Challenge 42 - Blackpool Hilton Illuminations Half Marathon - August 2014

On Sunday 31st August 2014 I ran The Blackpool Hilton Illuminations Half Marathon.

I set the alarm for 7am and felt very tired when it went off, all I wanted to do was turn it off and snuggle back under the duvet! 

I had had a late night as I was being "Taxi" for my husband who was out on a night out! Probably not the best preparation for a race but I forced myself out of bed, and I was pleased to see clear blue skies when I drew back the curtains! 

I got dressed in my running gear before having my usual race day breakfast of porridge and coffee.

I was using my gel flask for the first time during a race and carefully squeezed 3 gels into the flask before attaching it to my race belt!

We left our home in Kendal for the 57 mile journey to Blackpool at around 8am. 

We got there much sooner than expected, parked in the allocated race car park which was a field next to the Hilton Hotel. It was £2 for all day parking. The race Head Quarters was in the hotel and we went in to collect my race number. 

It was well organised with numbers set out in name alphabetical order. 

It all went very smoothly and I was ready with my race number pinned on my vest by around 9:15am! 

I was disappointed to discover that this was not a chipped event.  I thought I had read that it was in the race details but perhaps I had just assumed it was!

The race didn't start until 10am so we kept warm by loitering in the hotel. Although it was a very sunny morning there was quite a strong wind that kept it cold. After studying the weather forecast I had dressed in shorts and a vest top, and I was beginning to think this was a mistake.

I used the toilet facilities in the hotel (better than the normal Porto loos!) and at around 9:45am we headed out to find the start line which we had been told was just across the road from the hotel.

When we first exited the hotel I felt slightly stressed when I couldn't see a start line or any runners anywhere!  We crossed the road as directed and peered over the promenade wall!  Thankfully there was another lower level promenade and that's where the start and finish line were hiding along with the mass of other runners!

We headed down the steps to get to the start and at this point with only 5 minutes to go I took off my long trousers and hoody and stood shivering in my shorts and vest.



We got ushered to the start line by a Marshall with only a couple of minutes to go.  

I positioned myself in the middle of the pack, not wanting to be too close to the front for fear of getting in the way of faster runners, but not wanting to be held back by slower runners.  

This is the main issue I hate with a non-chipped race! I don't like to be too far back and jeopardise a good time!

There was a short countdown and before I knew it we were on our way.  

I had tried to find a race route on the Internet but had failed so I was totally ignorant about where I was heading!

It was a bit of a strange route starting with a loop measuring about 1.5 miles which we ran twice! This meant that after starting we passed the start line twice!  Great for the spectators but not so great for runners wanting an interesting run!

Once we had run this loop twice the route went straight along the promenade heading out of the centre of Blackpool. It was at this point that I began to notice the wind!  






As well as the wind there was a lot of dry sand on the prom which made it a fairly slippery surface to run on.  

We had the usual walkers and cyclists causing obstacles for us to avoid as well as people fishing.  

I realised fairly early on that it was safer to keep to the right  hand side of the prom to avoid tripping over a fishing rod propped up against the prom wall or getting hooked by one as they cast out! 

We came across the first water station at around the 3 mile mark and I took the opportunity to take a slurp from my gel flask whilst I had water to wash it down with!  Thankfully it was bottled water but I was disappointed that they didn't have sport caps. Having a lidless bottle made it difficult to run and drink without getting drenched in the process!

At around the 6 mile mark we headed up off the lower prom looping back towards the tower on what I think was the upper prom! There was another water station at this point so I took another slurp out of my gel flask.

Once we got off the lower prom we were sheltered from the wind but by then the sun felt really hot!

We ran along the upper prom for approximately 2 miles before looping down again onto the lower promenade to repeat the same section of the route again and passing the 3 mile water station for a second time! This give me another opportunity to take on board some much needed energy in the form of a gel! By now I felt like I was really flagging!

