Well, I did it! I finally got to the start line and crossed the finish line and I can tick this one off my list at long last. Thank you for all your pom-poms, I thought of them often along the way 🥰
The first time I entered this race was 2015. My dad was in the final stages of vascular dementia and I wanted to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s charity as well as completing my first HM. The training went well, I got to 18K and then my dad died and I got injured and couldn’t do the race. “There’s always next year” I said. But alas, that didn’t happen. I can’t remember why not but since then I’ve tried on numerous occasions to get to this start line. I’ve done other HMs but this one has turned out to be elusive and a bit of a demon but, with every missed chance to take part, the one that I really needed to do and overcome.
Race day arrived. My ever-supportive husband took the stress out of the travel arrangements (my nearest park & ride wasn’t operating this year) by driving us into Bath and parking up at a friend’s house, which is about 15 minutes’ walk from the start line. Fab! We got there early and I could use his loo (twice) and get changed and do all the usual last minute preparations that need to be done. Then it was time to set off, the walk there a good little warm-up.
The Runners Village was horrendously muddy and I kept getting stuck. I’ve never been to Glastonbury but imagine it would be exactly like this, sticky mud galore. A final visit to the loo. I didn’t need to go but thought perhaps I should 🙄and then got in line with my wave ready for the start. I was in the final wave of three and apparently it was the biggest of the waves so it took me about half an hour to get to the start line after the gun went off!
Crossing the start line was absolutely amazing! The crowd noise was deafening and so uplifting 🥳 There are more spectators at this event than runners and Bath is famous for its crowd support, but to experience it is something else. Needless to say I got carried away and ran the first K too fast but then realised I needed to take control. This wasn’t going to be about chasing PBs, this was about enjoying myself, getting round, crossing the finish line and getting my hands on the bling.
The weather conditions were perfect, my choice of shorts and tee was spot-on and I was just so thrilled to actually be there that I forgot about everything else. I think I ran the first few miles with a massive smile on my face and I must have knocked hands with every single little person there 🙂
But then reality popped up. At around 3K we had to keep to one side to allow an ambulance through. In fact, sadly, I’ve never seen so many ambulances in a race before. I lost count after the fifth one and my husband saw a couple of people being carried away on stretchers near the finish line. At around 12K I saw a young girl lying flat out on the road with a group of medics around her. I really hope all the runners are ok.
In nicer news, I was lucky enough to see the winner of the men’s race, Omar Ahmed, speeding by in the next lane. He was so fast! These elites just whizz by! He finished in a mind-boggling 1:04:42 😳
But back to real life for mere mortals like me. After the first couple of Ks, we hit a long stretch of nothingness, on the outskirts of the city. There was nothing of interest to see and little, or no, crowd support and I find these areas harder. But then at around 7K we started to hear the roar of the crowds again as we approached the beginning of the end of the first lap. Running down Great Pulteney Street was thrilling but at that stage I began to feel a bit of a niggle on my left knee. It’s my right knee that normally gives me grief so I had no idea how or why the left one was grumbling. It was a new pain that gradually got worse. I started to stop to stretch and it felt better for a while and then started up again. (Looking at the race photos I know exactly what the issue was but that’s for another day 🙂)
At around 12K I was thinking that this was not going to get better and I should stop. That was the right and sensible thing to do and I could hear my physio screaming in my ear to STOP RIGHT NOW! If this was any other race then I probably would have but, given my history with this particular race and the links to dad, I knew I had to cross that finish line this time. I needed to do it.
So, the remaining 9K was a mixture of run/walk/shuffle/stretch. It wasn’t how I imagined running this race but hey ho, such is life.
To be honest, I can’t say I enjoyed the second half. I was in quite a bit of discomfort and I just wanted to get it done. But I wasn’t alone. There were loads of other runners doing the same thing and, of course, I had all your voices and waving pompoms to think about which kept me going 🥰
The course was longer than my Garmin so when I reached 21.1K on the watch I really wanted to stop but wanted the bling more so I kept shuffling forwards 🙂
Approaching the finish line was electric. I was amongst the last of the runners but there were still loads of supporters screaming for every single runner and urging them forwards towards the line. At one stage I had to have a little walk but then all these people started shouting out my name and telling me to keep going, that I was nearly there!
Because of the memory of dad, it was always going to be emotional and, with thoughts of him and the support from the crowd and the fact that at last, at last, I had done Bath, I ran towards the finish line and eventually crossed it with huge relief and a few tears. It was done 🤗
I saw my husband waving frantically and went over to give him a kiss and hug. He’s my biggest supporter and has been my cook, personal trainer, driver, coach and psychologist 😂 He use to be a runner so he understands 🥰
Then I had to walk for another five minutes to pick up the bling! My first for over two years and so welcomed. Another 15 minutes to get back to our friend’s house, which is on a bit of a hill. That was interesting 😫😂
Not surprisingly it’s my slowest ever HM and my hardest and most painful! But also, my most hard won and therefore cherished.
It’s my eleventh runniversary on Wednesday and this has been my gift to me.
