My "BLING" Scrapbook!

During the summer school holidays last year I was having a major clear out of drawers, cupboards and shelves and tucked away in the corners and crevices of these places I found "Hidden Treasure" - namely exercise related memorabilia and photographs. Looking at all my "stuff" brought back a sense of achievement and pride and made me realise how much my fitness had improved since hitting the big 4 -0 in 2007!

I decided I needed a way of safely storing these treasures as a way of celebrating my successes and set myself a task and new goal, to gather all the memorabilia and photographs together in one place - and much to the dismay of my family (Oh no she's got another obsession!) that is how my scrapbooking days began ...

I thought I would share my Scrapbook pages with you here and show how I display my bling!

Race for Life 5K Run 2009

Keswick 2 Barrow 40 mile walk/run 2011

3 Counties Cycle Challenge (60 mile cycle) 2011

Coast to Coast 2 day Cycle Ride (146 miles) 2011

Great North Run (Half Marathon) 2011

Liverpool Half Marathon 2012

Langdale 10K Run 2012

Keswick 2 Barrow 40 mile walk/run 2012

Levens 10K Run - 2012

Morecambe 10K Run - 2012

3 Counties Cycle Challenge (60 mile cycle) - 2012

Fleetwood Half Marathon 2012

Great Scottish Run Half Marathon 2012

Great North Run (Half Marathon) 2012

Chester Marathon 2012

Challenge 26 - Lancaster Half Marathon - November 2013

Today Sunday 3^rd November I ran in The Lancaster Half Marathon.

I was very apprehensive about running in this as it was my first post injury race!  

2013 has been a disastrous year for me fitness wise, and I have had 8 DNS’s. 

On one hand I was feeling thankful that I was actually OK to be running, as at one point it looked doubtful, but then on the other hand I was feeling extremely nervous as I had done so little training!

I actually had a fairly good night’s sleep and I got up at around 8am.  Thankfully the weather looked more settled than it had yesterday when we experienced gales, sleet, torrential rain and floods!

I managed to have my standard pre-race breakfast of porridge, a banana and coffee despite my nerves, and we set off from Kendal for the 20 mile journey to Lancaster at around 9.30am.  The journey was good and we arrived at the race car park at around 10am. 

The 10 minutes walk from the car park to the race HQ at Salt Ayre Leisure centre was a chilly one and the wind was making itself known! But at least it was dry! 

I went to collect my race number and timing chip from the pre-registered runners desk at the Lancaster and Morecambe AC Building at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre. Unfortunately there didn’t seem to be one with my name on it!  Luckily I had done as I was told (for once) and had my email confirmation with me so I was asked just to complete another registration form. Half way through completing another form they miraculously found the envelope with my name on it ... PHEW!

Next stop was the toilets which were inside the Leisure Centre and there wasn’t even a queue!

We then went into the Cafe to keep warm and I attached my race number (thankfully I remembered safety pins!) and put the timing chip on my ankle!  It was too cold outside to hang around so we lurked in the cafe until the last minute. 

We eventually braved the cold and arrived at the start line at 10.55am for the 11am start.  I took off my many layers and gave them to my pack horse (aka husband) before being abandoned on the cold windy cycle path surrounded by elite looking runners and the smell of deep heat.  

11am came and went and my nerves were escalating!  I was shivering quite considerably by this point (nerves or cold?) and just wanted to get going!  

At about 11.10am there was an announcement that the race start was delayed due to an accident close-by meaning a lot of runners were unable to get there in time for the start.  

I’m sorry but when I go anywhere by car I always factor in time for “what ifs ...” and usually end up at my destination far too early but at least I have the peace of mind that I am there.  If people want to leave travelling until the last minute then they should face the consequences and not inconvenience everyone else! 

Anyhow, at 11.20am the race was eventually underway.  I was pleased to be moving at last!  Thankfully I had opted for gloves and a long sleeve top but I was still freezing.

The race started by taking in the cycle track located

at Salt Ayre before moving to the public cycleway heading towards Lancaster. In the distance I could see the Lancaster Castle, Lancaster Priory and the Ashton Memorial.

The initial part of the race was very congested!  If I had been in top condition looking for a PB I would have been very frustrated by the number of people who had obviously gone to the front of the pack but who were not fast runners!  This caused quite a bottleneck as the wide cycle track narrowed into a single lane path.

