At long last! This race has been a long time coming, with multiple road blocks, the biggest of which was of course Covid, then it got moved to the autumn, then there was a course change with a horrid hill. That was fixed and I entered for 2024 but I had to defer (I forget exactly why I must admit!) π
Soooo today was the day. Bright and sunny. π Iβd hoped to be in tip top shape, but with the abysmal winter weather weβve just endured, my running miles were way way down. I even ditched the NRC HM Plan I love so much, as I simply had no desire to do the long runs in the wind and rain, and no way would I run beyond 10k on the treadmill again (I did 10 miles once π³). I managed a handful of 10k runs but no more.
One thing which gave me a glimmer of hope was the fact Iβve been doing more strength and conditioning work, so it was with nervous trepidation that Mr Cheeky and I hopped on the train for the 15 minute journey across to Bath. I really hoped being slightly stronger would make up for the lack of running. π€
We were so early that we had time for a yummy breakfast (healthy scrambled eggs on sourdough with avocado for me, full English for Mr Cheeky π).
We then made our way up to Victoria Park/the event village to get our bearings. It was very busy and I made note of the rather unwelcome final uphill stretch! Mr Cheeky then headed off to find a cafe/vantage point and I queued for the loo to kill some more time. Before long though we were called down to the start, and boom we were away. π
My goal is always to run the lot, but I was doubtful Iβd manage today. Iβd even given myself permission to have walking breaks if required, but I engaged my trusty chipmunk trot and kept on going, and going! Itβs not a pancake flat course by any stretch. No massive hills, but several undulations. I made note of the one at 12 miles and realised it would run into the hill at the finish. I doubted Iβd make it up. But I did! πͺ I even managed a sprint finish of sorts. π
Iβm so pleased as yes my legs were screaming at me towards the end, but they were fine up to 10 miles which is further than the usual 12-14km. π
The medal is gorgeous, and was placed around my neck! We did have to walk 300m to get it which I found a bit cruel π Letβs just say the walk back to the station was very slow! π π