Marathon Number 12: The Thames Meander Marathon

What is becoming my worst enemy now is my mind.  As the end of this challenge is almost in sight, it's doing crazy things to me.  Not that I want to keep on whining about it, but I am still unwell. I guess the only way to get 100% better is to stop running marathons for a while so my body can fully recover.  Well we all know, with now only 3 more to go that is not going to happen! So when my alarm went off at 5.15am, the sensible, logical Kerry, said "don't race today, stay in bed and sleep" That is all my body was screaming at me to do, but I have this small demon inside of me that says get up and keep going.  This is far more louder than my sensible side. As I made my way to Kingston, I sat on the train and thought up ways I could get out of this race. I even thought about just doing the half marathon, but I couldn't do that, and I wouldn't do that. Having already done this race last year (race number 2) I knew exactly what was in store. A nice, flat, comfortable race just out and back along the Thames path. Simple! Then I remembered how friendly the race was and my heart was starting to warm to it. 

As soon as I arrived at Kingston, it was already obvious what kind of weather I was going to have today, cold, wet and miserable. I arrived at the race HQ to a busy, but a warm friendly atmosphere. It felt like I was with friends I hadn't seen in a long time. Then I started saying hello to runners I keep seeing at races. This was great, and my worries about the race were starting to disappear. Then just as I walked over to the outside loo's, I heard "Kerry!!" being shouted out in a South African accent.  It was my wonderful marathon friend Lisa. I can't tell you how relieved I was to see her. I met Lisa exactly a year ago at this very race. She helped me finish, and have bumped into each other many times at different marathons. She has become a very special person during my challenge. I instantly knew that everything was going to be ok today. What was more exciting was that this was her 92nd Marathon. She is on course to join the mighty 100 marathon club in April next year. I am in ore of her. She is a back of the pack runner, just like me, and she just gets on with it. I would love to believe that I was capable of becoming a member of the 100 marathon club. 

The race got off to a good start, but almost instantly we were at the back of the race.  There wasn't much I could do today, as my legs were still sore from Frankfurt, but the best thing about today's race was that there was no pressure. Within the first 4 miles the heavens opened up. It poured down and the puddles were forming all over the place, thick with mud.  As first I was delicately trying to skip around them, but when the half marathon runners passed us with mud splashed up the back of their legs, I realised that I just had to get dirty! So I happily ploughed through them. My feet were soaked to the bone. There was still a very long way to go and I knew my feet were going to be in a bad way after this.  All of a sudden I felt someone riding beside me on a bike, I looked to see that it was the amazing Marathon Man UK(Rob). If you do not know who is he, I highly suggest you Google him.  In a nutshell, he has just completed running 370 marathons in 365 days.  I first heard of Rob during this race last year. I thought me running 15 marathons was crazy, but when I heard of what we was doing I couldn't believe it! That is a lot of running. I followed his journey ever since.  He has inspired me so much, and reading his story has keep me going. He rode alongside us for a few miles. It was so great to speak with him. He was so friendly, and humble. If I still had any doubts about the rest of this race, they were now all gone. It was so incredible to hear how he copes with running through pain. I'm so honoured he took the time to chat with us. He wished us well, and rode off. We felt amazing after this. 

The rain was now coming down harder than ever. I could hardly see in front of me. I was soaked, and covered in mud, yet somehow this made me feel proud. I wasn't letting it stop me. The muddier I got, the more prouder I felt. Lisa was amazing. She could talk the hind legs of a donkey. She was telling me story after story and I clung on to every word she said. Most of the time I even forgot we were running a marathon.  She has so many tales to tell from all the marathons she has run and she is amazing at helping people that are struggling at the back finish. There really isn't anything to dislike of her, she is like a running fairy godmother. We got to the half way point, stopped for a few minutes to refuel and have a bit of banter with the marshals. By now the rain had stopped and I was beginning to get cold. I was completely soaked. I was dreading the 13 miles back. Thankfully one of the marshals threw 2 bin liners over me to wear to keep me warm. We were now running back, but with the wind against us. It felt like someone was trying to push us back from running forward. Looking back now, I kept wondering why people that passed by us started at us. It was quite simply because, Lisa was wearing a Flamingo on her head and I was running in 2 bin liners! At the time it all just seemed perfectly normal. 