After about a mile the field opened out a bit and I was able to settle into my pace.  The first segment was sheltered and scenic but fairly slippery, then we headed over the Millennium Bridge and followed the Quayside heading towards Conder Green and we had to fight against a strong wind in the process.  I was hoping that the wind would change direction and give me some assistance but as sods law would have it – it didn’t!

There seemed to be a lot of water stations early on, with water served in poxy small plastic cups but then later in the race they seemed to be quite sparse unless I missed them!

I was slightly concerned to feel my Achilles objecting at around 4 miles. I was hoping I wouldn’t be in too much pain by the end.

At around 6 miles we left the traffic free trails and joined a fairly busy road.  There seemed to be a lot of frustrated drivers trying to get past us, rather too closely for my liking!

I was astounded that the Marshall at around 7 miles was puffing on a big cigar, and I ran through a cloud as I went past him.  Surely this isn’t conducive with the healthy lifestyle running promotes?! 

I was beginning to tire and slow at this point but on a positive note my Achilles seemed to be holding up to the strain and the pain wasn’t getting any worse! 

Then the hills started, OK they weren’t really hills just little mounds but my mental state and legs both interpreted them as mountains!

By mile 10 I really wanted it to be over as we rejoined the traffic free paths!

My legs felt like someone had attached a sack of concrete to them.  I have never felt so bad in a half marathon before!  There was a couple just in front of me who I focused on keeping up with, without them I might have sat down on one of the many tempting benches along the way and cried.

Back over the river and the final mile felt like a marathon.  I  felt sheer relief as I entered Salt Ayre Race Track, which signified to me the end of the race and then I discovered I had to run round the bleeding thing with what felt like a force 10 gale battling me back.  I did half consider whether anyone would notice or even care if I took a short cut across the middle, but I very slowly persevered going around on what seemed like an endless journey!

There was a smattering of spectators around the course but none who were very vocal or offered much encouragement – and not a jelly baby in sight!  The people of Lancaster need educated on race day etiquette.

I passed through the finish and the big clock was showing 2:08:51, I didn’t feel any sense of satisfaction or elation just bitter disappointment! As this was a chipped event my offical time will be slightly faster - by a second or 2!

This is my run according to Garmin. Click Here!

One of my slowest times and I still felt close to collapse!

I staggered to the table to get my medal and T shirt, to be informed that they only had large T shirts left when in fact I had ordered a small.  What’s the point of ordering a specific size if it isn’t saved for you.  I’m assuming all the people who entered on the day (therefore didn’t order a T Shirt) nicked the small T shirts and it’s my punishment for being slow!

Along with a medal and T shirt big enough to fit my entire family in, I got a ham roll and a Mars Bar which were swapped for my timing chip!

Thankfully my husband predicted the state I would finish in and had actually moved the car to the Asda car park which was only a couple of minutes walk away!

I wouldn’t have made it to the other car park – I felt physically beaten and mentally drained!

I keep reminding myself that I have spent more time on the injury couch this year than I have done running so I shouldn’t be too harsh with myself!

This is my worse half marathon EVER! 

Not in time I took but in how I felt whilst running and at the end!

Nothing at all to do with the course which was mainly flat and fairly scenic and it should have been a great run – I’m just too unfit at the moment!

On a positive note things could have been worse ... a lot worse!  

When I got back home to Kendal it was raining and I was informed they had had the same torrential rain as yesterday all day today too! Phew! Rain on top of everything else and I really would have cried!

I will have to run it again next year to put the demons to rest!

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Challenge 27 - Brampton to Carlisle 10 miler - November 2013

Today, Sunday 17th November 2013 I ran the Brampton to Carlisle 62nd 10 mile run.

I very nearly didn't run it as yesterday I felt really tired and unwell, but I have had so many DNS's this year due to injury I decided that if I had to crawl round then I would!

I got up at half 8 and consumed my normal pre-race breakfast of porridge and a banana before having the usual race day "what shall I wear" dilemma! The problem is the weather can change so much in a short distance!  I opted for 3/4 running tights and a long sleeve T Shirt.  We left Kendal at around 9.30am for the 52 mile journey to Brampton and after a quiet journey arrived at the Race Head Quarters situated in William Howard School at around 10.50am in plenty of time for the 11:30am start. I collected my race number with no queueing and then went to the toilet but unfortunately I had to wait in a fairly long queue.  

