Hey! Firstly, I’d like to apologise for my absence over the past few weeks. Life got pretty busy, but I also hit a very large hurdle in my training.
Nothing would prepare me however for the impact this had on me mentally. It was like I forgot in that instance all of the progress I had made since last October, and this wasn’t helped by the fact that I had a half marathon booked for 3rd March. There I was, a week to go before the race and I hadn’t run further than 7 miles – there were a few tears.
The weekend before I headed to Centreparcs with my family for my auntie’s birthday celebration. I can’t exactly say I was feeling too optimistic that any running would take place, but I packed my trainers anyway. Maybe it was a change of scenery, or the bottle of prosecco I had consumed the night before – but something in the air enabled me to run 10 miles that day. I was elated, I felt strong and for the first time in a while – confident.
The half soon rolled round, 13.3 miles lay ahead of me, but I did it. It took me 2 hours and 45 minutes, but what I’m most proud of is that I ran the whole way. In the last three miles I felt pain in my legs and joints that I didn’t even know was possible, but crossing that finishing line was a milestone in itself.
As I write this, I finally feel like I’m back on track. Yes, the idea of running another half marathon after I finished it doesn’t seem too comprehendible right now, but I have to revel in now, rather than worry about the future.
With just 47 days to go until marathon day, I’m feeling excited, energised and raring to go. I never thought I would say I completed a half marathon and here I am, so maybe there’s hope for me yet.
Until next time…
