Race For Life Marathon

As most you know, I signed up to complete the Race for Life Marathon at the start of the year. I thought I'd set myself a challenge after completing the half a couple of years ago. Cancer Research is something that has been close to my heart for a very long time. I always try to do my bit and this year was no different.

I've spent the last 6 months hitting the pavements as much as I can to prepare for the big day. I'm not going to lie, I probably didn't do as many long runs as I should have or stuck to the training program I'd created myself. However, I did what I could and felt as well equipped as I could be.

When race day finally arrived I was a little nervous, I knew it wasn't going to be easy but I was determined to put my everything into it and get the best possible time I could. I'd set myself a goal of completing the race under 5 hours but just wanted to get through all 26 miles knowing I'd done what I could.

The track was a 13 mile course we had to complete twice. I'm not sure what would have been worse, knowing what was ahead or the unknown. For the first half, I made really good time and was averaging 10 minutes per mile. When I hit 13 miles, Mum, Dad and the pup were there to cheer me on. I rounded the corner ready to face the next half and could hear someone calling my name. My best friend had surprised me and come down to London to support me, I've never been so excited to see her face! It was just what I needed to get me going again.

The first few miles of the second half I managed to keep my pace up but then I started to taper off. My hip flexors were giving me a lot of pain and I was starting to feel the exhaustion set in. I had to change my mindset and not think about mile 26 but rather each mile as it came. Once I got to 20 I was aiming for 21 and that seemed to help keep me going. I started to add in a short walk to boost my energy levels each time, along with the handfuls of Haribo and peanut M&M's. My main goal was to just keep moving and reach the finish line!

Mum, Dad and the bestie had been tracking me all day and could see I was beginning to tire so came to meet me at mile 25. With a mile to go I was determined to pick up my pace and finish on a high. All I needed to do now was beat them back to finish line as they were taking a shortcut. And that's exactly what I did! It's true what they say when you simply have to dig deep and find the energy from somewhere, it's truly remarkable what we can put our bodies through.

I hit the finish line with a time of 4 hours and 48 minutes! I had managed to get my time inside my target and I even finished 23rd out of all those running the marathon. Safe to say I was feeling very chuffed and a little emotional! I wasn't quite prepared for the barriers I had to break down both physically and mentally but I'm so glad I did. I was on such a high from getting that medal!

Now it's time to recover, I've spent the last few days hobbling around but the muscle soreness is slowly starting to ease off. My first point of call was a cold bath to try and take the edge off. It's the last thing you really want to do after running 26 miles but it really does help. It was then all about the food! I really didn't feel like cooking so myself and my housemate ordered a takeaway. I needed all the carbs and protein so opted for Chicken Teriyaki with rice and a side of vegetable gyoza and prawn toast. After burning around 4,500 calories throughout the day I practically inhaled the lot!

Although it hurts to even sit on the toilet I've been trying to keep moving as much as I can to stop my muscles seizing up. I'm stretching and foam rolling regularly and will slowly start to get back to exercising but for now, I'm giving my body chance to recover fully.

I also wanted to take the chance to thank everyone who has sponsored me and given me their continued support. I've managed to raise over £300 for an incredible charity. My sponsorship page will remain open until 20th October for anyone else who wishes to donate. Thank you all so much!