The 13 miles back seemed to take for ever. We got passed 16 miles and I was starting to feel the pain in my feet and my back. I just kept trying to focus and Lisa's stories and not think about it. When we got to Richmond, we took a few minutes to look at the view. It was a beautiful late afternoon. The sky was now clear and the sun was getting ready to set. It looked lovely by the river. We made our way to the last 6 miles of the race, which were through the woods. All of a sudden, Lisa made a comment on how dark it was getting, and she was right. We both laughed and agreed how horrible it would have been of either of us weren't here. Then all of a sudden, it got really dark. It was only 5.15pm. There was no lighting at all. It was pitch black. It was pretty scary! There was puddles all over the floor and it was impossible to dodge them. I just gave up trying in the end. Thankfully I had my mobile phone, and had to use it as a torch. This had slowed us down considerably as we just couldn't see pass the end of our noses. Every now and again there would be a firework exploding that would reflect across the river. This was lovely too see under the circumstances. 

Eventually we saw two people coming to our rescue with head lights on. It was the race organisers.  We were so grateful that they were still here, as we were now over 7 hours. Sadly as they walked with us to the finish, there was still a loop of about a mile left to complete. Yes it would have been easier to have just stopped there and then, who would know, right!? Even one of the organisers couldn't believe we were going to complete that last loop. We were both in so much pain that it would have been great to stop, but we are both fighters and are passionate about our marathon running. We had to be honest and true to ourselves. I hated every step. Especially as we had to run passed the finish, but we did it. We finished it. It was pitch black, and I felt like I had been running for an entire day. We had run through the cold, pouring rain, thick mud, dirty puddles, wind, darkness. It was quite an adventure! I can't thank Lisa enough for helping me through it and staying by my side the whole way. Also to Hermes Running for allowing us to finish the race! The girls where great to us at the finish, keeping our bags safe and even putting our medals round our necks. This has become one of my favourite races and I am sure I will be back next year, with a torch! Marathon 13 will be in 3 weeks, and I am delighted to learn that Lisa will be there, and she will also be at my final race, in Portsmouth on the 20th December. I thought I would struggle with the last 3 but now I am looking forward to smashing them all. Lets just hope I can shift this damn cold. 

Marathon Number 11: Frankfurt Marathon

I had been so sick in the days leading up to this, that I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to do this race. Had it just been a marathon for myself, I would have pulled out, but I am in no position to pull out of races now, as finding replacements at this late on in the challenge is impossible. I have to stick with the final 5 no matter how sick I am.  Unfortunately being sick meant that I couldn't get excited about Frankfurt.  I loved running Berlin so much, that I hoped this would just be as good. I had to literally put myself on auto pilot and get on with it.

I got an early flight to Frankfurt and had to go straight to the marathon expo to collect my race number.  I got there at about 12pm, and was worried it would be super busy, as they usually are the day before the race. Thankfully it wasn't too bad, and I collected my number as soon as I got there and my pre-race goody bag. Usually I like to spend a bit of time at the expo, but I was feeling so unwell, I had to get out of there. I didn't even look to see what was in my goody bag.  I found a McDonalds near by and stuffed my face with a pre-marathon Big Mac, whilst seriously questioning whether it was safe for me to run this marathon. I just had to keep telling myself that I can do this.

I went and checked into my hotel, which was only a 10 minute walk from the start, I hadn't realised how close it was.  This made me happy, as I didn't have to worry about how I would commute to the start line. The hotel was fab, really fancy.  It made a sick girl feel much better. I got to my room and all I wanted to do was sleep. I slept for about 4 hours.  I felt so bad that I had flown all that way to sleep and eat Maccy D's. Thankfully my hotel had a really nice restaurant so I didn't have to go out for my final carb loading meal.  I sat and coughed, sneezed and sweated through my pasta and took myself off back to bed.

I woke up still feeling dreadful.  I forced myself down for breakfast.  The breakfast room was full of fit, healthy marathon runners, and not a single person was speaking English. I felt so sorry for myself being on my own, with no one to talk to.  One of the breakfast buffet options was champagne! I can't tell you how tempted I was to just grab the bottle and go back to bed!! I pulled myself together, checked out of the hotel and made my way to the start.  I was a bit disappointed with the dull atmosphere.  The buzz was nowhere near as good as Berlin and it also felt like this marathon was going to be far more competitive!  There where not many charity runners! I placed myself in the 4 hour runners pen, as I wanted to give myself a good head start and just waited for it to begin.  I was terrified of what this race would happen during the 26.2 miles.  I just stared at the ground like I was about get on the scariest ride at the funfair!

