TraceysTrek

Best bits: completing the distance, having Danny by my side, wee massage

Worst bits: stiff legs

Distance: 13.1 miles

Days to the finish: 26

Well the day had arrived. I seemed like a good idea when I first booked on to do this but now I was not so sure. I was the most underprepared I have ever been for a run. Fortunately storm Amy had subsided and it was calm and dry.

A quick stop at McDonald’s drive through for breakfast before arriving in time for the warm up. We said goodbye to Sara and joined the rest of the athletes!

It was a record turn out this year with over 30,000 people taking part in the 10k and half marathon. Danny and I were in the last wave and I would have been delighted to finish under 3 hours. We saw the pacer for 2:45 and stood behind them.

Then we were off and soon overtook the pacer! Danny had calculated the pace we need to keep to get 3 hours. He was soon telling me our pace was a bit fast and we could afford to slow down. I felt ok so we carried on. Fiona and Eric were cheering us on at Finnieston and it was a morale boost. The we were up and over the Kingston Bridge where it was a little windy but ok. Down the other side past Scotland Street School and Ibrox and on to Bellahouston Park. I was actually running rather than shuffling as this photo shows!

Danny was brilliant, so patient with my slow pace, I’m sure he could have run backwards faster! He chatted continuously checking the pace, telling me I was doing great, feeding me wine gums and water and generally being fantastic.

He wasn’t happy when I choked on a wine gum as he had been telling me to just chomp and swallow them.

We enjoyed seeing the highland coos in Pollock Country Park. I was still going until 10 miles when I had to walk for about 100m and then carried on.

The final 3 miles were a bit slow as I had run out of fuel in my tank. However we carried on and the crowd were great. The Beatson team gave us a cheer as we crossed the Squinty bridge and Maisie ran a few metres with us.

Danny was keeping an eye on the 2:45 pacer who was closing on us. At 800 m to go the Galloways gave us a fantastic cheer and brought a smile to my face. Then at 400 m Sara, Bridget, Dave, Tim and Becky were cheering us loudly.

Danny and I crossed the line together holding hands and before the pacer caught us.

After catching my breath we made our way to the meeting area. I popped into the Beatson tent where I was offered a massage by Claire. What an unexpected and very welcome reward.

Then it was time for posing for photos.

Well who would have thought it I was well under my 3 hour target.

Off back to Danny and Sara’s for a bath and rest before we were back out for a Sunday lunch at the pub with Bridget and Dave. I was pleased that I was able to walk there and back.