report. You had me giggling, groaning, cheering for you all the way round. Absolutely awesome πŸ˜ŽπŸ‘πŸ₯³πŸ₯‚ As we were in one of the locks, we saw a guy dressed in a rhino costume, so 3 boatloads of people, probably unexpectedly, cheered him on πŸ˜ƒ

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Sandie1961

Ahh, I bet he loved that! Hope you had a wonderful weekend deapite the rotten weather

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Half Marathon in reply to linda9389

It was great. Just what we needed after losing Ben on Tuesday. And our son had a fantastic birthday weekend πŸ˜ƒ

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Sandie1961

Brilliant!

MccHa profile image
MccHaHalf Marathon

Fantastic Linda πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘ great achievement well done πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to MccHa

Thank you. I'm so pleased I stepped out of my comfort zone 😊

2718281 profile image
2718281Half Marathon

That's an amazing result and a great report of the race! Well done, the conditions were hard but you and your buddy made it and with a great time, congratulations and enjoy the feeling now :) :) :) :)

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to 2718281

Thank you. I still keep smiling to myself and doing a little dance inside ... not up to a real dance just yet!!!

Congratulations on your amazing run yesterday too!!!

2718281 profile image
2718281Half Marathon in reply to linda9389

Thanks! I'm also dancing inside (it would a weird robotic dance if I try something else today)

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to 2718281

I'm right with you there!!! Was your run planned or did it happen out of the blue?

2718281 profile image
2718281Half Marathon in reply to linda9389

I had registered for the marathon, I was thinking of walking instead, but I was feeling good at the beginning, so I tried the run :)

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to 2718281

Brilliant! I saw a few people waling it yesterday.

Ellesbelles85 profile image
Ellesbelles85Marathon

Wow! Well done! Really inspiring and great to read! You deserve to feel on top of the world! 😁 Congratulations! xx

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Ellesbelles85

Thank you. Who knows what's possible until you try 😊

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrHalf Marathon

Congratulations to you Linda9389, what a inspiring post and run, such a fantastic achievement πŸƒπŸΎ πŸ‘

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to AlMorr

Ahh, thank you 😊

Stephen_UK profile image
Stephen_UKHalf Marathon

Linda, this is amazing! Wow! So impressed that you did that. What an incredible feat. A brilliant piece of writing too. Almost like being there.

Hope you have recovered a bit now and are starting to feel human again.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Stephen_UK

I'm glad it made some sense. There was so much more to say but my reports are always way too long as it! It's a sort of therapy, dumping some of the intensity πŸ˜€. Although of course it's that intensity that gives the running buzz.

Stephen_UK profile image
Stephen_UKHalf Marathon in reply to linda9389

Absolutely right! But a report can never be too long in my opinion.

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Marathon

Fabulous report......you forgot the β€˜planned route completely under water’......πŸ˜‚ I must admit I thought about my trail shoes too....but couldn’t be that confident I’d cope in them on so many road sections.....

The app failed us, unfortunately.....but Garmin saved the day!

Anyway.......congratulations MARATHONER!

Overall, what a super day we had! You did the London Marathon!

πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ…πŸŽ‰

Mx

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Madge50

It never occurred to me how much it would change in a week! I thought the app was a nice distraction most of the time, though not terribly entertaining. Did you get the double finishing message too? We are marathoners. We did the London marathon πŸ˜€

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Marathon in reply to linda9389

Yes I did, and several asking me to sign up for next year’s ballot! πŸ˜‚

.........πŸ€·β€β™€οΈ

Mx

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Madge50

I signed up safe in the likelihood I won't get a place - but I will definitely try one more marathon if I can 😊

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Marathon in reply to linda9389

........I’m saying nothing........πŸ€ͺπŸ€·β€β™€οΈπŸ˜«

πŸ˜‰

Mx

David_G profile image
David_GMetric Marathon

Wow, that’s fantastic Linda9389, that sounds like a tough but worthwhile outing!πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ‘

Such a shame you couldn’t celebrate it properly without breaking Covid regulations though.πŸ™

Thanks for an inspiring post!😊I’ve entered the ballot for next year’s London Marathon. Not likely to get anywhere but you never know! 🀞

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to David_G

Thanks. I've entered too, although in truth I'd probably be happier in a smaller local event, so I will take a look - but not just yet πŸ˜€

Fran6500 profile image
Fran6500Half Marathon

Congratulations. Well done xxx

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Fran6500

Thank you 😊

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Half Marathon

Congratulations Linda & friend. I loved reading your marathon report. It was as if I was there with you and so great you had people now and again cheering you on. Its also brilliant to read no matter how achey you are today its a great reminder of what you achieved.