Despite it being a beautiful, clear day with fabulous sea views I found the lower promenade section of the route tedious and I struggled to keep going mentally during this section and could feel myself slowing down! 

At around the 10 mile mark we looped back up on the upper prom again! 

At this point there was a "water station ahead" sign so I took the rest of my gel in preparation to wash it down with water! 

I was dismayed to realise that there was actually no water at this station!  I am not sure whether they had run out or whether this water station was only supposed to be open for the first loop only!

Either way with the sun now being very hot and me having a sickly gel taste in my mouth I was feeling desperate and evidently so were other runners!  I saw people picking up half empty discarded bottles off the ground and drinking them!  I was desperate but not THAT desperate!  

This time once we were on the upper prom we headed into Blackpool towards the tower and the finish line.

As the finish line came into view I tried my best to increase my speed and to do a "sprint" finish! 

 
I was delighted when I stopped my Garmin to see a 1:57:52 time.  

It wasn't a PB for me but it was a better time than I expected!  I really felt like I had slowed to a crawling pace and struggled towards the end!  

However, not a bad result considering my legs were already tired after running 16 miles a few days before!

After I had passed through the finishers arch I was handed a well earned medal and a bottle of water but no goody bag and not even a banana!

After running this race I can understand why they don't publicise the route! As I have discovered writing this blog its far too complicated to try and explain!  

Click here to see my Garmin page to try and help you make sense of my ramblings!

The official results were very close to my Garmin results and say I came in at 1:57:53 only a second slower than I thought!  

I can live with that! 

I came 183rd out of a total of 312 finishers!

Click to see enlarged picture!

You can view the full results here.

All in all a very well organised and enjoyable race! 

The gel flask I used was marvellous!  No more sticky fingers from battling with opening gel sachets!  I'm glad I didn't need the toilet as I didn't see any en route at all! We had been told there were toilets and a 20p coin was needed to operate them.  I was prepared with my 20p coin but I have no idea where they were if I had needed them!

We were incredibly lucky with the weather but I think on a bad day this route would have been horrendous!  

A race that I am pleased to have done but not one I would choose to repeat!

Challenge 22 - Blackpool Try-a-Triathlon, May 2013

Yesterday was the day I did the

and was transformed from a "wannabe" Triathlete into a bonafide Triathlete!

The Blackpool Try‐a‐Triathlon event took place at 1.20pm on Saturday11th May 2013 and provided newbie triathletes (like me) with the ideal opportunity to gain confidence in the swim, bike and run disciplines without the pressure of a normal triathlon race. This inaugural event was organised by Ashurst Bike Club, Tri Team Wigan and Warrington Triathlon Club, who were all amazingly helpful and friendly. 

To say I was nervous and anxious is probably an understatement, and this manifested itself when it came to getting sorted to go! What was I going to wear?  Was I going to be hot or cold?  Could I run in the same clothes I cycled in? I had chosen to swim in a shorts style swimming costume and had planned just to pull a T shirt or vest over the top for the cycle and run. THAT was when I was dreaming of it being a warm and sunny May day. Now I was faced with potentially horrendous weather conditions and decided to pack for all eventualities!  By the time I was ready to go I looked like I was leaving home! However, with stressing so much about what to wear I completely forgot to take my best friend with me - my Garmin!  This meant I had to do the entire event naked! Don't panic - not literally - but naked of technology! Luckily I have a basic cycle computer fixed on my bike so I was able to record my cycling distance.  It was easy to keep a count in my head for the swim lengths and running laps!

After having a good breakfast of porridge and toast we left Kendal at 10am for the 55 mile journey.  The weather when we left Kendal was horrendous and it didn't improve any as we headed down the motorway. On arrival in Blackpool it was freezing cold, windy along with torrential rain!  I was thinking "it's not a good day to be attempting a Tri for the first time" and was half tempted not to bother! 


We found the venue for the tri, Palatine Leisure Centre fairly easily, parked up and went to investigate the facilities. We ended up in the spectator stands overlooking the pool watching the public swimming. It was warm and dry!

