Great Manchester Half 2017

Shortly after completing Europe's biggest 10k at Manchester in May 2016 and achieving a 10k PB (1:19:04- since beaten) Great Run posted a video launching their first half marathon in Manchester on 28th May 2017. 

This did appeal to me from the get go however I spent from October 2016-February 2017(before half entries shut) debating whether to play it safe and do the 10k again or set myself a challenge and do their inaugural half. The challenge was too good to miss and in February I got my entry in quickly before it was full. 

Fast forward 3 months later after training, increasing mileage, races, 5K PBs and 10K PBs along the way 28th May 2017 arrived and it was race day. Of course with my achievements in training I was starting to dream that maybe a sub 3 was possible based on recent times and achievements in races and training, but at the same time feared it wouldn't be guaranteed anyway i was determined to try my best and see what happened. Given the recent tragic events in Manchester that happened in the week leading up to the race i was determined to do it for Manchester. Very poignant and at one stage this week leading up to the  race there were fears that the race would have to be cancelled, very grateful to the police and security services for giving it the go ahead.

This was my third half marathon in 3 years but the first half that wasn't the Great North Run- previous PB 3:24:54

Here is the story of the day:

9am start so after an early breakfast I headed to the start assembly area on portland street 

Before the start there was an amazing but sombre atmosphere as poet Tony Walsh, aka "Longfella", whose This is the Place recital folded even the hardest of hearts at the vigil for victims earlier in this difficult week read out the poem followed by a minutes silence as the church bells rang out at 9am, what followed was an amazing atmosphere where 8000 runners all started singing along to don't look back in anger, shortly after we were given the go ahead to start, I was more than ready and was determined to run for manchester. I felt quite emotional at this point.

Great Manchester Run 2017- 2:56:53!! previous PB 3:24:54

Mile 1: 11:06

As I crossed the start line I started a little too fast but was following the crowd trying not to get in anyones way i then settled down and dropped back into a regular rhythm, all too soon I arrived at the junction where you look right and could see the finish , tremendous amount of spectators on the sidelines it was then onto the slip road onto the mancunian way (little narrow at this point i must say but once we got onto the mancunian way we could spread out. it did help control my pace though.

Mile 2: 12:05 

I settled into a rhythm and could see the road ahead going up and down and knew at the end of this mile my hotel was on the left hand side literally next to the motorway (i would see this point again at mile. I didn't panic when i saw the hill i just took it steady 11-12 pace didn't want to push too hard my breathing was fine.

Mile 3 12:19

This mile was mostly uphill continuing along mancuanian way until we reached the junction that led us onto Ashton New Road, Prior to this junction we went under a bridge and i wasnt prepared for the familiar sound of oggy oggy oggy something which i though was only associated with the Great North Run as you approach the Tyne Bridge, i joined in of course, it was then after corssing under this bridge at the other side of the road was the leaders of the half (already at 6.6 miles)

Mile 4: 12:45  5k split time 37:24

Kept it steady, couldn't believe i was holding onto this steady pace and wondered how long it would last, took on water at water station but at same time didnt want too much incase it made we want to stop i was determined not to but decided i would review how i felt when i got back to the water station at 6 miles. I was still heading uphill but i turned left and could see the Ethiad stadium the turning point of this point of the route.

I then saw a friend who I had done a training session with as she was doing the half she was on her way back from the stadium, shortly after i saw Fellow Tyne Bridge Harrier Suzanne Dunn who spurred me on.

Mile 5: 12:48

I was prewarned of a hill to get up to the stadium saw runners ahead climbing the bridge to it but i was determined to not stop, what went up came back down sure enough, atmosphere was amazing this mile running down the hill towards the stadium along past music being played and I felt strong and could see the turning point, made sure to thank the marshals, then it was back over the bridge again after high fiving 2 very enthusiastic medical staff Thank You 

Mile 6: 12:55 

Back the way I had come felt downhill, started to feel what I thought was a blister but was not stopping just kept it steady could see the 6 marker ahead felt positive I was doing well i knew if i had done roughly 5 miles in an hour i was in for a good chance I was going to review time again at 10k and halfway 

Mile 7: 12:42 10K split time 1:17:08

Got back to the water station took on more water but decided not to stop for loo break I didn't want to stop my rhythm, i felt ok still strong couldn't believe i hadn't stopped yet, in training i tend to hit the wall at 7 miles and thats with plenty walk breaks- non stop so far.  reached 6.55 miles halfway in about 1:21 and thought at the rate i was going there was a slim chance of 2:45 surely not, it did boost me a bit, back onto the mancunian way the way i came 

Mile 8: 13:39

Felt as though I was starting to slow down dropped pace (especially when i saw an ambulance at other side of cordon, passed my hotel again, recovered pace again by the end of this mile and knew sub 14 was still good. i could see the city centre and knew soon we would be taking a left up to old trafford meanwhile could see people heading down to deansgate and the finish.