Well done you and okay I'll never say neverπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Buddy34

Thank you. Who knows what's ahead, right?

What a wonderful report! You are so inspiring! It certainly is an absolutely incredible achievement and one you thoroughly deserve! You have achieved something truly remarkable!

All those nerves and all those feelings before and you conquered each one with every forward step!

A once in a lifetime moment and you did it! Something you will remember and be remembered for forever! The badge suits you and those aches are reminders of your fantastic efforts. I'm so thrilled for you. YOU RAN A MARATHON 🎽🎽🎽πŸ₯‡πŸ₯‡πŸ₯‡πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to

Thank you! Technically I ran and walked a marathon - but who knows one day I might aim to run one. Good to have goals πŸ˜ƒ

in reply to linda9389

Hey... the achievement and medal is the same. You earned it. You deserve it and you completed it 🧑

Bluebirdrunner profile image
Bluebirdrunner

Congratulations Linda, I got goosebumps reading your report, what a day you had, and what a fantastic achievement. The cows, the mud, the rain and limbo-ing under branches plus the cheers of your lovely supporters and such a long long distance!

You deserve to feel amazing, I'm glad you have no bad niggles as a result, but I can imagine how stiff you must be!

So proud and happy for you Marathon ladyπŸ…. 🍁xxx

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Thank you! Even the cow pats were full of water like mini ponds!!! Have had a lovely day off today so soreness and stiffness and tiredness hasn't really been an issue - tomorrow will be more telling πŸ˜€

Kevin41 profile image
Kevin41Half Marathon

I laughed a lot at this. Great run report for a fantastic achievement. A thousand Woohoo’s to you and your buddy!! Absolutely awesome πŸ‘πŸΌ

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Kevin41

I laughed at one point as we slippednthrough the mud at one of the many gates. It was at that same point I remembered I hadn't been to the loo for 5 or 6 hours and laughing was illadvised!!!

SmilingTortoise1 profile image
SmilingTortoise1Half Marathon

What an amazing achievement Linda πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

I loved reading your report. You are a true inspiration. Well done 😊😊😊

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to SmilingTortoise1

Ahh, thank you; and I have been inspired by many others here on HU.

AliHC profile image
AliHCMarathon

Wow! Go linda9389 ❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️

That was an epic marathon and an epic read! Thank you for sharing! What a wonderful achievement! πŸƒπŸΌβ€β™€οΈπŸ₯‡

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to AliHC

Yeah, it was bit long ... but believe me it could have been soooo much longer πŸ™Š. Thank you 😊

AliHC profile image
AliHCMarathon in reply to linda9389

Hope you recover quickly linda9389 πŸ€— And huge CONGRATULATIONS β€οΈπŸŽ‰πŸ₯‡πŸƒπŸΌβ€β™€οΈπŸ₯‚

Run46 profile image
Run46Half Marathon

Amazing Linda, I'm so proud of you...as I'm sure we all are.

Our very own Linda has managed an actual Marathon πŸŽ‰

Massive congratulations, enjoy your aches and pains, you've earned them πŸ˜†

Now enjoy a few lazy days, with gentle walks, you've certainly earned them too πŸ’–

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Run46

Thank you! I opted for the bike to stretch out today - less painful than walking. Maybe tomorrow 🀞. And no running for a couple of weeks!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Miles

I lived through that and felt your hard work and elation

Well done isn’t enough for such an awesome run πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ you must be so proud

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to SueAppleRun

It will more than do for me w&s, thank you 😊

SlowLoris profile image
SlowLoris

Brilliant. Well done.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to SlowLoris

Thank you. I did think of your post when we were at 'T-20', it turns out we had a conservative plan which worked for me both physically and mentally. That was the only reason we beat the plan. It's all in the tricks of the planning πŸ˜€

SlowLoris profile image
SlowLoris in reply to linda9389

I’m out of the country again. Just doing 5-6 mile slow runs and planning my comeback. Yours is quite spectacular. (The triumph of Hope over adversity. )

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to SlowLoris

Not sure I can imagine running again ...

