Cue roadworks in Edinburgh, me getting to registration at 12:44 and then having to find a parking space and get dressed for the run which began at 13:15 !
After finding a parking space and a quick bite to eat (banana) I got changed and at 13:05 made my way to the start, make that in 10 minutes...surely?
Turns out I'd underestimated the time to get to the start and had to sprint (for me) to get there in time for the race start. When I say in time, as I turned the corner with 200 metres still to get to the start, I heard the person on the microphone go "10, 9, 8..." I was last over the start line, but as Yazz sang about, the only way is up...baby!
The Meadows Half Marathon is 9 x 1.35 mile loops of the Meadows park area, there is also a full marathon version as well as a 5k and 10k.
All of the events go of at different times, which means the park is nearly always busy with runners. The people in the Meadows just for an afternoon stroll were very encouraging, and the marshals were awesome, I made sure I said thank you to each and every one.
My objectives for this event were to:
A) Finish
B) Finish pain free-ish
Both objectives were achieved in a time of 2:04:33, delighted with that, considering it's been a few weeks since I've done any serious running due to injury.
I wanted to simply get round, manage the sore leg and any pain that may occur, and I'm proud to say I managed that perfectly.
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| Check out the calorie burn... |
Storm Jorge was present in full force and on one stretch of the park the wind was blowing across the runners and I seen some runners being blown off the path and onto the grass.
I made it my mission after two loops to take over at least five of the other half marathoners on each remaining lap. I finished in position 158 out of 249 finishers.
Big shout out to all marshals, volunteers and organisers. Oh and a massive thank you to the lady with the green pom-poms and massive smile encouraging everyone on, it means a helluva lot!
This is all part of my build up for the London Marathon which I'm running to raise awareness and funds for Rooprai Spinal Trust
Donate to my marathon fundraiser and #makeadifference
