I didn’t realise I hadn’t posted since Jan so it seems like a good time to do a little catch up on everything from then.
Feb – I did the 10K race to end all 10K races – Mad Dog 10K! It was such a faff getting the place though so I’m glad I’ve done it at least once. It’s the first and probably only race I’ll do, where you get your goody bag before! It was a lovely atmosphere though and I ran a lot of with a good pal from the Swinton Running club until she abandoned me to get her sprint finish. It was a cold (read fecking freezing) day, me and my sister got there way too early – I don’t think she’ll let me drive her to a race again as there was loads of waiting round. Anyway, we got the goody bag, fab stuff in there – don’t forget that the flapjack thing is actually a doggy treat – and still managed to get to the start line literally as they were about to set off.
It’s a lovely, flat race. Not tons of support but I realised I didn’t need that as it was so flat, there’s no need to be super motivated to get up hills. I was grateful that I ran with someone I knew though, I seem to get lost after a while and want to give up. I got another PB (under 58 mins) which was great and the medal was pretty awesome.
March – I couldn’t make either race I had booked for March due to other commitments which was a bit gutting but I did a virtual challenge for International Women’s Day and got another nice chunky medal to add to the medal hanger. I really must get that put up somewhere! In March, I really struggled getting motivated for anything. I felt a bit bleurgh that so many of my friends were training for Manchester or London and I only had half’s booked (it’s for the best that I didn’t train for Manchester) so I had serious FOMO.
So in April, the Manchester Marathon! I was part of the very successful Ramsbottom Running Club cheering squad – official name to be decided – I took Cal along to show support for his Auntie and all our other friends running. My tracking list of runners was too long for the screen on my phone! It was an absolutely fabulous day, I was so jealous of the runners doing the relay and vowed that I’d be doing it next year. A few of my club-mates said I’d be signing up for the full one and I just laughed. How well they know me! It was lovely seeing my big sister run her second Manchester Marathon, especially as I missed it last year and I felt really guilty. She is an amazing runner who has really inspired me to keep going even when I feel like giving up. All the runners did fantastically and the support was great this year! The Ramsbottom runners doing the full or relay were amazing, I’m so proud to be part of such a great, friendly and inspiring club. I wouldn’t be where I am without their support either.
So, on the Tuesday after the marathon when the early bird opened for next year, I signed up dead on 10am! I’M DOING A BLOODY MARATHON!!!! I have no idea what came over me but sod it, I’m so excited. So excited, that I’ve barely done any running since signing up haha! I’m saving my legs, obviously.
My best friend said I was mad but I know that! Plus I’m her son’s Godmother so what does that say about her judgement and choices haha! We had a lovely day at the christening last week and I love my Godson so much, he’s the cutest little thing. I can sense though, that him and my monster will get into mischief when they’re older and we’ll be tearing our hair out about our boys! It’ll be fun!
It’s Easter weekend so I should be able to find time to get at least 13 – 15 miles in, especially as I’m at the in-laws and so have more people to help with our little monster.
Next week is London, I’m gutted I can’t go but I have too much other things going on and I need to be home on the Monday as nursery is shut! Callum and I will watch it on the tv, and try and spot all our friends doing it. Who knows, I might enter the ballot for that on the off-chance I get into that!
Due to me signing up to the marathon, my challenge is on hold to work on my training and so I actually still get time with the family and friends (and to study/blog) I have races for April, May, June, July, September, October and December (plus some club races) so I’ve not done too badly! Studying may have to go on hold but I’m going to take a few months to decide what to do. I want to finish my studying as I only have two years left and I’ve really enjoyed this module but it all depends on what else I have to do and training etc.
Manchester 2020 – I’m coming for you! Good luck to anyone who has races or other important moments coming up!