Windoze profile image
WindozeHalf Marathon

Great running Linda. πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ”₯ trained hard and smashed it. πŸ₯‡πŸŽ‰

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Windoze

Haha, I trained as hard as I could in the three weeks notice I had (plus 2 week taper) 😍 - and I definitely wouldn't recommend that approach. Dead happy with how it turned out though 😊

triumph-tiger profile image
triumph-tigerHalf Marathon

Fabulous effort and great write up πŸ˜€πŸŽ‰πŸ‘πŸ˜€πŸŽ‰πŸ‘

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to triumph-tiger

Thank you. I did think about you as we went along that stretch of the Bath Road ... it was a nasty day, I reckon you dodged a bullet there 😍, though whether the paths will have dried out by end November is debatable!!!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles

Congratulations Linda, anyone who ran yesterday deserves medals, cheers and Pom poms. How nice that you had someone else to do it with too.

I did mean to go out to see if there were any local runners running it but it was so miserable out there, I just watched the elites.

You step up on the podium and pick up your bling. Awesome. πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ‘πŸ»πŸ‘πŸ»

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Dexy5

Oh, I don't blame you Dexy. I couldn't thank our supporters enough - most of them were really my younger running buddy's friends. They had to stand out there for a long time - particularly when we were both running up and down the street at the end and they couldn't work out quite what was happening!!!

It was lovely just knowing there were lots of other runners out there doing the same thing - it would have been nice to be able to choose the day to run out of say a week or something, but then we wouldn't have had that sense of something bigger, all of us out together. Despite being a foul day, it kind of worked 😊

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltrying10 Miles

I really enjoyed reading your report Linda and would be more than happy to read all the bits that you left out as well. Absolutely brilliant! I wonder how long the after glow will last. A good long time I should imagine. Stress fracture to marathon lady! Fantastic! Many, many congratulations! 🍾πŸ₯‚πŸ…πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ€Έβ€β™‚οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ€Έβ€β™‚οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ€Έβ€β™‚οΈπŸ‘πŸ»πŸ‘πŸŒŸ πŸ’₯βš‘οΈπŸŽ‰πŸ˜ŠπŸΎ

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to over61andstilltrying

Ahh, thank you so much. You're right - this time last year I was back on week 4 of C25K, happy to be running but unsure if I'd run 5k again let alone a marathon. We should never give up, and never say never!

Runsome profile image
RunsomeMarathon

Wow what a race report, it was really emotional it seem you went through a total journey with fab support and came away with a fantastic experience and a smashing tale of the day. I’m so glad you got so much from the day and a fantastic time as the cherry on the cake well done and thanks for sharing πŸ˜ŠπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ…

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Runsome

That's about right Runsome! Being part of the HU VLM team really helped too. Time for a badge update for you is it not?

OnlineTwin profile image
OnlineTwinHalf Marathon

Brilliant run. Brilliant report. Brilliant achievement. Brilliant you. πŸƒπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ“ƒπŸ…πŸ€©

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to OnlineTwin

Ahh thank you. Have to add brilliant support to that list 😊

Jelly-bean16 profile image
Jelly-bean16Marathon

Amazing post. So great to hear your story and what you went through. Sounds so soggy. Definitely an extra challenge in the rain.

I can’t believe your end and your finishing line πŸ˜‚ my Strava says 26.19 there was no way I was going any further once the official app bleeped. I had nothing left. You did amazing especially with your injury. Well done again!! πŸ₯³

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Jelly-bean16

Haha. Our end was surreal, not least because the two of us were running in different directions by then so kept passing each other. You just had to laugh!!!!

We all did really well - a tough challenge on a tough day, but we were all tougher still!!!

Bubs1671 profile image
Bubs167110 Miles

I have a lump in my throat! That is truly magical and you have been a consistent source of inspiration to all of us on this forum. Massive congratulations!πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Bubs1671

Thank you. I just wrote it as it spilled out, but when I re read it this morning I felt quite teary too. Not sure why really, because it was such a happy positive thing!

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

Well done ! πŸ˜ƒπŸ’ͺπŸ‘ŠβœŠπŸ‘πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ…πŸ’¦

I hope you’re feeling good after your marathon πŸ’ͺ

Flippin weather ☹️😀 πŸ™„

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to misswobble

Thank you. I've felt better for sure πŸ˜… It was neither kind nor sensible to submit my tortured tendons to such a long adventure, but they'll get over it πŸ˜…

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply to linda9389

They sure will! πŸ‘πŸ™‚

I spent hours last night trying to work out a flattish route. Trouble is, there isn’t one 😫

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon

What an emotional read, brilliant run report! And what about those cows.....πŸ™€ you’d never factor that in.