As soon as my feet went over the start line I wanted to quit.  I was already a sweaty mess and I hadn't even ran half a km.  My chest was so tight, and I was struggling to breath.  I had told myself that this was not safe and I should pull out. After the first km I agreed, in my mind, I would quit at the next km, The streets where so crowded with supporters, that I didn't want to pull out in front of a big crowd. So I kept saying to myself, next km I will pull out.  Just after the first km, my mate Norm caught up with me. I told him that I was going to quit and that I would see him at the end. I think even he was convinced I wouldn't make it, as he saw the state I was in. Somehow I had got myself to 8km, and the race was now starting to go out of the city, and the streets where considerably quieter! Now was the perfect time to stop, but there was just something stopping me. It may have been the tramp that was now running along side of me. He looked like he had just rolled out of a rubbish bin, and thought he'd start running a marathon.  I looked down to see his shoes where about 5 sizes too big, and he stunk of all manor of bad things. I kept running just to shake him off, but he left me for dust! It's bad times when you are overtaken by the local tramp!

I was very aware of how slow I was going, and how much I had fallen behind, but there were still runners behind me, so I agreed with myself that I would run until the sweeper car pulled me out of the race. That way I wasn't quitting. Soon enough I had got myself to 22km. I had made it half way, but I was struggling badly now, I kept looking behind me in hope I would see the sweeper car, but it was nowhere in sight!  Then a girl ran alongside me and said "are you running the full marathon?", in disbelief! I held my head up, looked her straight in the eye, and proudly responded with a strong "YES!!, YES I BLOODY AM!!" There was a relay marathon going on at the time. So every now and again you would get fresh runners running passed you, she was one of them!. It was so annoying and her judgement on me gave me fire in my belly to not quit! "I'll show you" was the response in my head! From then on, I never looked back for the quitting option, I just looked ahead and started thinking about putting the medal round my neck!

At about 27km, another girl was suddenly right beside me.  She asked me if I was OK?  She was having problems with her hip and knee and she offered to stay with me to help me finish. It was perfect timing, as I needed to talk to someone to take my mind off the running. Just before we hit 30km, the sweeper car pulled up alongside me. It had arrived. The guy driving it told me that the race had now finished and I was officially out of the race! The race was only 4 hours in, and it had a 6 hour time limit! so how was the race finished? I told him I was finishing no matter what, and he'd have to drag me off if he wanted me to stop. He said completing the rest of the marathon was at my own risk! I just ignored him, and carried on. It was actually a relief when he drove on, as now there was no pressure! When ever I run a race, the one fear that goes through my head is that I am going to be last. I have been close to it, but it has never happened. Well this was it, I was last, but more importantly I hadn't given up. I was still fighting.

When we finally hit 30km, I started to have a real low moment. I think I cried for about a mile. My body had cooled down and I was freezing. I couldn't run any faster to warm up. I just had to keep talking to block it out. I kept having to talk about why I was doing all of this.  I then started thinking how awful it would be, travelling back to the UK having quit the race.  All of a sudden, we had another lady who had caught up with us. She was having a tough time and she joined forces with us.  She couldn't speak much English, but her boyfriend, who was walking beside her, was doing his best to translate.   It was her first marathon, so it became more important to make sure she finished!

It was surprising how many people where still out supporting the race. Though not all of it was welcoming. Even though I don't speak German, I could tell that we were being mocked and laughed at! We hadn't seen any other runners for so long!  Then at 36km we started seeing the runners who had finished. Wearing their medals proudly, hobbling their way home. I had a taste for the finish now, I kept fantasising about it. Soon enough we only had 5k left to go, but It still seemed like a long way! I had another wave of feeling so unwell.  I think by now, I had just gotten good at blocking it out. Coming down to the last 2km, it was so dark. I felt like I had spent an entire day running.  Then I saw my mate Norm, who had finished. He told me that there were no more medals left at the end. I thought he was just winding me up. He said that he hadn't even got one.  I didn't want to believe it, even more so for the girl who was running her first marathon.  I had to believe that he was joking because I would have just thrown myself to the ground and cried!!

