My woes started late the night before the run, I was in and out of the bed with each wave of nausea that hit. I did get some sleep and when the alarm went off after 6am Saturday morning, I did consider just turning over but I didn't. I got ready, left the house to go and meet Susan with the sound of John giving out saying 'give it a miss'. It took us just over an hour to reach Clonakilty, we were directed into a field which was full of cars and people, you could feel the nervous excitement in the air. I gathered my bits as I was dying for the loo we headed for the hotel to queue. From the hotel, we walked down to the start line, there were people everywhere milling around waiting for the start. My stomach was still not right, I thought I was probably a bit nervy and it would settle once I started.
And then off I was running, I was OK steady, I made it through the first mile but my stomach was in my throat, it was not the most comfortable feeling. After the second mile, the road began to climb, we were directed to keep to the left and coming against me on the right were fabulous men and women who were racing to cross the finish line. Unlike me who on this particular day was hoping to see the finish line. Onwards, I climbed the hill I could feel myself slowing, slowing, slowing, ahhhhh - WALKING!! When I say hill, I mean 'mini-mountain', my only bit of comfort in the misery which engulfed my mind and stomach was that I wasn't alone, everyone around me was walking too. At the peak, there was a steep decline, which led to the water station, the run was at this stage was flat and then a 'mini mountain' which was virtually vertical loomed before me. I just laughed and pushed on.
Onwards, I had by this stage reverted to the stop start method. Along the coast I went, on another day it would be fabulous to run beside, the view spectacular! Going forward, I couldn't even sprint to the finish line it was a mild trot and I crossed the line.
Susan met me she had a great run, I was sooo jealous!!! I was 4 Min's slower than the 10K in Killarney and I just knew I was better than that at this stage. I went to get water and just take a moment. I decided to put a smile on at least I hadn't given up. Some consolation to my battered ego!
We waited for Bernie to come in, she was running the half marathon, we also met John from the run Killarney group, he said it was tough, but he was smiling. Unfortunately, Bernie didn't have a great run either having pulled a muscle along the route.
There was a great array on offer at the finish line, coke, water, berroca, tea, coffee, biscuits and clonakilty pudding. The medals we were given were lovely as was the tech shirt we got.
Clonakilty over I am taking a few days off running and then training begins again for 2014's 10 miler.
Happy days and runs to come.... (fingers crossed)
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| Fake it till you make it.... |
