Blackpool Half Marathon

Race Day Preparation

Not wanting too much stress on Race Day, Clare and I had opted for a stay in Blackpool the night before.  Staying at the Granville Bed & Breakfast (Winner of 4 in a bed), so we could grab an early breakfast and get to Race HQ without any rushing or traffic jams, and obviously take in the Blackpool Atmosphere.

Rosh and his fantastic girlfriend Varsha were staying a few doors down with the same intentions.

I had been watching the weather forecast since the start of the week, sun, cloud, rain, sun , rain, gale force winds, the weather changed like....the weather.  We were completely unsure of how conditions were going to turn out on the day.  Saturday was very cold and with strong winds, but the horizon seemed to be clearing as the night progressed.

Obviously planning perfectly for the day ahead, we went to the Dutton Arms for a mixed grill of protein and grabbed a few sticks of rock for a souvenir before heading up to the infamous tower during sunset and then heading back to our rooms for an early night.

All the training had lead to this.

So there we were, Rosh and I, in the holding pen ready to set off for a 13.1 mile run around the Vegas of the North, chatting to experienced runners, marathoners. first timers and one girl who had signed up the week before on a whim.  All of us were feeling the nerves and anticipation of what we were about to embark on. Seconds later, we were off.

The weather had decided to turn to sunshine for us, a gentle breeze with little resistance, perfect running conditions.  From the Hilton we headed past the Tower and on down towards South Shore. The crowds of support on either side of the road were superb, high fiving kids for power boosts, the marshalls clapping every runner that went by and the usual Blackpool Sunday Morning Stag Do's offering the expected abuse for doing something other than drinking.  As we turned and headed back to the start line we had the pleasure of going through this all over again.  This is when I noticed that Rosh had eased his pace and I was now on my own, I knew I would see him at the finish line, but it was now time for me to focus on pace and aim for my goal.

Feeling great at the 10k mark, with my pace keeping constant and steady, I knew I was on par for my sub 2 hour run. I thought I would make a beeline for the upcoming water station for a quick refreshment.  This is when I had a little shock, handing out water bottles to fellow runners was no other than my lovely wife Clare, Varsha and the rest of Rosh's family, they had suddenly become volunteers!

Passing the Hilton again and off out for the second leg the crowds seemed to disperse, the claps and cheers quietened and the lonely 4 mile began.    For a couple of miles I zoned out, just enjoying the run, not thinking about anything completely relaxed.  I should have been feeling some aches and pains, I had read on so many sites about the issues you face whilst out on half marathon runs, the walls you may hit, but I was feeling perfectly fine.  This made me panic more, why am I not feeling these issues?  Just then my Garmin Watch beeped, I was behind pace and had been for a while, my zone out had slowed me down.  

Refocused on the task at hand (or foot), I increased my pace and pushed on.  Taking a turn from the main road down to the beach front promenade I found myself a couple of runners who were happy to talk.  An Ultra-Marathon runner and his friend (who he was helping push for a sub two hour time) listened to my story of why I was here, and we chatted about random runs and life.  It was a great distraction for the heat and fatigue that was kicking in.

As we past the 12 mile marker I was in unknown territory, I had never been this far, but I was still feeling strong.   I turned to my running companions for the last couple of miles and said my thank you's, but it was time for me to increase the pace and finish as strong as I could.

It was at this marker that the crowds started to re-appear, cheers and whoops could be heard, the Tower was in sight, I was coming to the end and that is when I heard Clare's voice over everything.  Not that she has a loud voice, but I just knew she would be here shouting me on,  and this was the final power boost I needed.  Picking up speed and hurtled towards the finish line,
the winner's finish, the final few meters before I could raise my hands in the air, collect my finishers banana, my commemorative t-shirt and the most dangerous medal ever (it seriously could be classed as an offensive weapon!) knowing that I had done the best I could, all the training had paid off and I could proudly say, I have completed my half marathon.

Final time: 1 hour 49 minutes and 34 seconds.

For Rosh's story of the event, please visit his blog here

The Highs, the Lows and the pains

Only minutes after crossing the line and celebrating, we were rushing to leave to get back to Bolton Hospital.  A couple of days earlier we had discovered that Clare was pregnant, but it was either very early on in the pregnancy or it was another miscarriage.  We have had too many heartbreaks and I have raised money in the past for Bolton Hospital Maternity Unit for the support they had given us during our multiple visits.  For the Blackpool Half Marathon I was wearing my "Running 4 Spud" tshirt which is the name of our cause (the full details can be read here) in memory of our first child who was born sleeping at 20 weeks

This now gives me more determination to raise money for Bolton NHS and try to raise awareness for Factor V Leiden, the blood disorder that Clare suffers from.  

Before we arrived at Bolton Hospital we knew the result, Clare had miscarried.  We both fully understand how this affects our lives and the lives of our families and feel that life has other plans for us to share our love and support

I have now signed up for the Norwich Half Marathon in November in which I will be running with my brother for the full duration and booked the flights to my Marathon destination.  I will be raising money on the #Running4Spud campaign again, and hoping to do as much as I can.