I ran Leeds Half Marathon in 2hrs 18minutes!!! 5 minutes faster than Bristol. To say I am amazed is an understatement.
So here are the details:
Race morning felt very different to Bristol. I actually thought there was a chance I would be last. Normally I say this and it's not really a genuine fear, more just something you say. But this time I actually believed it. Lack of training made me very nervous.
We got to Leeds, went to the loo (nothing new here, races make me need to wee more. This being the 6th trip since getting out of bed) met up with out friends who were running it too and began the walk over to Millenium Square. All chatting about how we had all entered the ballot for London and how good it would be if we all got a place...
Queued ready to start, wished Mr Murph and our friends good luck (was his first!) and we were off.
Miles 1-3 past in a bit of a blur. I just kept reminding myself not to go too fast, I hadn't run further than 10 miles since Bristol, I needed to take it easy. Slightly hilly too, so not my favourite.
Miles 4 - I think this where I panicked. It was (if I remember the miles correctly) where the worst hill was. I took a walk break, looked at my watch, swore at myself for needing to walk after just 4 miles, had a drink I'd collected half way between 3&4 and carried on.
My legs were numb running down the hill, I am very surprised I didn't fall over. After the disappointment of having to stop and a few stern words to myself in my head I seemed to find my mojo. My breathing got better and I just focused on the end.
My favourite miles were 8-11. I saw a few people I knew who were out supporting on the way. My legs felt better and the music on my ipod was the same songs that had got me through the first few miles of Bristol. I was doing my mix between running and dancing again. Quick check of the watch and I hit the 2 hour mark just after 11 miles. Rough calculations told me that if I did 2 ten minute miles I should beat my Bristol time my 2 minutes.
Suddenly with a new aim and with no time to actually doubt myself I was off. I decided I wouldn't check my watch until I saw the finish line. I didn't want anything to put me off. I turned the ipod up as loud as it would go, but I took 1 ear out so I could still hear the crowd. Passing mile 12 I was so tempted to check my watch but I managed to stop myself. Then as I got close to the end and saw one of my friends. He cheered me on and asked my time 'tell you at the end' I said and carried one. Finally I could see the finish. I was so excited - this was a slight hill which at the start I had said I was dreading. But when it came to running up the 'dreaded hill' I didnt care or notice it. I almost forgot to check my watch, I only remembered when I saw the finish clock. I kept it going until I was sure I had actually finished, 2hrs 18 minutes. I flung my arms in the air and did a little jump around. It was over, I had survived. And my 10 minute miles were closer to 9 minutes, after 11 miles I am well and truly amazed at myself. I can't believe I managed it.
My husband (who finished in 1hr 50) was waiting on my right after the end. I ran to him and hugged him. Then checked his watch for his time (I always do this before asking how he is lol). Then I remembered to ask how he felt, we went to get my good bag and then waited for the last of our friends to finish.
We all chatted about our favourite/least favourite bits and then headed for home. Chatting on the way about our aches, pains and blisters. London?! Em, lets just say we are hoping that some of us get a place, but no one wanted it to be them!!
So I have now done 2 half marathons. Who would have thought the girl that 2 years ago couldn't run for a bus now runs half marathons 'for fun'. Two very different halfs - Bristol slow and steady incline at the beginning but a killer hill at mile 10 and another bad one at 11. Leeds with incline pretty much straight away and killer hills at mile 4ish. But then the srcond half is down hill or flat. Think i prefer Leeds, get the horrible bit out of the way. But Bristol was a nicer place to run. We spent alot time in Leeds on what I believe is a motor way slip road.
Lows:
Nearly crying when I had to walk so early on
The 'what time would I have got if I had actually trained' that people at work asked me today
Highs:
My hubs time - ok so not mine but I love him and I am so proud of him. Plus he started running bcos I inspired him, so I take some of the credit!!
Doing it, I honestly believed after mile 4 I would probably have to walk the rest
Hmmmm what next?!