Linda, what can I say? Really really well done and many congratulations to you. Those conditions were horrible and must have made all the miles so much harder. But you did it πŸ’ͺ a day you’ll always remember.

I hope you’re not too sore and you’re still smiling. Brilliant stuff πŸ₯°

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Irishprincess

Thank you. I'm fefinitely still smiling IP. And contemplating the next one! It has to be done.

Raspberrypink profile image
RaspberrypinkHalf Marathon

I can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said. I too felt emotional reading this. Well done on your amazing achievement πŸ‘πŸΌπŸƒπŸ½β€β™€οΈπŸ‘πŸΌ

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Raspberrypink

Ahh, thank you. 48 hours on and I'm just about coming back down to earth!!!

Over62 profile image
Over62Half Marathon

Brilliant run so inspirational, great to get support alongside you too,congratulations on your superb achievement.πŸ˜πŸƒπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸŽ‰πŸ‘πŸ‘

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Over62

The support was amazing because it wasn't something you could take for granted as you would in a real race. Plus we were going slowly enough to be able to thank people which was nice πŸ˜€

C3PO profile image
C3POMarathon

Congratulations!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to C3PO

Thank you! Did you manage to get out there in the end?

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon

What a run! What a crew! What a report! I could feel the mud in my shoes reading this! Horrible conditions but you smashed it! Well done and I hope all the body parts are feeling good today. Huge congratulations Linda! πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ‘ŠπŸ’ͺ

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Decker

Thanks Decker. That whole water in, water out and slimy mud between the toes feeling, was a first for me!!! I possibly won't be so scared of it next time. Mind you my high heeled Hokas came in handy for wading through a few of the earlier puddles when it still seemed worth trying to keep dry feet πŸ˜€

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to linda9389

Haha yes I guess not even the high Hokas are impervious to that much of a soaking. πŸ™‚

Mimirossi profile image
Mimirossi

Wow! Just fabulous! Well done! πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ‘πŸ»

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Mimirossi

Thank you 😊

Wimborne profile image
WimborneHalf Marathon

Oh just wow. Incredible run and huge congratulations to you... just amazing post for an amazing marathon πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Wimborne

Thank you - it was an amazing experience that, come to think of it, was only possible because of Covid!

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoUltramarathon

Excellent, great read, amusing, uplifting and just as I expected.

Fantastic effort all round, well done πŸ’ͺπŸ»πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ˜πŸ˜˜

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo

Thank you. I keep finding myself googling the next one as I don't imagine I'll get a VLM 2021 ballot place, and if I did it has strong pros and cons in equal measure! Whereas Richmond Runfest looks lovely ... πŸ˜…

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon

What an inspirational, fun and gripping read that was Linda. My hat is off to you. You did it and you are amazing for accomplishing it! Well done and I hope you are recovering well. πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ˜€πŸ˜€πŸ˜€πŸ˜€πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to RunBrianRun

Thank you. It was a great opportunity for me and I'm so pleased with how it worked out 😊

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon

What a wonderful report Linda! How you managed to run so far with wet feet I’ll never know, but you did it!!! Just shows how fit you are that you did it with 5 weeks training! Incredible πŸ˜ƒπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ‘πŸ‘

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to TailChaser

Thanks TC. The feet were wet but warm. I actually have one very bruised toe nail and blisters in the usual place on both feet, yet I wasn't aware of either during the run which makes little sense.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply to linda9389

Endorphins are a wonderful thing!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to TailChaser

I think you're right, very powerful. My leg was by no means fixed but it hardly bothered me at all. More than can be said for it now 😊

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply to linda9389

It deserves to have a bit of a grumble, but I get the impression it was worth it πŸ‘πŸ’ͺ

annettebrown profile image
annettebrownHalf Marathon

Wow Linda, rather late in the day (week) is a huge congratulations to you and a very big Well Done ! πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘Your race report was brilliant and very inspiring, thank you.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to annettebrown

Thank you. It still feels like it was just yesterday, it was a pretty intense experience (in a good way) πŸ˜ƒ

Lavender1962 profile image
Lavender1962Half Marathon

Wow! What a great run report! Well done . You made it through all the different obstacles. Congratulations on your marathon!πŸ‘πŸŽ‰

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Lavender1962

Thank you! Just went out for lunch with my young running buddy's mum to celebrate πŸ˜€

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