BATH HM RACE REPORT (warning: a lot of words 😂)

[Irishprincess]

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.

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

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!👏💥🏁🏃‍♀️🏅

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

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 🍷

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

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 🌟

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

It’s very obvious from my photos but it’s my own fault for letting the strength exercises lapse!

Mr IP is a first class superstar ⭐️😇🥰

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

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 🥉 ✔️✔️

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

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 🍷

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon]

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.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

Stephen! Hello. How great to see you here again. Hope all is well with you.

Thank you for your lovely reply. I’m off to Ireland in a few days and I’m not even taking my running kit this time!

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

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.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

Great that you’re still running!

It would be good to have another event as we haven't had one for ages. I’ll chat with the other admins…..

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

That’s super! Thanks, IP.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

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! 🥰🏅🏃‍♀️💪👊☘️

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks Munks. Not how I planned it at all but still, I got the blingy-bling!!! 🏅🥳

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

🏅😍🏅😍🏅😍🏅

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon]

You are made of steel-so much strength to keep going and make it over the line. Absolutely thrilled for you. Massive congratulations!!!! 🎉🏅🎉🥳🎉🏅🎉🏅

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I think my physio will have different words, but I much prefer yours! Thank you 🥰

[Folkylass]

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

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Folkylass]

Thank you for a lovely reply and for the hug 🥰

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

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 !! 🍾🥂🥇🏆🍷🍷🍷🙂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Ha! I did have that thought too BC that I couldn't stop and come on here to say I DNF after all the frustration and previous DNSs!

Surprisingly my knee feels ok but I know what caused it and how to fix it so maybe no physio at all 🙂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

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!🙂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

We have learned so much since starting to run I sometimes think I could train to become a physio! 😂

I remember your experience at the GSR. I blame you BC, you threw the gauntlet and I just thought, well, if BC can do it then so can I”. 😂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

😂You were always going to see it through

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I was 🙂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

My green hat may get an assist though 😂

[TailChaser Marathon]

I’ve been really looking forward to your report IP: 🥳🥳🥳 YOU DID IT!!! 🥳🥳🥳

I can feel the determination, pain and relief oozing out of it and I want to give you the biggest hug. So very well done 🍻💪🤗🤗🤗🤗

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Thank you for that hug TC 🤗 I really appreciate it and I can now think about the next nemesis 😂

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

😂 Let’s hope it doesn’t put up as much of a fight!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

😂😂

[Cmoi Marathon]

So pleased it worked out for you Irishprincess , I know how much it meant. Confession: I tracked you. 👀🙄😁

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

🤣 I wouldn't know how!

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

It's easy enough if an event offers runner tracking and you know their real name!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

Thanks Cmoi. If I’d known that I would have run faster 😂

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Your own personalised version of Zombies, Run!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

A great incentive!

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

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.

Rest up and seek physio advice if needed

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

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 🙄😂

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Irishprincess]

😂

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

👏👏👏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!🙂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

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 🙄)

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

👏 Good news re the knee!👍

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

The battle has been won, the nemesis met and conquered, you must have felt amazing, happy, sad, proud. Fantastic reading your report

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks Sue 🙂 And yes, that’s exactly how I felt, a real mixture of emotions 🥰

[misswobble Marathon]

Congratulations IP 👏🍷. Well done 😀 I love the cap!🥰. The medal is gorgeous too 🏅😍

I hope you’re feeling ok today 🙂 👍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thanks mw. My husband got me the cap just before the race and I added the shamrock myself to add a bit more “St Patrick’s Day” flavour.

Feeling good actually so I think I got away with that one! 🙂

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Pleased to hear it ! 😀💪👍🏃‍♀️

[RunWillie Marathon]

Well done Irishprincess

Happy 11th Runniversary. What a gift running is. ❤️🏃‍♀️

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Thanks RW 🥰 Yes, it’s the best gift I gave myself.

