Well that’s it, it’s all over for another year and I can’t believe how quickly it came and went, but I did it!! Well kind of. I completed it in 2.00.51, not my 2 hour target, but a 14min PB. I am over the moon. In all honesty I am a little disappointed that I didn’t get just under 2hours, but as I was caught short when nature called at the three mile mark (after being stuck in the pen for so long) I don’t mind too much.
By my Garmin ran a 13.23mile half marathon due to the crazy amount of weaving around people walking or people wearing headphones who were in a world of their own, so I am pretty chuffed and feel that if I didn’t have to stop for a minute at 3 miles or weave I would have broken my 2 hour target.
As for the overall race, it was much better than last year. I was in white zone F, so a whole colour group further forward then last year, but I have decided that next year I NEED to be in orange. It still took 17mins to cross the start line I felt like I was constantly getting stuck behind people who suddenly stopped and walked at a slight hill or had to weave between people wearing headphones who couldn’t hear my trying to shout excuse me while trying to not get stitch.
It wasn’t until around 4 miles when I started to really get into the race. I was using my Garmin to pace myself. My aim was to stay around 8.30min miles, but that started off faster and gradually got slower and as per usual I got a stitch at about 4 miles. However, I did my best to ignore it and concentrate on breathing, gradually it eased. I am pretty used to running through stitches now as it happens so often, especially in races.
I ploughed on and felt great up until 10 miles where my tired legs really started to take effect, however the crowds and Bupa Boost station with Jelly Babies and loud pumping music really spurred me on and I was soon at the 12mile mark on South Shields sea front. The crowd at that point was amazing (although they were great all the way round), so many faces shouting and cheering, I glanced at my watch and it read about 1.52hrs. My mind was screaming at me to run as fast as I could, I was frustrated as my legs were screaming to stop and I needed to keep weaving around people WALKING the last mile!! The finish line couldn’t come soon enough and when I finally made it, I felt amazing! I did it. I beat my time and could walk without being in as much pain as last year.
I definitely feel like the training I have put in this year has paid off and I felt so proud at the finish line. As I was running for North East Autism Society as well as the love of running, we have raised a massive £916 so far for the charity and almost doubled our target, so thank you to all that have sponsored us so far and if you would still like to donate our link is http://www.justgiving.com/ARC-Staff-2012
I would also like to mention that I am very proud of my boyfriend’s mam and dad who completed their first ever half marathon for Oxfam together in 2.29hrs.
Well done to everyone who took part and I hope you have enjoyed reading the GNR blogs. I have to admit that I now feel like the GNR is becoming a bit of an addiction, once I have done it, I get such a buzz that I keep going back. I have since had a week off running, but I will keep going and who knows maybe one day I will do a marathon but for now my next challenge it the Newcastle Stamped 6mile assault course on the 14th October.
Thanks for reading.
Claire :)