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Irishprincess
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Whoop! Whoop! Whoop! Tears in my eyes. Massive congratulations! You did it! Of course I really hope that your pains do not go on to give more grief and I would have preferred that it had been easier, but whoop! Whoop! Whoop! You did it! Hooray!👏💥🏁🏃♀️🏅
Thank you so much 🙂 I didn’t do my strength training this time and when I saw the race photos it shows that one hip drops and thus a painful knee! Lesson learned. Back to strength training as soon as I have a little rest 🍷
I am sure that I would not be able to look at a photo and notice that one hip was dropping. You must be very observant! Enjoy your well deserved rest and please pass my super star status to your ever-supportive husband 🌟
Congratulations to you IP on completing the Bath Half Marathon, o dear all those ambulances and there were some less than 5K from the start of the race, I just hope no runner was seriously injured, lovely photo of you and your bling/🥉 medal 🥉 ✔️✔️
Thanks Al 🙂 Yes, the ambulances were a bit worrying. I wonder what caused so many casualties. It wasn't particularly hot and it wasn’t particularly hilly but it was the rugby the day before so perhaps there were a few too many celebrations 🍷
Hi IP. Loved reading this wonderful race report. Huge congratulations on completing the event. You should be very proud. Hope you’re going to have a good rest over the next few days.
Hi IP. Thanks. I’m sorry I’ve not been around much. Life just seems to get in the way. Still running, though. Any chance of another HU HM event?! Have a lovely time in Ireland.
You did it IP! Abso-flipping-lutely amazing. Ok, not necessarily how you’d planned it, but your tenacious spirit got you over the line and you got the bling! Woooooooohoooooo! 🥰🏅🏃♀️💪👊☘️
Massive congratulations to you Irishprincess on you great achievement. To carry on in discomfort too is just amazing ! A big virtual hug for you. Brilliant read by the way 👍👍🥳🥳🎉🎉🏅xx
What a brilliant account IP. Dragon slain, demons exorcised and all done on St.Patrick’s Day. Your Dad will be very proud and rightly so. Physio should be fine; another fee and a satisfied customer!
Apart from being pleased for you,I think that I am actually relieved…..a DNF would have been so hard to take for all of us……but ….that was never going to happen was it !! 🍾🥂🥇🏆🍷🍷🍷🙂
Yes, you picked up on the hip issue straight away. I was initially surprised when my physio had me doing clams, adductor stretches etc for my knee problem, but I have learned a little bit since then. When looking at my ankle issue a week or so back, she started at my glute and worked downwards to find the root cause. One of the strengths of this forum is you could have reported a DNF because people care.
I had a similar experience with 2022 GSR when my calf went in the first few k’s …..I definitely wasn’t going to give up; it was too far to walk, so I just found a way to keep running with a sort stride at about 7:30 pace instead of 7. I took the resulting mess back to my physio to unravel! Worst bit was trying to get out of the bath at my hotel!🙂
Oh you kept us captivated there IP! Congratulations on finally getting there despite all the obstacles and challenges. It doesn’t matter how long it took you to get there, it is still a Half Marathon. And a Half Marathon that meant so much to you.
I lived in Bath for a while and just love the city, especially the Royal Crescent where I stayed for my 60th birthday treat. Beautiful bling indeed. Well done to Hubby for his great support too.
Thanks Dexy. I love Bath and that was one of the reasons we moved to this area, to be close to the city. It was just so special to be able to run along the traffic-free roads, although they look so different when you're not driving them.
Looking at the race photos I know exactly what caused my knee pain although why it came on so suddenly I have no idea. But I even know how to fix it myself and that’s because I’ve had so may physio visits over the years I know what to do 🙄😂
👏👏👏Yay! So very pleased for you Irishprincess and what a great run report! I knew this was an important one for you and no wonder you felt so emotional at the finish line - but you did it and have that lovely bling to have and hold forever now! 🏅🤣 Massive well done again and I hope your knee settles quickly!🙂
Thanks Sandra. You’ve been on this saga from the beginning too I think so we’re probably both glad that it’s at last over!
The knee is surprisingly good and I know what caused it (didn't keep up with my strengthening during training) and what to do to fix it (start doing the strength work again 🙄)
Congratulations 🥳 IP on completing this half marathon and what a fabulous report which brought a tear to my eye! Love the bling 🥇. Hope the knee recovers quickly.
Oh my... Start the day with tears... of sympathy of course, but mostly joy.
You did it !
You have had so, so many ups and downs, but here you are... you got to the race.
I am so, so sorry that it was not the race you planned, and that you were in pain, but I am, as ever, in awe of your strength, your determination and your positivity.
I always, when I read your posts, think of you, in your wonderful arboretum, with all those amazing photographs.. or your garden... working away, getting a a bad back and bitten by horseflies, ( you and me both) ! All punctuated with your running and your posts! We have travelled a few years together, have we not?
A wonderful race report and a run with very well deserved and extremely, hard won bling... Perfect!
So, so proud of you and honoured to be called, your friend... a HUGE well done... rest and recover.
Love Floss x
PS
I do expect to see you in the S and F forum looking for knee exercises. 😉
You’ve been with me from the start of this Bath journey Floss and I remember the lovely message you sent me just after dad died so that will always be a special, although poignant, memory for me.
