Challenge 20 - Edinburgh Rock N Roll Half Marathon - April 2013

On Sunday the 15th April 2013 I ran the Edinburgh Rock N Roll Half Marathon! Not one of my best finishing times for a Half Marathon, but probably one of my proudest moments.  This was one race I was really looking forward to, but thought after my injury I had no chance of running BUT amazingly ... I DID IT!

My Husband and I decided to go up to Edinburgh a couple of days before the race to have a mini break and do the touristy type things! We arrived by train in Edinburgh on Friday 12th April at around 1.30pm and got a taxi to the hotel.  I had a little giggle to myself when I realised we had been allocated a disabled room - were the hotel aware of my ankle issues?!  Once checked in we headed straight back out to suss out where the race started from and to work out how much time we needed to get there come race morning. With the aid of google maps and my i phone we found our way fairly easily and it was only a 20 minute walk.  A nice little pre-race warm up on the day! 

Setting up the start line village

When we arrived at Holyrood Park the "start line village" was just starting to be set up! A shiver of excitement (and from the cold!) ran through me as we watched the men at work! It was in a beautiful setting with glorious views of Arthurs Seat! 

Hickory smoked BBQ Ribs

After I had satisfied myself that I knew what was going on we headed back into the city centre to browse in the shops and hit the pubs! That evening we went to The Hard Rock Cafe for a meal and Cocktails!  Really healthy living for an athlete!

On Saturday morning we went to Edinburgh Zoo in the hope of seeing the Panda's, but we hadn't realised that you have to book a Panda time slot and all the slots were booked for that day! We still had a nice time and the sun actually decided to shine on us all day.  I think I even made a flippant comment like "If its like this tomorrow it will be too hot to run!". 

That evening we went to Zizi's Italian restaurant to "carb up" and I enjoyed Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Bread washed down with a sneaky glass or 2 of red wine!  I decided that as my training had gone to pot due to my ankle injury wine wasn't going to make that much difference.  After all I wasn't after a PB! 

Just as we left the restaurant to head back to the hotel the rain started! I thought to myself "better it gets it over with now" and wasn't too worried.


I hadn't run for 8 days prior to this race as I wanted my ankle to be well rested so I was a bit apprehensive about my level of fitness especially as I hadn't run more than 10 miles since running the Chester Marathon in October!

I think this anxiety contributed to a fairly restless night's sleep and I was glad when the

alarm clock finally rung at 7.15am. I was straight up out of bed, threw back the curtains ... and was dismayed to see the rain pelting it down and the tree's bent double with the wind! I groaned! Oh well lets smile and stay postive, I was here and able to run so I might as well make the best of an awful situation!

After forcing down a mug of coffee and an instant porridge pot (I really wasn't hungry) it was time to pack before I got dressed in my running gear and fixed my race number on. It was soon time to layer up before heading out into the wet and windy world! We left it as late as possible before leaving as I really didn't want to be hanging around too long in the awful weather. At this point I did start questioning my sanity! Why would anyone want to run 13.1 hilly miles in wet, cold, windy conditions?  

We made it to the start just in time for me to have my usual pre-race nervous wee, which was an ordeal in itself!  I was convinced the way the porta-loos were swaying that I was going end up with Dorothy in the land of Oz! 

We then made our way through the wet soggy crowds to find my starting coral. I was in coral 3 and entered the "pen" still layered up.  I'm sure all the other runners were thinking "she can't be running like that!"  There was no way I was getting stripped off until I HAD to!  The start of the race was delayed slightly due to "safety reasons" caused by the weather!

Once the man with the loud speaker announced there was 3 minutes to go ... 

off came the coat, 
off came the trousers, 
and off came the sweatshirt 
which were then passed swiftly over the fence to my husband!  

By everyone's expressions I think they now thought "Oh she's not so stupid after all!" 

As the race start was announced the front coral moved off.  Coral 2 followed, and then it was time for my coral to walk towards the start line.  Before I knew it we were running and I was on my way!  