As we ran down the last half km, everything was being taken down around us. We had to keep asking marshals where to go next.  The race finishes inside a stadium, this is one of the perks of the Frankfurt Marathon. It's quite a special moment, and  I had been looking forward to that moment so much, though I knew it wasn't going to be as amazing for me.  As we approached the entrance to it, they closed the shutter down on us, leaving us just standing outside like idiots. I literally couldn't hold the tears in any longer. 20 seconds later the shutter opened back up for us to finish. It was soul destroying.  All the people inside where just laughing at us, not in a supporting way!! It was horrible. All the lights were being taken down, and the red carpet was being cut up.  Then my worst fear had come true.  NO MEDALS!! Utterly devastating!! How the hell do you run out of medals??? There was literally nothing left for us at the end, apart from a bottle of water, and getting one of those was hard work. Then finding someone who spoke English to get an explanation was even harder.  I was told that I would get one sent in the post, but the damage was done.

I went to collect my bags, that were thankfully still kept safe for me, and tried to cheer myself up with a second helping of a Maccy D's.  I painfully walked over to it, only to find it was CLOSED!!! Everything was closed, as it was a Sunday! Could my life get any worse today!? I sat on the nearest bench and just cried, and cried.  Looking back now, I can laugh at what a state I must have looked, but I was so exhausted, hungry, sick and fed up, that everything seemed like it was a thousand times worst than it was, but the worst thing about it all was that I was on my own. Thankfully I have great support on social media, and was getting kind words of support from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I had the worst journey back to the airport, but once I was there, I had time to reflect on my day. I didn't have a medal, but I had my pride. I never gave up.  It was the hardest struggle I have ever had during a marathon, but I learned so much about how strong I can be. I didn't care about being last, being laughed at! This is my journey!, my challenge! and no matter how slow it takes me, I can proudly say that I have now completed 11 out of the 15 marathons.

Marathon Number 10: The Robin Hood Marathon

I have never been to Nottingham before, and I purposely didn't read too much about the race or the course. I just thought that I would take what ever was thrown at me.  The only thing that I had done was Google the medal, this was enough,as it looked fab! I travelled up late Saturday evening.  The town was pumping with party people, and I was greeted at the station beer fuelled brawl. It was only 9.30pm! Where the hell was I!? I just hoped my hotel was far enough away from the city centre so I could get some sleep. Thankfully it was!

As per usual it was a very early start to the morning. As I didn't have a clue where I was I got up extra early to ensure I got to the start on time.  It was a really foggy morning, and really cold.  It looked like this was the weather for the day!  I had booked myself a taxi the night before, but it hadn't turned up. As I went to complain a guy checking out kindly offered me a lift.  I don't often go jumping into strangers cars, but he was running too! You can always trust a runner! He was good company and seemed really interested in the challenge I was doing.  It was good to have someone to talk to.  He got me to the start safe and sound, and we wished each other good luck and parted ways! This is seriously why I love the running community so much! So supportive and awesome.

I had plenty of time to drop off my bag and go position myself in the start line. I felt good, positive and was looking forward to the race. The gun was fired in no time and off we went.  First 5 miles were steady and comfortable. It was really well supported! Everyone was really friendly from the crowds. Then suddenly the fog lifted and it became really sunny and warm, though it was only 10.30am, I knew that this meant by the afternoon it would be hot and I would be burnt! Once again, I failed to put the sunblock on! BIG FAIL. I turned a corner, to be met by a bastard of a hill. It was monster!! and came out of nowhere!  It really exposed my lack of training and running, as it killed me, and was causing my back a lot of pain. I had to result in walking up it as I thought there was no point in burning myself out on a hill so early on,  Once I got to the top it was a long hill down. I got my breathing under control and got myself back into a steady pace. Thankfully the pain in my back eased off and I felt comfortable to carry on.