 By the time I had been to the toilet my 2 friends who I had arranged to meet had arrived. We headed outside and before we knew it everyone was flocking to the start line.  There was no time to be nervous as the starters pistol fired very promptly - before I had managed to worm my way to near the front!  This is a non-chipped event therefore I like to start near the front to give myself the best possible chance of a PB, but it wasn't to be today!  I wasn't really fussed as I realised with my recent injuries, lack of fitness and general well-being a PB wasn't really on the cards! 

However, the weather was perfect for running, dry and around 8C.

I followed the crowds round a tight right hand bend out of Brampton and tried to settle into a comfortable pace. The route is fairly flat except a hill at around mile 3. As we reached the top of the hill the route came off the main road and we were soon in the countryside with the fabulous autumnal colours!  At around mile 4 there was a water station with bottled water.  I grabbed one and continued trying to maintain my pace.  Another water station at around mile 6 gave me an opportunity to have an energy gel as my energy was quickly disappearing and I was beginning to struggle. 

The marshals on route were all very encouraging and friendly which helped when the going was getting tough!

Another slight hill at mile 8 felt mountainous and I was being to realise how unfit I had become! My legs were beginning to feel a little heavy but there was a few encouraging spectators who kept me running even though I was very tempted to walk! 

I was delighted to see the downhill section heading to the finish line. I tried to put on an impressive sprint finish but I don't think I pulled it off very successfully! 

At the bottom of the hill a sharp left hand turn took me to the finish line ... I had made it!!  I could hear one of my friends shouting encouragement as I approached the finish! I stopped my Garmin and read 1:32:01, 6 minutes slower than last year but I was still pleased with it!  

My minute mile splits show that I had started off at quite a good pace but just couldn't maintain it - mile one I set off at 8:41, mile 2 I sped up to 8:18, by mile 3 I was slowing @ 9:00, and I gradually slowed during the remaining miles running @ 8:57, 9:04, 9:26, 9:53, 9:48, 10:01, 9:35!

At the finish was I handed a medal to celebrate my achievement?  No ... a black beanie hat! Useful I know but I do prefer a bit of useless bling!

There was water at the finish but no food! Not a banana in sight!

My husband had dropped me off at the start and then he had driven to the finish to collect me! 

We waited to cheer our other friend through the finish before heading off home for a well deserved shower, food and a large glass of vino!

The official results came through very quickly and my confirmed time is 1:32:28. There was 543 finishers and I was very much one of the last at 498th.

You can view the run here! and see results here!

We had been very lucky with the weather as back home in Kendal it had been raining most of the day and was windy too!

Challenge 28 - Langdale 10K Christmas Pudding Run - December 2013

Today  - Saturday 14th December 2013 -  I need to be certified insane along with 473 other runners!

I ran the Langdale 10K Christmas Pudding Race in freezing cold conditions, with torrential rain and high winds! 





What was I thinking?

I was doing the race with 2 friends and we left Kendal at 10am for the 18 mile journey to Great Langdale arriving at around 10:45am for a 12 O Clock start!

We were directed into a field to park by the race organisers and then were charged £4 for the pleasure!  Luckily at this point it was still dry as we were sent to the farthest parking place possible at the opposite end of the field!  

We went to The Stickle Barn Tavern to use the facilities and have a brew!  It was full of like minded folk but we managed to locate a seat and enjoyed our last bit of warmth!  

At around 11.40am we decided we had best make our way back to the car to strip down to our running gear!  On entering into the outside world again we were dismayed to see the rain was now teaming down! 


We had a quick jog to the car, got out of our nice warm outer garments and then sat there looking out!  We discussed lightheartedly just going home at this point, but we didn't! 

We sat for as long as we dared before braving the elements and making our way to the start line! I had opted to wear a long sleeved running top, three quarter running pants and gloves!  Thank God I had my gloves - I think without I might have suffered hypothermia!

We huddled together trying to protect ourselves from the rain coming at us sideways, and as sods law would have it the race was late to start!

Eventually at around 10 past 12 we were off!  I didn't hear a starting pistol but the runners in front of me moved so I took it as a signal we were going! 

The start was very congested with people darting around trying to avoid puddles!  In the end I just thought sod it and ploughed through whatever was in front of me!  After all I was wet - how much wetter could I get?

I found the start very frustrating as I seemed to be surrounded by runners in fancy dress!  I know its the festive season and all that but when I was getting whipped in the face by the back of a Christmas tree, blinded by a Mrs Santa cloak and poked by a star I didn't have very festive thoughts!

Luckily the field soon thinned out and I managed to escape the fancy dress crew!

