Long post alert 😉
Saturday I did something that nearly 4 years ago I never dreamt I would ever do!
Background
I started C25K in Sept 2018, joined a running club in January 2019, and with so much support and training I ran my first Marathon in Sept 2021
The marathon itself was a tough run for me, as my Mums Cancer had become aggressive and she had taken a turn the day before. I wasn’t sure if I should run, but I did, and took my medal to her, I made her proud, before she died 4 days later.
I have volunteered at a few events and enjoyed the atmosphere, support and warm feeling, helping other runners achieve. Last year I was helping at the finish of the SDW50, a friend from club crossed the line and said “you are next” I did think that I could give it a try.
If you volunteer for a set amount of hours you can earn a free place, so I thought why not!
Training
I started my training plan after Christmas, building up my long runs, scared that I was planning on running a few marathons as training runs.
In Feb/March I ran 3 marathons in 5 weeks
I spent many a training run up on the South Downs checking out the route and trying to enjoy the hills. The views made up for it, and on a glorious day you could see for miles.
When I wasn’t running I was mentally planning the route, working out distances between aid stations, focusing on parts where I needed to walk, or speed up downhill etc.
We had to carry a vest full of mandatory kit, including torches, coat, water, foil blanket, whistle etc. This wasn’t just on the day, but during training too, running with extra weight and accessing it as you moved.
Race day!
Saturday was an early start, we had to be in Worthing to pick up race number and tracker, race briefing was at 8.15 and start was 8.30 Almost 400 runners were ready to run
A cold sunny start was perfect, but it soon got warmer.
I didn’t want to use all my energy too early, so the plan was to walk all the ups, run the flats and downs. I’m not a fast runner, so just took my time, but kept moving, I couldn’t afford to stop.
Aid stations were great to stock up on fluids and food, they were always situated at the bottom of the hill, so you could eat your ‘Picnic’ on the way up. 😂
I got just over 1/2 way at 6 hours, and dealt with some brewing blisters, refuelled and got on my way, positive that I had a bit of spare time in the bag.
Lots more walking and running, enjoying the views, chatting to other runners, and heading east towards Eastbourne.
After Jevington you hit the final downhill 🎉 called the ‘Gully of Doom’ it’s narrow, steep in places, and can be quite muddy and slippery. There was a fallen tree 1/2 way down which was not fun trying to crawl under.
I got to the bottom before it got dark (Gully in the dark can be scary) and headed down the last mile or so towards the finish. At the sports centre you have to do a lap of the track before you hit the finish line. I kept on running, cheered on by my friend and my husband, as I took the final turn saw that I got a sub 12 hour (11:59:09) something I didn’t think was possible.
The race itself has a 13 hour cut off, and I was happy to have a 12 to start, the 11 was a bonus 🤣
I have been buzzing ever since, my feet have been screaming at me, and my hips are a little sore, but I DID IT. It’s amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it!
A few times along the way I got emotional, I think that was Mum giving me her support, watching over me.
Not only did I get the huge medal, but I got a tshirt (although you can choose the ‘trees not tees’ option) and I was well fed throughout the day.