The first half of the race was really lovely! It ran through a beautiful park, and the grounds of the University and even though the weather was now very hot, it was really enjoyable.  At mile 11, I ran with a girl who was running the half marathon.  She was running for her Dad, who had a terminal illness. Sometimes I am glad I am a slow runner at the back, because I meet such amazing people, with heart breaking stories. It really makes me realise how lucky I am. As we passed the 12 mile mark, there was an option to go on ahead to the finish, if you were running the half, or a sharp turn left to go on complete the rest of the marathon. I would be lying if I said I wasn't tempted to finish there and then, but we all know that I wouldn't that! Though, having what happened next, I really wish I had. Having taken the sharp left, the race ran along a canal. There was no marshals or signs along here, and there were no runners ahead or behind me. I just assumed that I should keep running ahead. After about 20 minutes, something just didn't feel right. It was too quiet, and I didn't feel like I was in the race any more. Then some people on the other side of the canal shouted over to me that I was going in the wrong direction. I literally wanted to jump in the canal. I was so angry. I started making my way back, when I bumped into 2 other runners.  They were making the same mistake as me! We ran all the way back and eventually got back onto the course.  I managed to run comfortably to mile 17 but my body was starting to hurt now, particularly my feet. I could feel it was going to be another farewell to a toenail. I stayed with the 2 other runners as they had slowed down now too, but I needed the company to get to the end. Then at mile 18 we picked up another lady who had also fallen victim to going the wrong way, but at a different point to us. So now we were 3 strong.

Losing that time from running in the wrong direction was disastrous because as we approached mile 19, all the marshals where finishing and the signs and water stations were gone! We were on our own. We were having to second guess the route, and asking the guys picking up the road traffic cones to point us in the right direction. We then caught up with a guy who was literally unpinning his race number as we got to him. He was about to give up! It was his first marathon and was having a dreadful time. We lifted his spirits up and convinced him to put it back on and finish with us. So there was 5 of us now, all complete strangers, helping each other out. It was so uplifting. The last 4 miles had to be finished on the pavement as the roads were being re-opened.  I was slightly worried as this had never happened to me before, and I worried it meant we were out of the race, although no sweeper car had passed us. All I cared about was getting the medal. They can take the time away from me, but not the medal. Then with 1 mile to go, we had the events manager finish the race with us, to make sure we got a medal and a finishing time at the end, as they were threatening us with being pulled out, but he made sure we were allowed to officially finish, phew!!

What an experience and what a race! It had it's difficult parts, but all I care about is I have now completed 10 marathons. I am into double figures. It really feels like an achievement now. I have a few weeks rest and then I have my last non UK marathon, Frankfurt! I am so excited about it. Berlin was so amazing, I hope it is just as good!

The Royal Parks Half Marathon

I have been trying to get a place in this race for about 5 years. Every year I apply with the positive mind set, that surely this year will be my lucky year, but year after year I get that "sorry you have been unsuccessful" email.  I came to realise that the only way I am going to get my hands on that iconic medal, was to go via a charity. Obviously there was only one charity I could do it for, SENSE. I was delighted when they offered me a place. I think I would feel like I was cheating on a boyfriend if I wore any other vest. 

I thought I had planned with enough time to get to the race village, put my bag in the drop off and have time to get prepared to start. I got there and it was so busy. The toilet queues where the worst I have ever seen, there was no way I had time to stand and wait, and I was desperate to go! I just went straight over to drop my bag off. It is usually a simple task, but not today. This also had queues as bad as the toilets. It all looked so organised but really it was a bit of a shambles. This meant I had to time to do anything after I dropped my bag off. I had to go straight to the start line. There were loo's on the way, but all had such long queues. I just had to wait and go during the race. 

The start line serious lacked atmosphere. I was really disappointed. I wondered what all the fuss was about with this race. I compare everything to the Great North Run, because from start to finish that is an incredible half marathon and this was nowhere near as good, and I hadn't even started yet. I had quite a bit of time before my wave got going, but eventually we got going, and the weather had turned out beautiful. The race started off running through Hyde Park, then passed Buckingham Palace and then down the Mall. I was starting to enjoy it, but the desperate need for the toilet was giving me really bad stomach pain. The first set of toilets, once again had a huge queue. I didn't want to waste too much time, so I kept saying I will just wait till the next ones. I didn't get to go until mile 7!! 

The race wasn't very well supported, which surprised me. Especially round Trafalgar Square and The Strand, but when the race came back into Hyde Park, the atmosphere of the race changed dramatically. It was packed with supporters. There was so many charities, so many banners and balloons of all colours. It looked great, and then I ran passed Sense. I was finally feeling the race. The rest of the course ran through the Park, and the Royal Parks. It was lovely and very much flat. It wasn't a challenging course at all. Soon enough I finished the race. I was happy for it to be over to be honest. I am happy that I was given the opportunity to run it, but I don't think I would do it again. I have ticked it off and I have the medal. I am happy enough with that, and I can't thank Sense enough for letting me do it. 

