Cambridge HM report

[Curlygurly2]

Cambridge Half Marathon

This started well, and I was really enjoying it, but then we ran around John's College at around 10K, which was all gravel paths and that just sucked all the strength out of my legs. A friend who also ran said the same thing. I couldn't really get going again, so went to my faithful run/walk. Most of the long loop out in the sticks was gently uphill and quite lonely! There was a pack of us all at about the same pace, so we kept each other company. The town parts were great, we did King's, Trinity, John's, and Jesus colleges, and the support was good from volunteers and public.

I had been hoping for 3 hours, but it wasn't to be. My hip started aching at about 10K and the opposite knee came to join the fun, I must change my gait I suppose. Cramp in both legs on the final KM. I still enjoyed it in a masochistic way! I picked up a bit in the last few KMs and passed a lot of the runners in front of me - I didn't finish last!

The weather was fine, bit chilly to start, partly sunny, couldn't be better really.

I was hoping to break 3 hours, in my dreams 2:50 - my finish time was 3:14, not what I'd hoped for, but I did it! Oh, and me and a friend raised £200 for MacMillan Cancer Support.

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Congratulations to you Curlygurly2 on completing the Cambridge Half marathon and raising £200 for MacMillian Cancer Support, sorry about your hip aching at 10K but you persevered to continue with the run and completed it, lovely photo of you, you look very happy 😊.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you AlMorr. The physio told me I wasn't to do any more high impact exercise like running, but what do they know? Generally I find running helps, but it's a bit of a wild card (joker!)

I certainly did enjoy it, my face hurt from smiling!

I've edited - it was £200 -not £300

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Just fantastic... you did it and you raised money and your photograph says it all! HUGE well done to you... I enjoyed watching you,. from home x

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you. It wasn't quite what I'd hoped but I did my best. Lots of people said the same about the gravel, so perhaps next year they'll think again.

Did you follow the tracking? My husband said it only updated at 5, 10, 15, and 20K, with no map. In previous years he could acgtually watch me progress - although one year I ran backwards to eterborough apparently!

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Curlygurly2]

I got a progression.. it was a bit slow, but that's all...and initially it said you had done 10K but in 2 hrs!!!

[nowster Metric Marathon]

Curious that the pea gravel paths in the colleges sapped the strength. Was it deep in places? I've run on sand which is much worse.

Do you normally run on sealed surfaces (eg. tarmac, cinder)?

Well done! Hopefully the hip/knee problems were only because you weren't used to those sort of surfaces.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to nowster]

No it wasn't deep, but with my hypothryoidism I really don't have much in the tank, and it just took all I had. I usually run on the very good paths around the commons, sometimes on pavements. Lots of people said the same thing, must be some kind of weird Cambridge gravel!!

And, no, I've had a niggle in my hip for some years, diagnosed with osteoarthritis 18 months ago, and told not to run any more...Thyroid problems exacerbate joint pain don't they? It won't stop me ha ha!!

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thankfully I'm lucky that my hypothyroidism is currently entirely controlled with 100µg levothyroxine every morning.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to nowster]

They have increased my dose twice since I met you in August, they seem to eke it out slowly. I'm on 100 three days a week, and 125 four, with another test in a few weeks. I'm ok most of the time, but have a small "tank" for exercise. Strangely sometimes walking exhausts me more than running. I still have random dreadful days, and hope they will give me a bit more Levo soon.

it's very frustrating, I wish I was better, but I suspect this is as good as it gets.

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Back in 2016 I'd been feeling lethargic for a few months but had put it down to other factors. Then I "greyed out" during a meeting at work and asked for my colleagues to call for an ambulance.

It appears that the TSH feedback loop was oscillating and the thyroid hormone levels were rising and crashing.

The dosage was gradually increased in 25µg steps over many months.

At the moment things seem stable and recent blood tests have levels in the normal range. I've only missed a dose once. I started feeling things going weird by the late afternoon. (A feeling like the energy draining away like a sink emptying.)

