Done it!

That was the hardest run I've ever done - including, I think, the 1/2 marathon in 2006.

It was quite hot which didn't help and we slow types were held for 15 mins after the main start. And I needed the loo so badly before I started, that didn't help one bit.

There was the usual crush of people at the start but it wasn't too bad. Perhaps I should lie about my time and start with a faster group next time (NEXT time???) But apart from going onto the Portway it was quite wide enough for everyone.

I saw the boyf returning back under the bridge as I was approaching the bridge from the other direction - so I knew he was miles ahead. (He was also in the 1st group to go so there would have been a problem if I ever caught up with him!!)

There was a hot air balloon tethered at the turn on the Portway which was something to aim for - but perhaps I came unstuck believing that the turn indicated something like we were on our way home. It wasn't, it was far less than 1/2 way in reality. But at least there was a water station there. I had to have a glug even though I still wanted the loo. It's very frustrating running with crossed legs while along the side of the road there are blokes having a whizz. Hmmm.

So I'm on my way back by then but running onto the cumberland basin overpass thing it struck me that I was really tired and the hill was just awful. But going downhill on the other side felt sooo good. And that felt like the start of the run back - but I'm sure the km markers along the way were far further apart than 1km. The road just went on forever and ever. And I would promise myself it would be over quickly at the next corner - and it wasn't, and the km markers still wouldn't turn up (This was 3km out)

Hey ho - felt like walking, felt like giving up frankly, but then I saw there were plenty of other people around me who were suffering more so I just had to go for it.

And then. And then... heading around the centre - another hill before turning towards the imax - and the sound of the PA telling us 'if you can hear this, you can still make it back in under an hour...'
argh!! I felt there was nothing left in my kegs at all and I had no breath and I still wanted a wee... but there was the carrot dangling before me. And there were people overtaking me on both sides... I had to dig deep and push...

And then the finish line came in sight
'30 seconds' said the PA
'bugger' said my feet.
But I pushed on, really going for it, my legs felt weird, my head felt worse and then they began a countdown to the line - I really had to sprint as much as I could and I think I hit the line at zero...

:)

I hope so. I know it means I did get under an hour cos I started after the clock but it still felt good to get there!
And the website hasn't managed to get the times up yet, in fact they're all over teh place, but I"m sure they'll get there.

So glad I did it. Made me realise I"m quite unfit really and need to lose some weight for the 1/2 marathon (Why am I doing that???)

But very glad it's done!!