Marathon Number 9: Liverpool Rock N Roll Marathon

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!  

I had hoped that Liverpool would have been lining the streets with support, but this was not the case. It was so disappointing.  The only time I enjoyed the support was when I ran passed the Everton Football Stadium.

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. 

Marathon Number 8: The Kent Roadrunner Marathon

Wow they seem to coming and going so quickly now! I can't believe that I have just completed marathon number 8.  I have been desperate to give this marathon a try. I was unable to get a place last year, as it is a very popular race, and sells out fast. I was determined to get a place this year and to include it in my challenge.  The more marathons I run, the more I am starting to love the small, low key races.  Marathon runners are incredible people and I love being surrounded by them. It takes a special kind of person to be able to complete 26.2 miles.  Yesterday's race was full of these special people.I didn't know much about this race, other than you get an incredible medal at the end.  I was soon to learn that the race was made up of 17 laps!  I struggle doing half marathons when they consist of 2 laps. So I had no idea how I was going to get my head around 17 laps. Needless to say this didn't put me off, as every marathon I do has it's own challenge.

I have to admit that I haven't done any running since The London Marathon.  I have suffered some serious exhaustion since that race.  Which has been infuriating, because my mind has been screaming to go out running, but my body has not been having any of it, and I had to be sensible and listen to it.  I have managed a few outdoor swims, which as been good. So I haven't exactly been doing nothing over the last month.  I am fully aware that I am taking part in my first swimming event, The Great London Swim in July, so I can't neglect this training.  Despite the lack of running, I arrived at the Cyclopark, in Kent with a healthy, positive mind. I was looking forward to completing another marathon.  As soon as I arrived I felt overwhelmed by the friendly atmosphere.  I collected my race number and found a bench to perch on to get myself ready. Even seeing the race number excited me! The best one I've ever had. Sometimes the attention to detail can make a huge difference.

I got myself positioned in the starting line ready for the off. I was approached by a few runners who I have met in previous races.  It's great that I am starting to see the same faces at races. It makes me feel much more relaxed, it's also nice having people to chat to, as I do these events on my own.  There was nothing intimidating about this race at all. Most runners were wearing the official Roadrunner vest, which looked awesome. If I wasn't wearing my charity vest, I would have got me one. Everybody looked brilliant. The gun went off in no time and we were off! To begin with I felt ok, the first lap was done very quickly.  To help us with counting down the laps, we were given 16 wrist bands to wear.  You had to take one off and throw it in a bucket just before you ran through the next lap.  So there was no mile markers.  I really liked this approach. Though I found myself constantly staring down at my wrist bands and counting how many I had left.

After the 3rd lap, I started to feel the effects from the lack of training. I was still so exhausted. I could have laid down in the grass and had a nap.  This meant I was having to start walking parts of it.  It was so frustrating. Everybody that passed me was super encouraging. I was so blown away by people taking the time to speak to me. This really kept me going.  Even the fastest of runners were taking the time to shout "Keep going Kerry!", " You're doing amazing Kerry, Keep going".  Lots of runners even took the time to run with me at certain points. I just needed energy. I was taking energy gels, the free jelly shots on offer, juice you name it.  After the 6th lap I got an huge wave of energy and was able pick my feet up again.

One of the things that kept me focused was looking forward to taking off a band and throwing it into the bucket.  Though the bands caused great OCD problems though.  They were all a random of colours.  I would spend each lap seriously deciding on what colour to throw next. I took half of them off and put them on my other wrist, to make sure I had even amount of colours. I somehow thought this may trick my mind into thinking I don't have as many laps to go. This didn't work at all, so I put them all back on one wrist. Then my dilemma was what colours to get rid of first,  There was only one orange band so I had decided to make that the last band, as it was fitting with my charity colour.  Yep, I was beginning to loose it! This bands were controlling my mind. There was a point where I felt like I had done loads of laps but still had loads of bands left. I just kept counting them over and over again. I must admit it did feel awesome when I was down to the last few.