We had to register for the event at 12, which was just as the rain started to subside! 

By the time we all met again in the transition area at 12.30 to set up our bikes and equipment the rain had stopped and blue sky was starting to appear. I felt there was some hope!  After setting up our personal transition space we were told the rules and the organisers answered our questions. 

At 1pm we went into the pool area and disrobed before starting the training session.  The competitors were divided into 3 groups for this with 3 instructors then we went through some "go faster" swimming techniques and drills.  I was exceptionally cold during this session as we were in the end of the pool nearest the door and the doors were open!  I was starting to worry whether I would be able to cycle if I got too cold. I had visions of hypothermia setting in! 


Once the instructors had put us these our drills and made sure we had very little energy left it was time to start the proper event! 

Unfortunately, there was no photography allowed in the pool so I am missing this integral part of the action - unless I feature on the professional photographs being taken.

The event was based on time rather than distance so you swam, biked and ran as far as you could in the set times. The 5 minute swim took place in the 8 lane, 25 metre Palatine Leisure Pool and was followed by a 15 minute cycle ride, which was on an enclosed, traffic free cycle track. The final 10 minute run was on the fields of the local college. In effect, a 30 minute triathlon.

This was an incredibly small event with only 14 competitors. 

There were 2 competitors per lane during the official swim and each took one side of the lane and kept this position for the duration of the swim.  You simply started to swim on the whistle and on the second whistle you returned to the starting end of the pool. I felt slightly panicky and uncomfortable whilst swimming, and couldn't seem to get my breathing right!  I think the stress and excitement of the day got to me! However, it did give me something else to think about apart from being cold! 

At the end of the swim I had to haul myself out the side of the pool (looking like a dying fly no doubt), we gathered our clothing and then there was a 15 metre run to the transition area, which was thankfully on good tarmac. I totally forgot about my hypothermia concerns and even running outside into the cold air in a dripping wet costume didn't bother me!  I was now on a mission!

Transition 1

Once at my bike, I quickly dried myself off, put clothes on top of my cossy, and then grappled with my socks and cycling shoes (very difficult to put socks and shoes on damp feet when in a hurry and knackered!). I was grateful that I had worn a swimming cap as at least I had dryish hair so no icicles could form!


It had been drummed into us at the start that that you must put your helmet on before even touching your bike or you will get penalties in a "real" race! Once my shoes were on and helmet in place I was heading to the mount line for the 15minute cycle. 

By this point I had regained my breath and was ready to go! 

The bike course was 1km in length and had a tight ‘hairpin’ style turn at one end and a larger ‘rounded’ turn at the other. On one side of the track the going was easy as it was slightly downhill as well as having the wind behind us, but then on the other side where it went uphill we all slowed down especially as we also had the wind to battle with! I was extremely grateful it was dry.  Skinny tyres, rain, corners and me aren't a good combination! 

Once the 15 minutes were completed, the whistle was blown and all competitors returned to the transition area for the final change and then on to the run.  It was much easier in this transition just changing footwear, and I was relatively dry by now - apart from a wet bum!

No energy to run to transition 2!

 However, once I got to my transition "spot" someone had nicked it so I had to go in another place and retrieve my belongings from the original place!  How dare they be so rude! 

I had thoroughly enjoyed the cycle section and felt great going into the run.

With no time to waste in transition all the competitors started the run together on a whistle. 

The run felt hard to me as not only was the wind blowing us around but it was also on grass and I am primarily a road runner! However, after the first circuit I felt more comfortable and settled into my pace. On completion of the 10 minutes the whistle was blown again and we returned to the transition area.  



We were all pronounced as Triathletes and received ... a bottle of water and a cereal bar, but NO Bling! 

Although this was a very small event with only 14 competitors there was a much larger triathlon happening immediately afterwards for seasoned triathletes so there was plenty of spectators around and we got support and encouragement from those who truly knew what we were going through!

