Two down – One to go……
Thursday, September 23rd, 2010After a successful BUPA London 10k back in May, and having completed the Great North Run last Sunday – there’s only one run left to complete the “Running for Mum” triple.
But it’s the big one – the ING New York Marathon on November 7th.
Training for the Great North was going to plan until I developed tendonitis two weeks before the event.
Thankfully my physio went straight to work on it and made it useable and I managed two 6-mile training runs in the week leading up to the GNR.
We stayed at Center Parcs for the weekend and had transport to and from the event. Friends from Toby’s school, Jacquie and Paul Cox stayed too and Toby loved having their daughter Caitlin there to play with.
Paul and I met at 5.25am and made our way to the runners coach for the two-hour drive to the start.
It was pouring with rain when we arrived and the race didn’t start until 10.40am – so we were pretty soaked before we started.
With 54,000 entrants for the half marathon it took about half an hour to reach the start line!!
Time seemed to fly by and I stuck with my race strategy although there was a lot of zig-zagging throughout the whole race as it was so congested.
Felt good at 6 miles and still good at 10 but started to flag at 11.
Down a very steep hill and onto the seafront road for the final mile. The rain streaming down, there was a huge roar as the Red Arrows flew directly overhead towards the finish line.
That was the final inspiration I needed as the finish came into view.
Crossed the line exhausted but delighted and met up with Paul and the family.
Wearing our medals we went out for a fantastic steak meal washed down with a few celebratory beers!!