Support

I  would not have completed this race had it not been for the amazing support I got from literally everybody. There wasn't thousands of spectators at the event, but the support that was there were people supporting their friends and loved ones, but they offered great support to everyone.  I was very well aware that I was almost last in the race and that I was going to finish well over 6 hours.  I just had to accept this and finish it regardless.  The supporters never made me feel ashamed or embarrassed. They just praised and encouraged.  There were 2 guys that were marshaling at the far end of the course.  They were simply brilliant. I looked forward to running passed them every time.  They would always make me laugh and list my spirits. There was only one drink/food station too and the people handing out the drinks were brilliant too!  As people were starting to finish the race the course was getting less and less busy. When I was down to my last 3 laps, there was hardly any runners left.  This meant I could sing loudly to my hearts content without offending anyone. I was shocked to see that I still had a lot support cheering me on. This put a rocket up my backside and started to pick up the pace.  I just wanted it to end now. Soon enough I had just one wrist band left. The orange one. Though I didn't want to throw it in the bucket, I wanted to keep it. So I stuffed it into my pocket and began my journey into the last lap.

To the Finish

Everyone was cheering me on, shouting my name even more. I blocked out every bit of pain and I ran hard. I had tears of joy and pain rolling down my face for the whole last lap, and just thanked everyone I passed for their support. I ran passed the 2 guys for the last time and was nearly home straight.  I forgot to mention that there was a cheeky little hill just before the race lapped.  To begin with it wasn't so bad, but once you have ran up it 17 times it felt like the Great Mountain of Kent!.  The very last time I had to run up it felt like someone had lifted it up and extended it 10 times longer than it was. Once I got to the top I thought I was going to vomit it hurt so much, what stopped me was seeing the end in sight.  I pulled out my headphones to sock up the last few yards. Just as I did that I had the pleasure of yet another seagull deposit his bottom on my head and the back of my arms (This happened during the Brighton Marathon in April) Great! I am about to cross another finish line covered in bird poop! Who cares! I just wanted that medal in my hands. The crowd were cheering now like I was first so I focused my energy and managed a sprint finish. Another runner handed me my medal. I wanted to give her such a huge hug, but I was aware that I was splattered in poop.  The medal is just simply incredible! Worth every lap for sure.

It felt great to finish.  Though I was really gutted about how long it took me, I can't really be surprised by this.  It is my own fault.  I do however want to come back next year and do this one again. I know I can do better. I will make it my years plan to train hard and come back fighting. The event is fantastically organised and all the people involved make you want to come back. I can't thank them all enough.  I would seriously recommend this race! Even as a first marathon, I think it's perfect for a beginner. Thanks a lot Kent Roadrunner. See you next year!!













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Life after the London Marathon

The London Marathon almost feels like a distant memory now.  April was a crazy whirlwind of a month! I can hardly believe I did it. I ran 3 marathons in 15 days!  I know what it is like when you run a marathon and straight after you hit a massive come down.  So imagine what it is like when you have completed 3. I have certainly come back down to earth with one MASSIVE bang.  Usually when I have completed a marathon, I pick myself up by either entering another race, or focusing my mind on another challenge.  With 8 marathons still to go, I still have half of the challenge ahead of me.  Yet completing the London Marathon blindfolded seems like such a huge accomplishment in itself, I am finding it hard getting my head back in the game. I have massively under estimated how hard this challenge would be.  Of course I knew it was going to be difficult, but I never realised the impact it would have on my life. It is a full time commitment. It's on my mind all the time. My next race, training, fundraising, my charity, blogging, social media and recovering from blisters and aches and pains. 

Recovery

Physically, I seemed to have recovered really well from April's madness.  I was worried that I would be plagued with injuries.  I have been very lucky so far.  I have suffered from a few monster blisters but that's about it.  Mentally, however it has been extremely tough.  Just when I think I know what the word exhausted means, I am taken to a whole new level.  This is making little naughty negative thoughts pop into my head. I am strong enough to not allow them to beat me. I am finding it hard to start training again. My body just seems to want rest so I have to let it have it. Last thing I need to happen is I burn out. I still have a lot of marathons ahead. I just hope that I am going to be fighting fit for marathon number 8, which is at the end of May. It will make the half way point.  What a journey so far it has been. I am looking forward to seeing what happens over the last 7. Most importantly, The Giants Head Marathon, which I am crapping myself over! Well, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!

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