This was advertised as a novice ‘time-based’ triathlon, equivalent to a super-sprint triathlon. 

Distances for a super sprint triathlon are: 400m Swim · 10k Bike · 2.5k Run and in the time allocated I did: 200m swim, 9.5k Bike and 2k Run. I nearly did super sprint distances but the swimming let me down!  However,  if you include the swimming technique session I probably covered the full distance!

I was greatly impressed with the encouragement and support from the organisers and delighted to receive a very encouraging email from them - 

" Hi all novice, 'but not newbie anymore' triathletes!

Firstly as a coach and triathlete myself, it is always a pleasure to see first timers complete their first triathlon and 14 in 90 mins is even better.  You all did fantastically well today, in some cases overcoming some real phobias as well.  You all coped with the technicalities of the event very well and were all eager listeners and very nippy through those transitions.  We hope this event has set you off on the road to many more multi-sport events, be it triathlon, duathlon or aquathlon and that today has given you some confidence to take away to your next event or challenge.

As I highlighted today, in any event you only need to worry about yourself, don't worry about asking questions and never think you aren't good enough to compete in any event or even any club training session.  Triathlon is a rapidly growing sport with a mix of different athletes and abilities, but you will find it contains a very supportive community of like minded people.  At the next event, if you see an athlete with a pointy helmet or a disc wheel or anything else flashy that catches your eye then ask them about it, believe me, they will be more than happy to tell you everything (and I mean everything!) about it.

I am sure you will all join me in thanking our event co-hosts: Tri Team Wigan (Mike Myers) and Warrington Tri Club (Steve Hibbert) and all my co-coaches from ABC (Derek, Mark and Mike) for their contributions to the event.  Without them you would have just been left with me and where's the fun in that!

If you have any post event queries or anything in general, please do not hesitate to contact us at Ashurst Bike Club (Bike club by name, but 95% triathletes!!)

This is normally the point where I say 'please find attached the results of today's event', today's result was 14 new triathletes were produced, who all pushed themselves to their potential.  Well done again.

All the best

Matt

Ashurst Bike Club"

If I lived closer I would definitely feel comfortable joining this club!

So, I have completed my first triathlon! I am now a Triathlete! 
One thing that is very odd is i didn't get my usual post swimming sneezing and sniffles!  Was the pool less chlorinated or is the answer to my problem to cycle and run after swimming to clear the sinuses!

After I have finished!

When is the next one?

Challenge 34 - Greater Manchester Marathon - April 2014

Yesterday on Sunday 6th April 2014 I took part in the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford. 

It is recognised as the UK’s flattest and one of the world’s fastest marathon courses with only 54m elevation gain so I had high expectations of getting a PB. 

This was my second marathon.  I ran my first marathon in October 2012 at Chester.  In October 2013 I got a DNS (did not start) at The Yorkshire Marathon due to injury, so this marathon felt like unfinished business to me!

Here is my report on the race:

The day of the Great Manchester Marathon had dawned.  

The day when I was going to get a Marathon PB or even a sub 4 if everything went to plan!  

My training had gone well and I didn't suffer any injuries, illnesses or setbacks. I even managed to avoid all the cough and cold bugs that were doing the rounds the week before so I was feeling positive and expected a good run.

My day began at 6:00 am, and I awoke with a start, from the repetitious and unrelenting sound ringing from my I-phone in my ears. I dragged myself out of bed and quickly looked out the window into the morning light. I was glad to see after the horrendous forecast that it wasn't raining.

My running clothes were neatly spread out over the banister, prepared the night before, my bumbag filled with High5 gels and Kendal mint cake to fuel me on my run and I had packed a change of clothes and a recovery drink for the journey home. 

My race number was already attached to my vest top with safety pins and was set out along with the race pace band I had printed off from the Internet, laminated and attached Velcro to fasten! 

I needed to run 9.09 minute miles for the entire race to meet my sub 4 goal, and since I am rubbish at maths at the best of times I decided this helpful little tool would come in handy especially in the latter stages when my mind as well as my legs would have turned to jelly!  