Yes, lots of challenges and setbacks and a lot of physio appointments! But we finally got there and did it 🥳
And of course, you know you’re always with me in the arboretum. It’s spring time so blossoms are out and fluffy 🥰 Shall we have a little jogette? xxx
Aah that was a lovely read, congratulations Irishprincess , so great to hear that you made it round,your Dad would have been so proud I'm sure! 👏 😘Sorry to hear you had some pains but that took real grit to keep on going, sounds like a big cheer is definitely due, and great you had your husband there 😊 perfect timing for a celebration for your runniversary Wednesday I hope ! 😁xxx
Huge congratulations IP. It took 9 years but you finally got there. Maybe not the race you would have hoped for, but you did it, you got the bling and you ran for your dad on St Patrick’s Day. All reasons to be proud 😊
Such a great and emotional story IP. Fair play to you for persevering and getting it done. I'd say you wouldn't have forgiven yourself if you stopped.The crowd seemed amazing, but boy I cannot fathom that amount of people in a race. I did a hm on Paddys day and there was about 1600 runners at that with decent support but nothing like this.
It's great that your husband supports you so much, that is a big help.
Good on ya, your father would have been very proud.
Thanks FC. Yes, it had to be done this time. The crowds are infamous, about 25,000 of them so there was quite the noise. And I forgot to put in my race report that at the finish line, as well as all the shouting the spectators were also banging pans on the railings, so it really was deafening but in a very good way 🥳
Usually about 10,000 runners so if you don't like crowds then its not one to do!
Did you dress up for your race? I saw a couple of leprechauns in Bristol 😂
OMG you did it, congratulations 🎊 👏. I remember all the years when you got the bib and had to put it in the bin. Finally, the gods smiled and the heavens aligned ❤️.No challenge on the course was going to defeat you thats for sure. Getting the bling around your neck must have felt like the podium at the Olympics.
As for the hill to your friends house, I'd say a goblin had been in and cranked that incline up by 100 feet while you were out running 😛 (It always happens to my doorstep too after a race).
Thanks very much Teresa, at last! Getting the bling was such a sweet moment.
You're right about the hill. I didn't even notice it in the morning before the race but coming back…. 😫 I walked sideways because that seemed the best way 😂
I am in awe of your strength and pure determination to carry on when things began to unwind half-way. Reading your emotional report I can understand why you carried on but not how!
So so proud of you, and pleased that you are feeling ok now, and can fix your knee issue.
Hello stranger 🥰 how lovely to see you, and thank you xxx
I knew at the time I was being a bit stupid but having weighed it all up in my head, even if I have to take a few months off, then I just had to do it.
I hope all is well with you and that you are still running xxx
Oh yes, still trying my best coming back from a bakers cyst knee injury... Floss and I have a date early April for a 10k bonanza, but we are both trying not to think about it yet.😆xxx
Very worth it IP! And it seems you have been trying to get this one done for about as long as when I did C25K. Having somewhere to stop in Bath must have helped take some pre run stress.
What a wonderful race report! I find my eyes a bit leaky too ☺️ Huge congratulations for completing with your pain and I hope you recover well. I'm so glad you did it at last and got that amazing BLING. I know a few people who did this too and everyone enjoyed it. I forgot til I saw it I'd thought of doing it while my nephew is at uni there so I'd better try entering for next year. Happy happy runniversary too IP 🎉😊
Whoop whoop!! You did it! I am so pleased for you, I know what this means to you. I've followed your journey from the first missed one, We started at around the same time, and you are one of the few runners who are still here on HU after all this time.
This is epic...it resonates with me, it sounds so much like my Cambridge HM, from the long stretches out of town, to the pain half way round and wanting to stop... you DID it! Well done sounds a bit weak so I'LL shout - WELL DONE!!!
Aw thank you so much CG 🥰 I did think of you when the knee started to hurt and thought I’d keep you company 🙂Your Cambridge HM was very similar and I took confidence in that thought, but in a good way!
There are a few of us still here from those days. I’m far too nosy to leave as I love reading what my VRBs are doing 🥰
We have been through so much since the start of this running journey. It’s been quite the adventure 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️x
Knee is good but I am not running for a week to give it a rest and then I really need to return to some strengthening work. I let that slip and paid the price 🙄
Happy belated runniversary IP. Eleven years? Wow!!! And nine years to accomplish the Bath dream? Wow again. You are one determined runner. Your dad would be so, so proud of you. Huge congratulations on realising your dream. That it proved tough on the day only makes you stronger and more determined. Another inspirational lady. Naff and inadequate as it sounds, well done you 🥰👏👏👏
I’m a bit disappointed that I didn't really enjoy the second half as I imagined so many times in my head, so that means I’ll have to do it again but do it my way next time. I just hope it doesn't take me another nine years!
What a beautiful and heartfelt report. That is so much more than a run or a race. It is one wonderful and amazing achievement . You are so strong. Well done. ( Sorry for the delay, I read you report on Monday, but I am away and didn't get a chance to reply). X
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