My plan had been to stick with one of my friends who is a slightly faster runner than me so I would push myself and get a PB! This plan collapsed even before I crossed the start line!  In all the chaos and congestion I lost her so I was on my own! 

With such challenging weather conditions and with it being a non-chipped event I don't think a PB was ever on the cards but I tried my best!

The course is an out and back route, slightly undulating (HILLY), along the Great Langdale Road. Starting at the New Dungeon Ghyll, running to The Langdale Estate in Elterwater and returning to the New Dungeon Ghyll.

I tried to maintain an even pace but there was an awful lot of "sprinters" who then walked up all the hills! The same people sprinted past me numerous times on the flat sections for me to swiftly run past them again on the up hills! 

By mile 6 I was drenched and starting to feel cold so I was delighted to see the field where the finish line was! As I entered the field and the channel marked out to the finish line I looked ahead to look for the finish arch which was insitu at the start to see how much further I had to run.  I couldn't see it so I just kept on plodding. There was no chance of a sprint finish as this section was very muddy and slippery so I was relieved to reach the finish without landing on my bum!  I was only aware I had reached the finish when I heard someone announce my number and a time! Apparently the Finish arch had blown away in the high winds!

My Garmin stated a finish time of 54:38, and my official time was 54:55. You can view the run here. and the official results here. 

I was 238th finisher out of 473 runners,  58th female out of 212 females and 15th out of 46 in my age category.  So even though I didn't get my desired PB I'm pleased with the result!

Once through the finish I went into the marque where I got a full size Christmas Pudding and a T Shirt, along with some Haribo's! 

I met up with Susan in the marque who had finished in 51 minute's, so if I had stuck to my plan of sticking with her I would have got a PB! 

We then made our way back to the car to change into some dry warm clothes whilst we waited for Julia! 

Once Julia arrived the fun began! 

The next challenge - How to get out the car park!  

We sat for some time watching the chaos around us! Most cars were wheel spinning their way to the exit, and many of those got stuck and needed a helping hand in the form of a push from the Marshall's and other runners!

After laughing at everyone else's antics we decided it was time for us to brave the journey ourselves!  

Off we set slowly making our way to the exit and were very disappointed not to get some of the excitement - Susan's car made it look easy!

So all in all a good race for my last one in 2013 with some beautiful scenery - just a pity about the weather!!!

Challenge 25 - Freckleton Half Marathon

On Sunday 16th June 2013 I took part in Freckleton Half marathon. Freckleton is located in the Fylde, Lancashire, just north of the river Ribble. 

This was the 48th running of the Freckleton Half Marathon, It is the oldest half marathon in the UK, and there is only one older half marathon in the world and that is in Luxembourg. The Mens Half Marathon started in 1964 and the Womens in 1976. The race was full with a maximum 850 runners. Looking at previous year’s results I realised a lot of these 850 runners were going to be FAST! 

As well as being the 48th Half Marathon at Freckleton , it was also Father’s Day! Luckily it was a 2pm start so my two teenagers were actually awake and up to give their presents before we had to leave!

I approached this race with a certain amount of trepidation. 

I had read that it can be a very windy course so I had been keeping my eye on the weather forecast in the week leading up to the race. This fluctuated between wet and cloudy to dry and windy! 

When I woke up on Sunday the forecast seemed good with sunny intervals predicted, a temperature of 15C and 7MPH winds. I was beginning to feel that perhaps I was going to get ideal running conditions for a change!  

Apart from the weather and the thought of speedy runners, another thing that was stressing me out was the fact the race started at 2pm! I have only ever run morning races so I was unsure about what to eat and when! My usual fuelling strategy I am comfortable with wasn’t going to work today and I would have to try something new.  If I had had any sense I would have tried running at 2pm on past weekends and practised this prior to race day, but it was too late for that now!

I got up at 9am and had porridge and coffee for breakfast. Then at 11am I had 2 slices of toast and honey, I was going to have a banana nearer to the start time but couldn’t stomach it!

We set off from Kendal at around 11.30am for the 49 mile car journey to Freckleton . We arrived, after a very quiet and easy journey at around 12.15pm. The car park and start at the Bush Lane Playing Fields, were well signposted throughout the village, which was decorated colourfully with bunting giving it a carnival feeling! We arrived at the Playing Fields, where a portion was set aside for parking and we were directed to exactly where to park by the Marshalls.

By now I was feeling extremely nervous, and was trying to talk myself into believing I was going to have a good run!

I was desperate to get a PB and I think this was putting extra pressure on!