As I ate (well, forced down!) my ritual breakfast of porridge and a banana, my mind raced with nervous thoughts of failure, collapse, damaged ligaments and pulled Achilles. 

What if the weather was horrendous and I am running for 4 hours + in the rain? What if I can't finish? 

What if all my training was for nothing?

After breakfast and a few quick slurps of coffee I went back upstairs to get dressed in my running gear. Still not completely happy with what the weather was going to do I put on a vest top and then threw a few alternatives into the bag “just in case”.

We left our home in Kendal at around 6.40am for the 75 mile journey to Manchester. As we got closer to Manchester the sky appeared to get darker and darker and I was beginning to get nervous about what type of weather Manchester would bring!

As we hadn't booked a parking pass for the car park I was hoping that we would get parked OK and was feeling slightly anxious as we approached a long traffic queue waiting to enter the car park.  

Whilst sitting in this stationary line of traffic we noticed that other runners were parking in the side streets opposite and with nothing to lose we decided to attempt this ourselves.  With a swift manoeuvre to change lanes we headed around the round-about and back to where we hoped to park.  Luckily there was one space sitting waiting just for us! 

We parked at around 7:50am and headed to the race village situated at Old Trafford which was less than a 10 minute walk away.

Once there my first stop was the toilet for my usual nervous wee!  I was dismayed to see that despite this being an 7000 + entry race there was a distinct lack of portoloo’s.  I waited patiently in line and was rather irritated to notice that a high proportion of people waiting were actually spectators.  Surely they could cross their legs and let the runners relieve themselves first and then they could have a choice of toilet once we had gone!

It took well over 30 minutes to get to front of the toilet queue and I was supposed to be meeting some running friends at The Matt Busby Statue at around 8.00 to 8.30am.  

By now it was after 8.30am but I had a quick check anyway to see if they were still there, but it seemed I had missed them.

I continued on my way to the start line with thousands of other runners following the signs! This was about a 10 minute walk away. 

The start line the day before the start!

Once I had removed my outer clothes and I was left in just my vest and three quarter trousers I decided it felt a bit chilly so I quickly whipped off my vest displaying my tired looking sports bra to the world, and put on my long sleeved top before putting my vest back on! 

The start line on the day!

By now it was around 8:50am and time to get into my starting zone for the 9am start.  I easily located my zone and found the man with the  4 hour pacer flag. 

I went over to have a chat with him to see what pace he was planning on running.  He explained that he would probably start off faster to get out the crowds before settling down into a 9:05 pace.  I decided after hearing this that I would just run my own race at my own pace.  I didn't want to risk going off too fast and blowing up.

I said my good-byes to my Husband and he left me with "Good Luck" and "Do your best" ringing in my ears.

The nervous energy of the runners waiting at the start was intoxicating. I glanced around me at the other runners and I was amazed (judging by the race bib colours they were wearing) how many people were obviously in the wrong colour zone yet there was no officials enforcing entry into each area. What is the point of zones if it is ignored?

The weather was still being kind to us with just a slight cool breeze. I gently jogged on the spot trying to keep warm whilst waiting for the race to start.

The announcer gave the final countdown, fired the gun, and we are off. 

Due to the numbers in the race we initially set off at no more than a shuffle.  As we crossed the "start" timing mat I pressed my Garmin and with a shudder of excitement I realised I was on my way down a dual carriage way in Manchester in the run I had both looked forward to and dreaded for months!

Despite the excitement and enthusiasm around it was impossible to set off too fast as it was so congested and I hit the first mile at 9:09 minutes which was dead on my target pace. 

I hoped the enormous pack of runners would spread out fairly soon as it is hard to set a steady pace when you are trying not to trip over other peoples trainers or are being jostled from all angles. As well as this there was a vast number of black bin bags blowing around my feet that people had worn and then discarded, which also made it very difficult and was a severe tripping hazard.  

