Blackpool Marathon 28th April 2019
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This was my 3rd attempt to complete marathon number 12.
After a DNF at Snowdonia at 15 miles in 2016 then DNF at Rocky Horror at 20 miles in 2018. I bought the place from a friend 3 weeks prior, so I had little time to panic about it. What also helped is that most people would be focused on London marathon runners, therefore if it was another DNF I could easily "hide it under the carpet" and not many people would know! I didn't have long to train. I know from previous runs I have the will power to keep digging deep, which gets me through normally. On to the course, 2 laps, flat and running past the main attractions of Blackpool. Bringing back wonderful childhood memories, I enjoyed running past the piers, Tower and Pleasure Beach. There were lots of drink stations and public handing out much needed sweets (I forgot my race fuel) Part of the course runs away from the main drag and onto a quiet coastal path. Not my favourite last few miles with little support. I was struggling with low energy at the end and sore feet, but as I knew I could do it and dug deep. I refused to walk, only stopping to throw away drinks bottles in bins. This determination got me to the end and as soon as I finished I was overwhelmed with happiness. It's been 3 years, but I'm back! Time 5:05:52 Submitted by Sam Jones |
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London Marathon - 28th April 2019
The day started with being far too relaxed about leaving the hotel, having been way too early last time...fast forward to only having time for one visit to the lovely portaloo pre run and standing in the starting line panicking whilst watching all the men relieving themselves in front of the wire fence, to the horror of those on the other side...we edged to the start and there was a gap in the fence next to the toilets...you’ve never seen anything like it...20-30 women sprinting in slow motion towards to toilets to the soundtrack of chariots of fire...it was a beautiful thing! And I felt infinitely more confidant having joined them!
And so we began, I knew I was going too fast, I considered staying with the 4hr pace but I decided to gain some speed at the start as I knew I’d be equally knackered at 15 miles regardless! The run to 6 miles was easy peasy, my next goal was reach 10, then look for Tower Bridge. I saw a fabulous WRR posse at Cutty Sark who helped me on to 10 then Alice Turner Lisa Kavanagh-Taylor Rachel Poole and my sister at around 12 then just before Tower Bridge I was accosted by a far too happy looking Rob Motrus and we did the bridge together and hopefully got a fab picture at the same time! High 5s with more WRRs at 13 miles and Ruth Sparkes at 14 my mission was to enjoy 14-15 as this is where I got down beat last time, it wasn’t so far in the end! I then aimed for the Stephen Laurence 18 miles and reached there feeling ok! 19 took its toll and I did have a little walk, Steve Low however was looking amazing and chatting with him caused me to face plant into the back of the world’s sweatiest woman! Bob Wilson gave me a shout out and I tried to get back in the zone, running 9.45s and struggling and another little walk I knew I had to push because I was ready to quit, I didn’t get the thrill I should have out of seeing the millennium wheel come into view because I was truly hurting and looking for Big Ben...he marked the heart of London and a little hope that I would finish! 2 miles seems so far at that point! The rest happened very fast, suddenly I was on the Mall and aiming for that red structure! It was all a bit of a blur tbh!
I was however loads happier and healthier at the end than last time, I didn’t cry, I smiled, I didn’t fall into or out of a portaloo and I put my own jogging bottoms on (all a massive improvement)! I didn’t sub 4 but I got damn close and I gave it my all so I’m thrilled!!
Thank you all so so much for the insane amount of support, people who came down, ran around London with me, carried my bags, text me, posted on my wall! You’re all amazing!!
Massive shout out to Wrekin Road Runners for all the training, company, advice, support, beautiful kit and generally just being the best club out there - although cheers to the Lawley runners for the little chat at 16 miles, I appreciate you too!
I’m in a significant amount of pain and looking forward to watching next year’s on tv!
Big love xxxx
Submitted by Hannah Turner
And so we began, I knew I was going too fast, I considered staying with the 4hr pace but I decided to gain some speed at the start as I knew I’d be equally knackered at 15 miles regardless! The run to 6 miles was easy peasy, my next goal was reach 10, then look for Tower Bridge. I saw a fabulous WRR posse at Cutty Sark who helped me on to 10 then Alice Turner Lisa Kavanagh-Taylor Rachel Poole and my sister at around 12 then just before Tower Bridge I was accosted by a far too happy looking Rob Motrus and we did the bridge together and hopefully got a fab picture at the same time! High 5s with more WRRs at 13 miles and Ruth Sparkes at 14 my mission was to enjoy 14-15 as this is where I got down beat last time, it wasn’t so far in the end! I then aimed for the Stephen Laurence 18 miles and reached there feeling ok! 19 took its toll and I did have a little walk, Steve Low however was looking amazing and chatting with him caused me to face plant into the back of the world’s sweatiest woman! Bob Wilson gave me a shout out and I tried to get back in the zone, running 9.45s and struggling and another little walk I knew I had to push because I was ready to quit, I didn’t get the thrill I should have out of seeing the millennium wheel come into view because I was truly hurting and looking for Big Ben...he marked the heart of London and a little hope that I would finish! 2 miles seems so far at that point! The rest happened very fast, suddenly I was on the Mall and aiming for that red structure! It was all a bit of a blur tbh!
I was however loads happier and healthier at the end than last time, I didn’t cry, I smiled, I didn’t fall into or out of a portaloo and I put my own jogging bottoms on (all a massive improvement)! I didn’t sub 4 but I got damn close and I gave it my all so I’m thrilled!!
Thank you all so so much for the insane amount of support, people who came down, ran around London with me, carried my bags, text me, posted on my wall! You’re all amazing!!
Massive shout out to Wrekin Road Runners for all the training, company, advice, support, beautiful kit and generally just being the best club out there - although cheers to the Lawley runners for the little chat at 16 miles, I appreciate you too!
I’m in a significant amount of pain and looking forward to watching next year’s on tv!
Big love xxxx
Submitted by Hannah Turner
Boston UK Half Marathon - 14th April 2019
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Anyone looking for a flat half marathon course, then this is for you. The total elevation gain was 21ft! The marathon runs 10 minutes earlier on the day. There were water stations every 2 miles and different local groups volunteer at the drinks stations and have a competition for the best station. I remember being cheered on by a Fred Flinston at 1O miles and a man with a real Donkey earlier in the race.
There are challenges with this race dispite it being so flat. Firstly, you go out of Boston Town after a mile and into the countryside. Near to the coast it was windy and it did hale at one point. There's no protection from trees or buildings. If it was hot this would have been more of a struggle! Secondly, for 11 miles of the race its the same landscape. You can see for miles ahead as its so flat. Mentally this is challenging as it looks so far and without the supportive drinks stations it would have been boring. However, despite the challenges, if you want a flat half or full marathon, consider Boston. 2 runners I knew achieved great times, a half marathon pb and the other a good for age for London marathon. It's near to the coast as well so I made the most of it and enjoyed the beach after the race! Time 2:05:56 |
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