Here it is then, the event I’ve worked all year to prepare for!
Signing up to a marathon in Manchester in October is always
going to be a bit of a gamble with the weather, but waking up to bright blue
skies on Sunday morning took away any dread of grey skies and rain clouds, it
was delightful!
That didn’t stop the nerves of course! They’d been building
steadily over the last few days, but to be honest they were building in a good “I’m
determined to go out and do myself proud” way, rather than a “flipping heck
what have I signed up for I don’t think I can do this” way.
Making our way to the start line, the race day buzz was easy
to feel. It was an interesting dynamic because we had to make our way through
crowds of half marathon finishers while we still had our challenge ahead of us.
We reached the gates of Old Trafford Cricket Ground and it
was time for the runners and spectators to go our separate ways. I did well and
just about managed to hold back tears as I said goodbye to Des. Suddenly
everything seemed very real and it was almost time to run a marathon!
The set-up at the cricket ground was great – no need for
horrible portaloos which was very welcome! We walked round to the starting pen
and waited patiently for a little bit, after waiting all morning – the new wave
system meant we weren’t due to cross the line until 12!
Before too long the starting gun went and my nerves melted
away as I channelled everything I had into the task in hand, completing the
26.2 miles which lay ahead.
I’ve been to Manchester a couple of times, but I wouldn’t
say I know the area well at all so, despite studying the route map several times,
I was heading somewhat into the unknown and wasn’t sure of what to expect throughout
the course.
The first couple of miles were alright, a few twists and turns
and some decent spectator support before heading into the city centre and
running through the famous Deansgate at around five miles which was fantastic! The
streets were lined, everyone clapped and cheered and loads of bits of
entertainment spurred everyone on. This bit is a new addition to the route and
I’m really glad it was included.
I was averaging just over 10 minute miles which was absolutely
fine. I didn’t have a massive plan with pacing really, but I definitely didn’t
want to be running any faster than that. I felt nice and comfortable so I carried
on churning it out as we made our way back onto the dual carriageway and out of
the city, passing Old Trafford football ground before spotting Des
and Dawn which gave me a really nice boost!
Mile 8-11 were difficult. There wasn’t much crowd support and
I started overthinking just how far I still had to go, wondering if it
was going the be this quiet all the way, because I know how much the support
from random strangers in the street helps to get me around.
Not far from half way, I fell into pace with some people I
knew, so having a chat took my mind of these doubts until the crowds grew again
– the people in the suburbs of Sale and Atrincham really tuned out to support
and it was great!
Passing 13.1 miles in 2.15, I was really pleased. I knew my
pace was going to slow during the second half but I’d set myself up well. I’ve
never actually ran further than the half marathon mark without stopping to walk, so every mile I ran without stopping now seemed like a bit of a bonus for my
overall finishing time.
There were some tricky parts in the next couple of miles. Definitely
not hills by any means, but a few checky inclines which felt like trouble on my
tired legs. I kept running though which I’m really proud of, until about the 17
mile marker when I decided to walk for a minute and let my legs have a little
rest.
Previously in runs and events, walking for a bit would be
the start of some horrible mind games and struggles. But I was comfortable
knowing I was doing my absolute best and pushing myself, so I resolved to walk
for a little bit every mile if I felt I needed it. I’d been out for over three
hours now afterall!
I was hurting now and every step was feeling difficult, but
I had a fire in me to keep going and do the best I could. The warm weather wasn’t
particularly helpful but I’ve always loved a bit of autumn sunshine so I tried not
to let it hinder me too much.
I passed through 20 miles in 3:33 which I was really pleased
with. It’s often said that a marathon really starts at 20 miles, so I knew I still
had a really tough challenge ahead of me. I did a quick video to send to the
family chat group and gathered myself to keep pushing on.
At mile 21 one of the many bits of entertainment around the
course was a choir who were singing one of my all time favourites, “your love
keeps lifting me higher” and I burst into tears, overcome with the emotion of what
I’d done and what was still to come. To be fair though, 21 miles before a cry
was almost as much of an achievement for me as 17 miles without stopping to
walk.
I completely forgot about it at the time, but the 22 mile
mark would see me pass 1,000 miles for the year! Something which, when I set
myself the target back in January, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do. I’m almost
a bit disappointed I forgot to celebrate that moment, but I was clearly too in
the zone to think about it!
The 23 mile marker felt like a massive milestone. ‘Just a
parkrun to go’ and all that. I knew whatever happened now I was going to finish
in a time I’d be proud of, I just had to keep pushing on to get it done.
The last bit seems like a bit of a blur looking back. I must
have checked my watch every couple of metres and wondered why the distance didn’t
seem to be changing. I made conversation with some fellow runners about how it really
wasn’t funny anymore and how much we didn’t trust the crowds telling us “it’s
just around the corner”…we’d heard that loads of times over the last few hours!
The exact boost I
needed to get me over the line came just before the final bend onto the last
couple of hundred meters, when I saw Des and everyone else from DOrunning shouting
and cheering me on. I started crying at this point and didn’t stop! After a
quick hug with Des I carried on, the crowds lining the streets building just as
much as my tears – the noise was incredible.
As I crossed the finish line, there was no stopping the
tears falling. I was so so so proud of myself and so happy and relieved to be
done. I’d completed my second marathon in 04:40:27 – exactly the time I wanted and
taking more than two hours off my time for London Marathon back in 2018.
Perhaps most importantly though, I knew I’d given it my
absolute all. No doubts or feelings that I could have pushed more at any point –
I had done my best and I’d done myself proud.
I’m already thinking about marathon number three now. I’d absolutely
love it to be London 2022 because I’ve got a score to settle with that event – I
know that just getting a place for it is half the battle but I’m going to throw
everything I’ve got at getting one. But if it’s not London it will be a
different one…watch this space!