I had in my mind that the last Half marathon PB I ran was on Mother’s Day, and today was Father’s day! Could this be a sign ...?!

Once we had parked we made our way to the marquee where they were distributing race numbers and timing chips. It was all well organised and no queues at all. 

There was a real festival atmosphere with various stalls and a bouncy castle. Whilst waiting around to start there were lots of opportunities for me to do my favourite pastime of people watching! I got the distinct impression everyone was eyeing up the competition. As it had all gone so smoothly we had quite a wait til the 2pm start time, even the toilets had short queues! We listened to the man with the mike and had a few laughs – I’m sure he fancied himself as a comedian! 

Eventually he announced it was time to make our way to the start line. I positioned myself in the middle of the pack – I didn’t want obliterated by fast runners nor held back by slow runners!

My plan was to maintain just under a 9 minute mile pace for the first 10 miles or so before pushing the pace for the final 3 miles (legs willing!) in order to get me somewhere around PB territory. 

I had read in the course details that there was plenty of water stations situated throughout the course, but that this was being served in plastic cups not bottles. I have a love/hate relationship with cups during a race! I love the way it cools me down as I try to navigate it to my mouth and end up pouring it down my front, but hate the way that only a drop actually reaches my parched throat! Bearing this in mind, together with the fact it was a hot afternoon I made the decision to carry my own water bottle! I also had some high 5 energy gels in my pocket for when I needed an extra burst and planned to listen to my ipod during the run to try and distract me from the pain!

From the off, the course loops around the playing fields at race HQ before winding its way around the village for the first 1.8miles. I was surprised at how congested this was but this served me well as it stopped me doing my usual trick of going off too fast in the beginning. Mile one was completed at a 8.34 minute mile pace. I was beginning to feel very hot even at this early stage, but I was amazed to come across the first runner walking at 1.5 miles! Surely if he couldn’t maintain a run for this short distance he should have set off at the back of the pack!
The first half of the course follows a series of undulations as it meanders through country lanes towards Wrea Green. 

At 1.8 miles the course heads out of Freckleton along Kirkham Lane. After logging a fairly consistent mile 2 pace of 8.32 minute mile, we turned left onto Hillock Lane.


At four miles the course heads north along Bryning Lane via Bryning village towards Wrea Green. This is probably the steepest part of the course but I was still feeling OK at this point and was running fairly well with mile 3 at a 8.40 minute mile pace and mile 4 at 8.43 minute mile pace!

I decided to take a energy gel at this point just to maintain my energy levels before they plummeted. Unfortunately with the combination of the sun and being in my pocket I experienced a rather unpleasant sticky gloopy gel! But needs must!

As we reached Wrea Green, hundreds of people lined the roadside. From here the course went around the Green in an anti-clockwise direction, as a game of cricket was taking place. I was worried about getting a cricket ball on my head! Running became difficult at this point as the traffic was very congested and we were running along the road with drivers trying to navigate past us whilst runners couldn’t get past those slowing without getting run over and it all became abit chaotic and a huge tripping potential. This is shown in my splits for mile 6 when I slowed to 9.11 minute miles.

On leaving Wrea Green we made our way first of all along Moss Side Lane before turning onto Corka Lane, Cartmell Lane, and Salcotes Lane where the course turns left as it heads towards Lytham., On reaching Lytham Road I decided it was time to have another warm energy gel as I was beginning to flag! The course then heads east for the next 3.3 miles via a long gradual incline, passing through Warton. Spectators appeared in “clumps” along the route (namely in beer gardens), and they gave friendly enthusiastic support which spurred me on.

However, between miles 10 and 11, I witnessed 3 runners collapse. Luckily on each occasion there were people around to assist so I didn’t need to stop. However, seeing this knocked my confidence and my original plan of pushing the pace for the final 3 miles quickly went out the window. I was struggling to maintain my 9 minute mile pace but I still sensed a PB if only I could find my groove again. 

Just before mile 13, a right turn took us back into Freckleton village towards the finish area back at Bush Lane. There were lots of spectators around this area and this inspired me to push the pace as much as I could in the heat! A quick glance at my Garmin confirmed I wasn’t going to get my PB unless I could pull a sprint finish out the bag! Strangely enough this didn’t happen! 

On crossing the finish lane my Garmin said 1.58.52, disappointing but considering the heat it’s the best I could have done! The official chipped results have me as finishing in position 366th at 1:58:41, and 12th in my category! You can view the full results here!