[Mudita11 Half Marathon]

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.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Mudita11]

Thanks Mudita. I love the bling too 😍

The knee is surprisingly good and I think I know what caused it but hey ho, that’s the past and it’s done now 🙂

[Oldfloss Administrator]

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. 😉

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

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

Camillia in flower

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Irishprincess]

We shall...we certainly shall. Just beautiful x

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

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

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Thanks Ali 🥰 You were around in those early days so thank you for all your support and belief over the years xxx

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

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 😊

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

Thanks Sandie. Anything worth doing does tend to take me a long time 😂 But I’m just delighted that at last it’s done.

[Freecloud Marathon]

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.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Freecloud]

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 😂

[Teresa1632 Marathon]

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).

Congratulations 🎊

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Teresa1632]

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 😂

[John_W Marathon]

Well done IP! Showed true grit there - very impressive!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to John_W]

Thanks John! Got there eventually 🙂

[Bluebirdrunner]

Huge Congratulations your Maj !🏅

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.

A precious piece of bling, so well earned.

🏃‍♀️🍀xxx

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

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

[Bluebirdrunner in reply to Irishprincess]

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

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

My husband had that so I can understand how it impacted your running (or not!)

Ooh I think I know what your 10K is! You’ve done it before so it’ll be grand 🥰 xxx

PS don’t forget to get your pompom cheer 🥳

[Dendev75 Half Marathon]

loved reading this race report Irishprincess it sounds like the Bath HM is a great one to run atmosphere and supporters wise 😊

The amount of casualties is a scary thing to see en route - hope all were okay.

I hope your pain is short lived but well done for keeping going 👏🏻

You did it and your dad would be proud - well done 👏🏻 p.s. your husband sounds like your best and biggest supporter 🤩

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dendev75]

Thank you 🙂

I have just read your race report and will go back and comment but I see that you saw the same thing at yours! What was happening on Sunday?!!

The knee is good but I’m giving it a good old rest and then get back to my strength exercises again.

[Katnap Marathon]

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.

How are you feeling now?

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Katnap]

Being able to stop at a friend’s house made a huge difference to the pre-race stress. I’m so lucky he lives there!

I’m feeling good now thanks Katnap but I know from the race photos what went wrong and so I need to return to my strengthening exercises again pronto!

How was your 20 miler?

[Katnap Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

The MK20 went well! Half way I had to remove and stow my rain jacket, hat and gloves and the final 10km had frequent walk breaks for upward inclines

Finished strong though! 🐱👍

Finish straight.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Katnap]

Wow! I’m chuffed for you although I’m not surprised. You have a lot of miles in those legs (predictive text initially typed “kegs” 😂)

Bravo 💪.

[Cowladyrunning Marathon]

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 🎉😊

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Thanks ever so much! It is such an iconic event and everyone I know who’s done it say the same thing about the atmosphere and crowd support.

If you do it next year then we could perhaps arrange a meet-up along with cheekychipmunks who is doing it too I believe 🙂

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon]

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!!!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

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

[Lavender1962 Half Marathon]

What a great run report. Congratulations on finishing this half marathon that meant so much to you! Hope your knee is on the road to recovery

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Lavender1962]

Thank you 🙂 knee is not too bad actually 🤞 but must get back to strengthening exercises soon.

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

Woo hoo, well done, you got it in the bag, top job!!! 😀👍👊👊👊! How are you feeling now, how’s the knee?

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to mrrun]

Thank you! Eventually it got done!

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 🙄

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to Irishprincess]

On that note, when it comes to strengthening work I’ve just posted my own piece. Do NOT strengthen the way l do, is all I’m saying. 😅

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to mrrun]

Just going to take a look…..

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

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 🥰👏👏👏

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda 🥰

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!

[Cantstopmenow Half Marathon]

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

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Cantstopmenow]

Thank you so much! There was a lot to cover in the nine years of training! 😂