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to nowster]

I had Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and a goitre for many years that my GP ignored, as my THS was "normal". I asked at ENT at the hospital to have it checked, and they said it was very weird, hugely enlarged on one side, with hundreds of nodules. A biopsy couldn't rule out cancer, so they performed a hemithyroidectomy. The remaining portion didn't pick up the slack, although to be honest I have suffered fatigue ever since the radiotherapy for my breast cancer..most people get over that, I didn't. My GP says THS is normal at 5.1, the hospital has given me a target of 0.5 - 2.5. No wonder the GP didn't help, they are not singing from the same hymn sheet.

My feeling is the rads tipped my thyroid over the edge, but no way to prove that. I know exactly what you mean about a sink emptying...I try to stay positive and keep running but but it's hard...

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

I've only recently got access to test results in the NHS app.

According to the test taken in late November, my TSH is 1.95mU/L, just below the middle of the "normal range" of 0.35 to 5.50.

My instinct as a non-medical person would be to try to keep someone with a history of hypothyroidism towards the middle of any normal range, rather than close to any of its edges.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is the agent in the feedback loop between the thyroid and the pituitary. Such a higher figure for TSH suggests the level isn't at one the pituitary is totally content with. Your GP probably hasn't any tests showing what your baseline levels were before the Hashimoto's.

GP is saying 5.1 is high but normal, but the consultant would prefer it to be closer to the middle of the range.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to nowster]

Yes, absolutely. the GP only started testing when I presented with the goitre, at that point I think I had a level of 2.5 - ish. They knew I had an auto-immune disease but said it didn't need treating, of course that was before my surgery. After that my levels reached 8.8. The GP says the cut off for treatment is 5.1, not exactly that it is normal, but they didn't want to give me any more Levothyroxine even though they agreed all my symptoms are thyroid related, and my TSH was creeping up. I think they follow The Janet and John book of thyroid illnesses. I know I feel better at 2 - ish, thank goodness for the hospital.

I still feel shattered, 5 days after the HM, and my throat hurts, a sure sign of overdoing it.

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

The Ladybird Book of the Thyroid. 😆

In my case the ambulance crew browbeat the Rottweilers on my GP's front desk into getting me an appointment with a trainee GP at the practice the following day.

He arranged lots of tests including ECGs at the Big Hospital. Then a few days later the blood results came through and he decided to refer me to the endocrinology dept. at another of Manchester's Big Hospitals.

The Prof in charge of the department there wrote back with a two page letter (with a copy to me) effectively sternly telling him off for a referral for something that should be handled at the GP level.

Thankfully I then got to talk with one of the senior practice partners (who retired at the first opportunity a couple of years later) who diplomatically agreed with my assessment of the letter and said he himself handled all the hormone related stuff in the practice.

After my 10km run today I've got a sore throat too!

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to nowster]

I got passed around between the depts at the hospital and my GP too, doesn't fill you with confidence does it? My case is more complicated, I actually had thyroid cancer and partial removal, so I'd much rather be dealt with at the hospital than the GP.

My sore throat is not on the inside, it's on the outside, more neck really, and where my remaining thyroid is. Is that what you get?

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

No, mine was a normal "inside" sore throat. It could even have been a reaction to the post-nasal sinus draining which happened after the run.

I know what the other type feels like as I had that in my late teens with Glandular Fever. (But the aftermath of that's another story…)

[misswobble Marathon]

Great photo Curly! 😀👍

Well done !💪👍🏃‍♀️🏅Congratulations 🥂

I hope you’re well rested now and feeling good 👊✊😘

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thank you MW. The recovery is taking a bit longer than perhaps I expected, but I'm missing a run, so maybe a shorty tomorrow

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Hi shug 👋

Eat well, rest up as required 😀. Your legs will propel you out the door when they feel the urge 😀🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

If the weather is fine and bright I dare say that will be sooner rather than later 😀👍

I’ve been dog walking this morning. Still a real nip in the air 🥶 but it wasn’t raining! 😁🏃‍♀️🐕

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Yeah, I said to Mr Curly that I would know when it's time. Probably tomorrow, a little one - better to finish wanting more than knacker myself.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

You could do a recovery run with Coach Bennett 😍

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

I did try today, felt a bit rough. A couple more days needed.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

No rush 😀👍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Oh what a fab photo CG! That’s what perseverance looks like 💪

Good for you for carrying on and getting across the finish line. And for raising the funds.

