Warning - rather long and rambling post!!
Things been quite hectic this week - work and home - so bit of a delay in posting!
I still feel so pleased and proud that I am Bournemouth HM finisherβ¦β¦how did that happen! I remember feeling completely daunted about running 5km and now I have run 21!
So how did it go I hear you ask?! Well, surprisingly smoothly. The training, preparation and planning certainly paid off. Thank you to roseabi for your brilliant HM plan. I adapted it a bit and training sessions had to be flexible to fit around holidays, illness, work, family - but the plan gave me a focus. Preparation was also key, particularly fuel (testing out Tailwind v snacks) and hydration (plenty of water the day before and sipping during). I was amazed how many people didnβt have a waist belt or hydration pack to carry water and fuel. It was a warm day and I sipped water and Tailwind regularly I wouldnβt have wanted to wait until I got to a water station.
Hubby dropped me near the start rather than get the shuttle bus (which I was glad about because the buses were very full and some folk only just got to the start in time). I had plenty of time to wander down to the loos (managed to get in a short queue!) and then walked up and down to keep warm. Did a few stretches and felt quite relaxed. Some people were doing very thorough warm ups and some were running around! I just enjoyed soaking in the atmosphere and watching everyone. I made my way to the last pen and stood right at the end, plenty of space to stand apart from others and a long way from the gazelles π I chatted to a couple of folk about their running experience and charity then it was countdown and we were offβ¦β¦walking slowly to the start!! π€£ The start line came closer and I started to jog. I was determined not to get swept along and tucked in behind a lady doing a gentle pace. It was overcast but felt quite humid and warm. No wind which I was pleased aboutβ¦.. great running weather (although a little to warm for me, especially when the sun started to break through). The first 5km I jogged along, breathing good, feeling fine. People lined the route, cheered and clapped from their driveways and balconies - wonderful encouragement. Hubby Squiggy and step-daughter popped up along the route at various times cheering and shouting, which was wonderful. Hubby took several videos which are quite funny to watch! I am now calling my running style the Suzie Shuffle π€£.
The route went along the upper cliff and doubled back along the same road. The very speedy runners coming in the opposite direction were sprinting along!! We then went down onto the sea front along to Boscombe pier. I knew we were running along the pier so I was confused when we ran past and along a path going through a wooded area. I could see runners on the pier π€
8km - a HILL, phew wasnβt expecting such a steep hill! Everyone was walking so I decided that was a good idea and took the opportunity to get my second supply of Tailwind from my hydration pack. The route then went along the cliff top and backtracked again but all the time running further from Boscombe pier! I remember seeing the 6 mile sign and thinking - is that all !! My pace was slow but I plodded on looking at folk on the beach, runners in fancy dress (phew too hot π₯΅) and smiling at people clapping and cheering. In fact I smiled all the way so grateful that I was able to be part of such an event!
The worse part of the event was the last 4km. We had to run all the way BACK from Bournemouth pier (practically past the finish line!!) to Boscombe pier along the seafront. It was warming up and my legs felt heavy. Boscombe pier looked a long way off!! I eventually got there and plodded along the pier then onto the seafront again all the way back to Bournemouth pier π. Certainly feeling weary now but kept plodding on. I felt inspired by folk doing extraordinary things- two fireman running in full gear plus oxygen tanks, a guy running with a huge army rucksack, another person limpingβ¦β¦But I also felt inspired to see a lady running back (several times) to encourage and stay with her friend, also one young woman stopped to let her friend catch up and then continued to encourage and motivate her right to the end!
Finally, I was on Bournemouth pier and there on the beach were my personal cheerleaders shouting encouragement for the final push. I was really pleased that I had enough energy left for a little βsprintβ towards the finish line (at least I look like I am actually running in the official photos at the end π).
2 hours 45 minutes - pleased with that! Super medal and lovely technical shirt, love the colours π. Lots of stretching and a slow walk back to the car - calves cramping a bit. More stretches, shower at daughter-in-lawβs flat then off to meet daughter and son-in-law for a yummy roast dinner. Felt fine the next day, slight soreness in the legs but all fine.
Celebrated my 60th today (15th) and feel so proud that I can run that distance and also raised a lot of money for MNDA.
Thank you to my VRBβs for your support, advice, encouragement and inspiration. All the best to everyone running an event this weekend ππ
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Brighton HM 2019 race report 
Run Gatwick HM - Race Report
Report on Trailwind! ππ
Bournemouth QM and Runniversary!
