This race was far from Rock n Roll for me. It has been my worst race so far. It has taken me so long to blog about it because, quite frankly, I have wanted to just forget it. It was doomed for me before I had even got there. I was feeling too negative about it. I had read a lot of reviews in the days leading up to it on how strict the cut off was, and that if you were falling behind you would be forced onto the sweaper bus. So I had already set my mind up to fail. I still wasn't going to let it stop me from trying. There was a lot of bling at stake, as there was a 5k on the Saturday. So if you completed this, along with the marathon or the half marathon then you got a 3rd medal, called a 'Remix Medal'
Thankfully I had a running friend, Hayley, doing the same 2 races as me, who was also feeling the same. I knew doing the 5k that this was not going to be my weekend. The 5k was over within a blink of an eye, but my body was not up for running at all. I struggled even with this race. So there was no way I was pushing myself, never the less, I got my medal and I was super happy about it. It was a beaut for a 5k race. I spent the rest of the day trying not to worry about it and relax as best as I could. There was a great buzz in Liverpool so I was really enjoying my time there. It helped that I had friends who had kindly come from Birmingham to support me running the marathon. So I had to finish the race no matter what. It's very rare that I have support at my races. I am happy enough just plodding my way through them on my own. I can't thank my friends enough, as they paid for my hotel as a donation, as everything else so far has been at my own personal expense.
Race day was quickly upon me, and it was absolutely freezing! It was a total turn around how hot the 5k was! I was just full of negative thoughts and hated the race before it even began, but as I said, my friends had made the effort to support me, so I was doing this for them. I started the race with my mate Hayley, and we got ourselves as close to the start as possible, to give us a good head start. I didn't run with her for long before she ran on ahead of me. I managed a rubbish 3 miles of running, before I had to walk. All of the runners were so far ahead of me. This was going to be a lonely race, and already the sweaper bus was in sight!
A lady asked me if I wanted a drink, and she ran into her house and got me a pint of water. Random acts of kindness from strangers is a wonderful thing. Not long after this the route went through a park for about 2 miles. This was when my back was starting to hurt. This was my first low moment, and I was worried because I knew somewhere over the next mile or so, my friends were at the first cheering point. I had to hold it together to make sure I ran passed them. It was great to see them, as it lifted my spirits. I managed to get to 10 miles before the pain in my back was too unbearable. I just kept screaming at myself to make it to half way at least.
I took a few painkillers to help with the pain, but it did very little. I was now walking. I just couldn't anymore! I was at mile 18, so now I was faced with having to walk the last 8 miles. The sweaper bus inevitably stopped me and the race organiser made me get on the bus. I just had no choice, I couldn't ignore back pain. I sat and stared out of the window, thinking it was all over and how much I will have let everyone down. Though after half a mile I screamed at the driver to stop, and I forced my way off. I was finishing this, much to their disapproval. I wanted 3 medals today and I was getting them!! How on earth could I pull up athe finish with my mates there, on a bloody bus!? Amazingly, just in front, I could see my mate Hayley. She was having a terrible time of it, so we got each other to the end, very slowly. I stayed with her until the last 2 miles. She was having to stop and lie down every 10 minutes, I tried to stay with her as much as I could, but I, myself was in pain and wanted this to be over with. She eventually told me to just go on ahead. I felt so bad, but I had to go.
As I was now over the 6 hour cut off, there was no marshals left to give directions. It was pretty much straight along the river Mersey so it seemed simple enough, until a sweet old lady told me to to take a wrong turning. I ran a mile before I was met by a few cyclists. I could see on their faces something was wrong. One of them looked at me with the greatest of regrets to inform me I was way off course. I literally screamed and screamed (although looking back on it now, I made up the distance I lost from being on the bus) They stayed with me until I was back on the right path, thankfully. I could see the finish in the distance and at that moment, I couldn't feel anymore pain, I was numb to all the discomfort I was in. I picked my sorry feet up and I ran as hard as I could until I had finished. I really don't know where that wave of energy comes from, but it happens everytime. Not long after I got my medal around my neck, I could see Hayley approaching the finish. I am so happy she did not give up either!
So not a great race, I really didn't enjoy it and I very much doubt I will be back anytime soon. Though I do love my medals. It was great travelling back to London with those bad boys. I wore them around my neck, and made sure I did vigorous movements so people would hear them clanging together, to look at them! At least number 9 is done and dusted. I will be into double figures next race. A big milestone! Sadly due to my back being sore, I am going to have to drop out of the next marathons. This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but I need to finish this challenge, and in one piece. So marathon number 10 will be Robin Hood, in October. I will find 2 marathons before the 20th December to replace them.