I was amazed when at just a mile and a half in, that there were people walking blocking the way for the way for the people who had started off in the correct zone and wanted to run.  I found this very irritating and wanted to tell them what I thought!  Its OK if you want to do a run/walk strategy but start near the back where you won’t spoil everyone else's opportunities to run the entire distance.  

At one point where we had to make a sharp left hand turn to come back up the other side of the dual carriageway it was so chaotic and crowded we were almost walking until we got round!  The spectators were lined both sides of the road yelling, clapping and cheering us on!

I completed mile 2 a little too fast in 9 minutes and I told myself to steady up a bit, but I failed to listen as mile 3 was in 9:01. 

At around this point there was the first water station. I decided to grab a drink which was a challenge in itself!  I was pushed and shoved from all angles with people fighting to get to the drinks ahead of me!  

I was handed a strange pouch of water which I have never seen before and was instructed just to squeeze it!  I put it in my mouth and squeezed. 

A jet of water shot down the back of my throat causing me to gag and cough!  I was not impressed.  After this I squeezed more gently but still didn't like the sensation, I felt like I was being filled up with a lot of air as well as water.  What's wrong with good old fashioned bottles?

By mile 4 I was feeling a little more controlled and completed it in 9:08 minutes but I still felt crowded and claustrophobic with being in the middle of such a tight pack!  I can only imagine that running with the pacer would have been unbearably crowded! 

I didn't feel happy or settled which is very unusual for me as I usually get rid of my nerves by mile 2. 

I told myself things would get better!  

They didn’t!  

I continued with mile 5 being way too fast in 8:59 minutes and I felt out of control of my pace and the race. At this point I took my first gel washed down with water as per my practised fuelling strategy.

From mile 6 I seemed to get a bit more of a handle on things and did a more steady pace managing 9:09, 9:15, 9:38, 9:18 and mile 10 at 9:33.  

At mile 10 I glanced at my Garmin time which stated 1:32:07 and compared it to my pace band which stated 1:31:31 and was relieved to see I wasn’t too far off the mark despite everything and took another gel.

By Mile 11 I had lost it totally and did a way too slow 9:43, followed by an even slower 9:54 and then 9:44. By now my spirits were down, my race was turning into a nightmare and my dream goal was slipping away.

At mile 13 there was a band playing and it really lifted my spirits temporarily. As we passed the half way point a Marshall shouted “You’re on your way home now”. It made me smile momentarily until I looked at my Garmin and saw 2:02:18 and compared it to the pace band that clearly stated 1:59:59.  I was way off my sub 4 target but could still get a PB if I could maintain the same pace for the second half!

During the first half of the race there are several out and back sections which I disliked with a passion!  I was able to see the lead runners hammering it in the opposite direction whilst I was feeling like a snail making my way round where they had already been! 

By now I just wanted it to end.  

This was not how I had imagined I would feel at the half way point!

By Mile 14 my pace had slowed again to 9:46, then as I really began to tire I was dismayed to see mile 15 tick over at 10:14. I think at this point I lost the mental strength to push on when I realised a PB was totally out the window. 

If this had been a training run I would have given up and gone home at this point.

I was stopping at every water stop to grab a pouch, which I still hadn't mastered drinking from and was taking a gel every 5 miles.

The next 3 miles went by painfully slowly as I clocked 10:34, 10:31, 10:46 – things were steadily going downhill with mile 19 hitting an all time low at 11:14.

My legs were beginning to burn and my Achilles were objecting as I felt and heard my feet slapping against the pavement, and I began to wonder if I would be able to finish this race at all. 

I no longer cared about my time. I just wanted to live through the experience. I took a deep breath and ran on.

My body continued to break down as the miles rolled by. I wanted to stop, I wanted to cry, but I did neither. I ran on. 