Along both sides of the road the crowds were cheering and clapping us as we went past. I soon felt comfortable and settled into my pace.  I seemed to be in with a crowd all running my pace so I didn't experience any blockages!  The course was fantastic and very scenic.  I felt like I was on a sightseeing run! Its a pity it was in such awful weather conditions. 

We went from Holyrood down to Portobello beach where the weather really turned brutal and at this point I was wondering whether I would make it to the end through such strong gales and torrential rain. However, there was a wow moment (literally only a moment) when the rain subsided and the sun shone and there was a beautiful rainbow in the sky!  I so wanted to stop and take a photo, but resisted the urge and kept going. 

The route then took us back round Arthurs Seat and we were rewarded with some fabulous views as well as some serious hills! At about mile 7 I decided I needed a little extra energy and ate a gel I was carrying with me. 

We then headed into and around Central Edinburgh and were greeted once again by crowds of spectators. 

There was a lot of international runners which also meant alot of international spectators who were fabulous! It made me realise how reserved us British are as the "foreigners" really got behind us and put some gusto into there chants, especially the Americans! They really made my day! Especially all the "Good Job!" chants. However, after saying that I did think a little boy and his Mum sitting out in the pouring rain and wind on deckchairs playing "drums" using pans and wooden spoons were fabulous too and really spurred me on! 

Coming towards the finish the crowd support grew and I was delighted to finally have the finish line in my sight! 

I had survived ... my ankle had survived! I stopped my Garmin as I went over the finish and it recorded 2:07:40. I was amazed to discover the official time was identical to my Garmin!  The first time that has ever happened!

I was pleased with my time considering the course was hilly, the conditions were horrendous and my training had been limited due to my injury.   You can view my run here.

Once over the finish line I was presented with my well deserved medal (really good chunky heavy bling - the best I have had!), a banana, crisps, energy bar, water, Haribo's but NO BAG!  I instantly had to turn from runner to juggler!  We then had to go to the other side of the field to collect our finishers T shirt from a tent!  Very strange! Life for everyone would have been so much simpler if everything was in a bag and given to you as one! I managed to lose one of my running gloves.  I have no idea where or when as on every photo I can be seen clutching two but once over the line I only had one! You can view my official photo's here. Although be warned I do looked like an escaped psycho on most of them!  

The headline act at the start and finish was cancelled.  I assume this was due to the weather and also there wasn't a band at every mile as advertised which was slightly disappointing and not very Rock N Roll.

I was pleased I didn't have luggage to collect as the queues for this were horrendous.  One sure way to catch hypothermia is to stand around in the rain and cold after a race for an hour or so waiting for clothes to put on! 

On a positive note there was plenty of water stations every 3 miles on the route and it was bottled water rather than poxy cups, along with isotonic drinks stations too. If I was being picky I would prefer water in bottles with sports tops rather than screw tops so I could run with my bottle.

The traffic management seemed to work well, at least for us runners! I'm not sure the people stuck in the traffic jams felt the same way especially when one bloke shouted out his window as I went past "I'm bloody stuck here just cos you idiots want to run!". 

Timing mats at 10k and 10 miles were a welcome addition too, as I am a bit of a statistics geek!

After the race I met some running friends at the actual finish line in the cold but then we all went in a local pub for lunch and a drink which was a lovely way to end a hard run!  However, I was slightly dismayed to discover when I arrived in the pub at 12.10 that pubs in Scotland on a Sunday can't serve alcohol until 12.30! I had to be satisfied with a coke for 20 minutes!

This race will probably rank as my hardest so far but this was mainly due to the weather conditions as well as my injury!  I didn't think about my ankle whilst running and I wasn't in pain (I think the natural endorphins must have kicked in) but afterwards my ankle did make its unhappiness known to me. I am now on day 2 post race and I'm still taking ibroprofen and icing regularly. I hope it forgives me soon!  


I will definitely return to Edinburgh in the future to Rock N Roll again in better conditions!

One I would recommend!

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!!!