Man it was hard work, for a start it was really hot, like about 40 degrees actually it was about 22 but it felt 40.
And I’ve done big runs before but this one was the worst by far, it took the longest and it was the hardest and I counted every kilometer and there were 22 and a half of them. And I had big hopes for doing a marathon after the successful completion of the half marathon but I think we can safely say those plans are shelved.
So the first problem was the heat the second problem was the carbo-loading. An interesting side note the night before I ate so much pasta I had stomach cramps and couldn’t stand up straight and said to Jamie ‘You have to take me to the hospital, I can't walk.' and he said ‘It’s just gas’ and I said ‘not it’s not, I have a serious stomach problem. And the he said ‘not it’s just gas’ And I then said ‘no it’s not, oh hang on, yes it is.’
My stomach was so heavy it felt like a rock chained to my foot that I was dragging around and then because I didn’t want to add to my load I felt I couldn’t have water and I got dehydrated which lead to a frightening experience at about the 12th mile that I was going to faint, my head was spinning and I heard buzzing in one ear. In retrospect this could have been a fly.
Anyway I ran all the way because even though it wasn’t comfortable, my armpits were bleeding because of chaffing for god’s sake, at the end of the day you have to do 13 and a half miles and whether you run or walk them you still have to finish and at this stage I was running because walking would have only extended the pain.
And after all this I still beat my goal which was 2 hours thirty I did it in 2:24 and more importantly finished. There was a time when I could see the finish line and was running towards it and it didn’t seem to be getting any closer and my heart broke and then I ran past a man and he said ‘keep going Darling’ and then I cried. I don’t know why, I was very hot.
A special mention must go out to Emily who ran with me every step and stopped an waited for me and then ran beside me and encouraged me every step of the way without her I would have truly been doomed and definitely not made it round. She was my hero.
Also thanks to all those who turned out to support me and cheer me on.
Below are some pictures I don’t think they really capture how hard it was and how close to death I felt. But I did it and even writing about it has made me tired so I am off for another rest.
In other news, I bought some new track pants which I haven’t taken off for three straight days I even went out to brunch with friends in them yesterday. Jamie is horrifed I am happy.
Also it almost my birthday soon. I will be 29, I can’t believe it, can you?
Amy, emily and I with our medals that were made out of wood! cheapos. but we got free Mars bars.
Me from the side can you see my carb tummy?
Emily and I running and me smiling, this was not characteristic of the run as a whole.
xxx