Well done!

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you IP. I find it interesting to be at the back of the pack and watch the others who are struggling and how they cope, there were many run/walking and a few who just got their head down and shuffled on. I did enjoy it - in a sort of masochistic way!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Wow CG, I’m impressed that you overtook runners in the last few kms! That’s where I flag the most. Really well done, I hope you’re proud of your epic achievement - and what a fantastically happy photo ! 🥰

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you Cheeky. I took a gel at the last water station, I don't use them any more, but I did this time, and I was surprised what a difference it made. I'm thinking I might use them from the start next time - if there is a next time!

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

Brilliant! Super photo! Such an achievement! I do hope you are rested and feeling good now 😊

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thank you Over61, I'm getting there! The last few days have been spent alternately sleeping and stuffing carbs, I'm feeling a bit more "normal" so I'm planning a little trot today.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Love the photo. The gravel sounds a bit evil, I should think that's going to bring down most race reviews. Oxford HM has a similar long, quiet loop with relatively little support - it seemed to go on and on as I remember. Well done on the 'sprint finish' - I imagine it must be such a great feeling passing people as you reach the line 😍

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you Linda. I've seen a lot of people complaining about the gravel, it was a narrow section too, didn't bother me, by the time I got there there was plenty of room, but I see reports of pushing and shoving. Really not in the spirit of it is it?

I've seen people saying they don't enjoy the town bits but prefer the country stuff, I'm the opposite, so I guess the organisers did well and had something for everyone

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Well done Curlygurly2 - a Half Marathon is a long ol’ way - no matter what time you run it in, so hats off to you, especially considering g the niggles. 👍🙂 Great charity too!🙂👏👏🏅

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you Sandra, it IS a bloomin' long way! I'm pondering why I found the training runs so much easier, this has wrecked me - must be the whole race thing I suppose. I certainly feel a bit lost now it's all over, what to do now sort of thing.

[Langley-Loper Half Marathon]

Well done! Picture tells a thousand words. Focus on that and not the niggles x

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Langley-Loper]

Thank you LL, I do love this photo, the photographers do a super job and the pics are free.

[Sulley101]

Congratulations! That’s brilliant! I hope your hip pain calms down soon and you can go for some gentler runs 😁

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Sulley101]

Thank you Sully, my hip has niggled on and off for years, sod's law it had to complain during the race, I took some painkillers before to try and head it off too. Usually it's better when I run and keep moving, but it wanted its share of the limelight on Sunday.

[Teresa1632 Marathon]

Well done for completing despite all the challenges. You have mental strength and resilience that tells your body to be quiet until its done! Amazing achievement. And it doesn't matter what time you come in, you got the sane medal as the elites, (and yours was harder earned)👏 🥳🥳

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Teresa1632]

Thank you Teresa, I was really at the end of my resilience on this one, but I just kept pushing on. While I would never want to wish suffering on other runners it helped to see my fellows struggling but keeping going. I saw myself in the video they took at the 20 KM way point, it was awful!! I was practically on my knees! You're right, it certainly was a harder earned medal, and it's a nice one too.

[RiceAndPeas Marathon]

Bravo, that is all the more impressive for keeping going despite the hip and knee pains starting before you even reached halfway. The time doesn't matter, you look like a winner in your photo. 👏😀

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

A winner! That's a very kind thing to say, thank you! I shall hold on to that thought xxx

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Well done ✅ you look happy and must be so proud 😊

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you Sue, I am!

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon]

What an absolute great photo.Well done for doing it and raising the money you did, brilliant achievement!You did really well, especially when in pain, so hope you were proud of yourself!💪💪

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Thank you Hedghogs, I am x

[Freecloud Marathon]

Very well done! Congratulations for persevering and for completing the run and raising money for charity to boot!It's horrible when something like that happens on a run, but your determination kept you going.

Good on ya .

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Freecloud]

Thank you Freecloud, I was aware of my hip problem, and that it might give me gip, in fact I took some Ibuprofen before the race to try and mitigate that, but the gravel took me quite by surprise! IF I do it again and they have the same route I am resolved to walk that bit!