My thighs were burning big time by now but I got a slight boost at mile 21 when I heard someone calling my name. It was a friend from my local Tri Club who I had overtaken but hadn’t seen.  We ran alongside each other for 10 minutes or so which really helped me to stop feeling so sorry for myself but then he said he was walking and to go on without him. He said I was looking strong when in fact I felt anything but strong!  I wanted to stop and walk too but I wouldn’t let myself!  I never walked during my first marathon 18 months ago so I wasn’t going to walk now!

I told myself I had only another 30 minutes of pain to endure and then I would never have to run again! 

I also thought about my running buddy Haddie who probably endures pain in her legs every day of her life and just gets on with it, so I told myself to get a grip and run through the pain!

The crowd support throughout the entire race had been fantastic with locals handing out biscuits, jelly babies and fruit with lots of shouting, cheering and clapping too and at this late stage in the race their encouragement was much appreciated!  

By now the finish line seemed hopelessly far away, and my will to go on was diminishing as I witnessed many runners collapsing and being attended to by paramedics.  

I was fearful I would be next.  I felt that bad!

I tried to concentrate on my breathing to find the strength to carry on. I chanted “just keep moving, one foot in front of the other” and “you can do this”.  

Then Old Trafford stadium marking the finish line came into view. I started to believe I would make it!

As I rounded the corner and saw the finish line I wanted to cry!  The finish was so close yet so far!

The crowd spurred me on as I heard shouts of “you're almost there, keep going”, I tried to smile my appreciation but even this felt like it needed too much energy.

As I approached the finish line I tried to go that little bit faster but I had absolutely nothing left in the tank. 

I looked up at the finishing clock and felt dismay as I registered that not only did I not get a sub 4, I didn't even get a PB. 

When I heard the bleep as I ran over the final timing mat I wanted to cry ... from exhaustion, disappointment and pain - BUT I was grateful that I HAD crossed the finish line on Sir Matt Busby Way at Old Trafford Football Stadium despite the odds!

My final time was 4:22:05

35 seconds slower than my first marathon! 

You can view my race here!

As I staggered towards the medal bearers my breathing felt laboured and I began to feel very light headed.  

Once the friendly smiling lady had congratulated me and placed the medal over my head, she thrust a foil blanket around my shoulders. By now I felt really bad and needed to sit down. 

I could see the T Shirt and goody bag stand just ahead but didn't think I could make it that far so I opted to sit down by the wall until I had regained enough composure to continue on my way.

After a 5 minute or so rest, when I felt my breathing was more under control I got back on my feet to collect my goody bag and T shirt before heading out to be reunited with my husband. 

On the way out a photographer stopped me for a photograph which was the last thing I felt like doing, but tried to smile despite myself!

Once I had met up with my husband and he had taken the obligatory medal photos we headed towards where the car was parked. 

I drank my recovery milk in the hope that it would be a miracle cure for the aches and pains that had taken over my body!

Once out the stadium and back on the main road I realised there was no way I was going to make it back to the car.  We found a conveniently located bus shelter with seats in it where my husband left me whilst he went for the car!  

When he pulled up it took all my strength to actually stand up and get in!

I was absolutely drained and exhausted and have vowed never to run another marathon again!

I would classify this as my worst race ever! 

I didn't enjoy any of it! 

I found the out and back aspect of it boring and the fact it was set entirely in built up areas made it very dull for someone who has done the majority of her training runs in the country. 

I recognise that I made mistakes with my pacing and that maybe my expectations were unrealistic.  Perhaps if I had set out initially to just get a PB I might have achieved it, but trying to push too hard too soon ruined the race for me! 

I was lucky that the weather stayed fair for the majority of the race with only a very short rain spell!  If the predicted rain had materialised I may not have even finished!

Over 250 relay teams took part in the 2 Leg Half/Half and the 4 Leg Team Relays, which were a new addition to the 2014 race.

I personally think this made things more difficult for the marathon runners as it caused extra chaos as the relay runners went in and came out of their pit stops! 

It is also very disheartening when you are struggling after running many miles to have someone with fresh legs charging past you!

I won't be doing Manchester Marathon again or any marathon come to that!