The Finish Line

At the start with my son, Rory - his very first race.

Well I did what I set out to do, I ran the Goatfell Hill Race.  What has been most amazing is the support I have had, during training, and before, during and after the race.  So many good wishes and comments from people – there was never any doubt I would be able to back out at the last minute!

Ok so the time was slow, and, as expected I came in last – although there was a brief moment at about 2km towards the end when I overtook on the downhill (my forte) before they caught up with me on the final straight and I was at the back again.

Heading up Castle Drive

I am not sure what the official time is yet, but I hoped for 3 hours but knew 3hrs 15 minutes was more realistic, no surprise, I was somewhere in the middle.  And on the day it was probably better than I could have hoped for as I was not having a good day – it happens.

The race started well, me bringing up the rear, with police car escort until we turned into Castle Drive – the gap between me and the runners was big already. I anticipated the up to be hard, but it was worse than usual with me suffering cramps (not something I usually get) and my breathing was ragged.  I think the day was getting to me.  But I persevered and managed to get well above the bridge before the first leaders were on their way down.  I barely managed any running uphill and had to settle for walking and taking a breather when I needed but I still managed to get up in 1hr 59minutes, so I was on target.

The last kilometer (with my personal support team!)

After layering up and managing a snack, it was downhill with a good pace.  Slowed only by the very nasty hail shower that came in for a short while.  And the down was good until I hit the Castle Drive again, and I just seemed to run out of steam.  My hips were aching, and legs felt shaky it was the only time I thought I may not finish.  The last 2km on the road was tough, I wanted to stop and even cry, but bugger it I was going to finish.  Familiar faces and words of encouragement on Castle drive and along the final mile kept me going but I have to say it was hurting.

I had 2 lovely guys who were marshalling the last runner (and their spaniel) for company all the way up and down – I feel very remiss that I didn’t get their names, but thanks guys for all the encouragement along the way.

Finished!

Will I do it again?  I don’t know.  Would I train differently?  Yes, I would definitely do longer distances and lots more uphill work.  But I also know I’ll never be a fast runner, but I am a runner, and I did it!

Two pictures of the guys with the dog (images David Kelso)