My pacing strategy went out the window and I ended up with splits looking like this: 8.34, 8.32, 8.40, 8.43, 8.49, 9.11, 8.56, 9.02, 9.19, 9.14, 9.41, 9.44, and 9.18.  You can see my run here!

Once across the line I nice man offered me a seat whilst he unclipped my timing chip from my trainer, then I was handed a water bottle and banana, together with a gym bag, sports bottle and towel! A nice souvenir but no bling!  

My husband was waiting for me and I had a sit down on the grass whilst he went to get me a nice refreshing ice lolly!

All-in-all a good race, fantastic route and very friendly although a tad too hot!
Definitely one for the diary next year!

Challenge 24: Morecambe 10K

On Sunday 9th June 2013 I ran in the Morecambe 10K road race.  I had run this race in 2012 so was aware that it wasn't flat as advertised!

I had entered the run on line but still had to collect the timing tag and race bib number at the race HQ, which was situated in the Station Pub!  The race was scheduled to start at 11am.

When I woke up I was relieved to see that it wasn't as hot as it has been and it appeared to be quite good running conditions.  After enjoying a breakfast of porridge and coffee we left Kendal at 9.45am for the 23 mile journey to Morecambe. We had no traffic issues and arrived at the race car park at approximately 10.15am and luckily got the last parking space!  

After parking the car we went into The Station pub where there was 2 queues.  One for pre-registered runners and one for register on the day runners.  I joined the pre-registered queue and waited. It soon became apparent that the register on the day queue was far faster - there appeared to be some problem with some of the on-line bookings.  Luckily when I eventually got to the front my name was there and my number and chip were waiting for me!

I attached my bib number using the safety pins provided and attached the Velcro strap (which was the timing chip) to my ankle.

It was too hot to stay inside so we headed outside, although by now the sun had broken through the clouds and it was beginning to heat up considerably!

We bumped into a running friend who I had a natter to before heading across the road to the Promenade where the start was. We arrived at the start with about 15 minutes to spare, so I could enjoy watching the many warm ups and stretches being performed!

Before I knew it the man with the loud speaker was announcing the race was about to start.  I didn't need to jockey for position as it was a chip timed event so it really didn't matter if I started at the back.  

I was carrying my own drinks bottle as I remembered that last year there was a distict lack of water stations, and being such a hot day I decided I might need it!

With very little ceremony the race started and I was on my way! I was keen to get a PB but definitely wanted to beat last years time. It was much busier than last years race but there was still plenty space to run at a comfortable pace.  There was a small crowd of spectators early on giving encouragement but these soon dwindled out. 

The race started off going along the promenade for the first 1.5 miles, and unbelievably the first water station was at the end of the prom which seemed very early to me, but as I was carrying my own it really didn't matter!

The race went along the prom into Heysham before looping back, all on roads open to traffic.  There was a big car boot sale taking place in Heysham so this made the traffic in this area heavier than expected, but there were plenty Marshall's positioned at all the roads we had to cross so it wasn't an issue for me.  

Although the organisers were advertising the run as fast and flat I still managed to feel a few hills which they hadn't managed to iron out since last year! ;-)  

I found the heat difficult to contend with and was pleased when I turned back onto the promenade for the final push and discovered the second water station at around the 5 mile mark. I was so pleased I had carried my own!

I could feel I was slowing but I really didn't have anything left in my legs to push on! I could see the big polo tower which was close to the finish in the distance but I didn't seem to get any closer to it! 

At this point I could of done with some cheering clapping crowds to urge me on but there wasn't any in sight.  The prom benches housed a few OAP's who were probably wondering what was going on!  Even on the approach to the finish line although there were crowds around no one got into the occasion and there was very little encouragement!

I was delighted to cross the finish timing mat and stopped my garmin.  My garmin read 53:28, not a PB but over a minute faster than last year! However, for some strange reason, I think I must have suffered delusional thoughts brought on by sunstroke as I told everyone I got a PB! Which was a blatant lie!  

My official chip time was 53:26 and I was 6th in my age/sex catergory, 31st female and 134 overall out of 214 runners.  I'm not happy with my time but happy with my overall position!  I didn't do too badly after all! 

I was delighted to receive my medal, and then got a cold albeit small cup of water.

I had finished hot, sweaty and worn out but that's what races are all about! You can view my run here.

After cooling down and watching a few more finishers we headed off home - to be caught up in a traffic jam!  I was not impressed I was hot and sweaty and in desperate need of a shower and food!