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My Story: The Final Chapter
Saturday night after taking on board a carbohydrate overload we wound our way through torrential rain back to the flat for the early night in preparation for our big day. Part of the pre race planning was to ensure we were all hydrated and like everything else it was a bit last minute so many trips through out the night were made to the bathroom! 7.30 am came all to soon, breakfast of porridge was the order of the day something to keep us all going. With much discussion as to what we were all wearing and were we going to be warm enough, or to warm, should we wear make up? ( just my sister and I of course! to which the response was we might be about to run a half marathon but that's no excuse to let standards drop)!
At 9.45 am we walked the 1 mile to the start ( it was all very jolly and lots of laughter, boarding on manic hysteria, as the reality of what we were about to do hit us) on arrival we all decided that one last comfort break was needed, as we stood in line ( we Brits do this so well) I could smell nothing but winter green embrocation, was this the secret weapon no one had told me about? Was it to late to get some and if I had some, what did you do with it? Deciding that it was to late to take on board any further last minute preparation we made our way to the starting line. The man over the loud speaker was asking the runners to line up with the pacers, elite athletes at the front (not me) then the 8,9,10,11 minute milers (not me either) then the complete and utter heaving mass, where someone should have been holding up a sign saying "complete novices and hoping to finish". (That will be me then) As we lined up the theme tune from Chariots of fire was blaring through the speakers and a lump came to my throat,( it was quite moving ) this spectacle was amazing and I was part of it. As we jostled our way through the starting gate the runners spread out a little and we were on our way, the band of Scots Guard's playing their bagpipes and with my trainer /coach/manager/water carrier (general dogs body) beside me we got this run underway. The first thing we came to, was a church with the vicar and his choir stood outside singing hymns to us, this was a nice touch, I knew I would be calling on the big man to get me through.
The first hilly bit is steep I knew that, in fact I had run it a few weeks back in preparation, the next bit is also quite steep but flattens out a little. My training run did not take me beyond this bit, I was informed by my coach it was the worst bit. As we reached the roundabout and continued our run along what is called Queens way, I quickly realised the worst was yet to come, Queens Way is a long, very long slow climb, and goes on for over two miles, if I could have found my breath my coach would not have been called David, in fact he was being called every name under the sun!! I have never been so grateful to get to the end of a stretch of road. There was a time station showing 1 hour and 2 minutes and marker showing 5 miles, great just another 8.1 miles to go then! It was about this time I was over taken by I swear an 80 year old lady running in Nike trainers, M&S pull on trousers and a very pretty hand knitted cardigan with embroidered flowers on it. Oh this was so embarrassing to be over taken by an elderly lady and one who obviously was suffering with what looked to a curvature to the spine. It was time to take one of my secret weapons, a carb gel, disgusting stuff but guaranteed to give you a boost of energy. Loaded up and fluids taken we ploughed on.
The crowds were amazing, and very supportive, people seemed to line the route even though it was not the best of days for standing around. (Although plenty warm enough when running!) We came across bands playing, Pubs with music blaring and when no instruments were available the old wooden spoon and saucepan was used to great effect! It kept driving me on, that and the fact that so many people had sponsored me and believed I could do it!
We finally got a stretch or two of down hill and then my speed climbed to just over 8 minute miles. The crowd started to shout "not far now" and its down hill from here. ( I couldn't believe it, complete strangers prepared lie to you)!
I knew how far it was and we had at least another 4 miles which up till a few short weeks ago would have required the car being taken out the garage! Finally the sea came into view and just when you know you want to turn right the course takes you left up to the fishing huts and you find some unthinking person has left a big wheely bin there adding yet further to the number of steps required. We are now on the homeward straight, passed the pier and I can feel myself hitting the wall, I feel sick ( to many jelly babies! and carb gels)
So to all my Family, Friends, Colleges, ex colleges and even those who may have once given me your business card!! Thank You so much for your support it is this that will drive me on to the finish.
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