Mile 9: 14:06

On to continue the familiar part of last years 10k route (bar a shorter route for the half marathoners) so i knew what was to come in terms of the course and gradient etc kept my pace mostly below 14 minute mile until the wall came and hit me at 8.9 miles i could see the 9 mile sign and had just seen fellow Tyne Bridge Harrier Suzanne Dunn at the other side of road smashing it at 12 miles but giving me encouragement again Thank You. My first walk break at 8.9 miles (never ran that far before without stopping I am happy). Worked out i had about 1 hour 5 minutes to do the last 4.1 miles knew it was still possible if i didnt give up

Mile 10:  14:23 15k split 1:59:53

Passing the 9 mile sign i picked myself up knowing my dream of sub 3 was still on i just needed to work for it, after 4 minutes walking i picked myself up and my pace improved a good 6 minutes of running got me to Old Trafford where i caught up with some girls who i met at the start line. I didnt expect to see them again but one girl was having a problem with her knee and i was encouraging them with a parkrun to go whilst at same time trying to encourage myself.

Mile 11: 14:50

I tried to find the get up to continue running but it wasn't coming, this mile went up and down in terms of pace reverted to run/walk. 10 miles done in about 2:09 i just had to convince myself i could do the last 3.1 miles in under 51 minutes surely???

Mile 12: 15:22 (only mile above 15 minutes)

A mile of 2 halfs started off well i went through a lovely shower on route after the imperial war museum before heading back round to old trafford walked again until water station but then a downhill section boosted me briefly, at 11.7 miles i could see Deansgate tower where it finished, knew i was going to finish and had 25 minutes for 1.5 miles started to get confident again after a spell of maybe its going to slip away and convincing myself I had sub 3. I was encouraging the last participants of the half at the other side of the barrier at 9 miles heading to old trafford.

Mile 13: 14:52

This was the time i had to make it count, visualised my home parkrun course, it was like running from just before wylam brewery at newcastle parkrun to the finish, kept it steady with what i had left with a few walk breaks to save myself for the last part, went through the last shower with about 1k to go. quick look at my watch at 12.7 miles i had 10 minutes to do the last 0.4 (ended up being 0.5) 2:50 at this point

Home straight the final 0.2 3:01

I gave it all I had left  could see the finish, heard someone shouting my name (turns out it was Katrina who i had seen in the run earlier) came in for a strong finish stopped my watch to look at final time. 

I DID IT FIRST EVER SUB 3 HALF MARATHON 2:56:53 

Just a little 28:01 PB on GNR 2016 

The training and progress my club can give me 

Great experience at Great Manchester Half 2017 on the most poignant of weekends to host it, Crowds and supporters were very good found the course a little less tough than GNR anyway but hard to say as I have improved with the club since my last GNR so time will srely tell at GNR 2017.

Race number 3 Pier2Pier South Shields to Roker 2017

Well What can i say

I signed up to run from South Shields Pier to Roker Pier and today I did it

After a lift to the start I did a warm up jog to South Marine Park to meet up with friends Jo and Jasmine.

We all then headed to the car park near the start at the pier where everybody was gathering.

Before I knew it I was in a crowd of people all heading down the sand dune onto the beach, found the sand hard to walk on at first and then realised it may be tougher than I initially thought.

There was a lovely sense of atmosphere as we gathered at the start after a walk on the sand to the start line, chatting away to friends then all of a sudden we were off, all quite spread out along the beach. I kept it steady then realised the tide had gone out and i was running through water, quite exilarating. After about 0.8 miles all the runners were aiming right i followed and.... oh a sand dune to go up, having a fear of going up uneven hills and sandy ones as that was enough to make me decide to take it easy, take a walk break just to get up it. The last thing I wanted in this race was to cause myself any damage so walk i did.

My friend Carole then caught me up as i got to the top i still hadnt got my breath back so walk/ran the next part went for the option of flat path and then a hill up that i had done before, just knew i could only walk it. 

At this point i decided i wasnt doing as well as I had hoped for but pushed on and opted for shortcut across headland rather than long way round the coast (nobody else was opting for longer route) the sun was beating down i was struggling plodded along but my mind was like i need the loo i knew i had to focus on getting to Marsden Grotto whilst trying to work out if i could justify a pit stop.. arrived at grotto and took the pit stop. 

Pit stop over and feeling dissapointed i then noticed friend Janis Oliver was circling as was waiting for partner who was behind, we then decided just to carry on together keeping each other going and i am glad we stuck together from 3 miles onwards good to have company. The sun was really beating down

Onto the water station grabbed a quick drink then played dodge the water cup as i struggled with breathing really dont know what was up today i just seemed to give up.

We all then followed the coastline and Janis was looking out for me but in doing so nearly gave me a fright when she lost footing and fell near the cliff edge she was fine.. phew. i also nearly fell over and went over my ankle a couple of times.

We then saw the pier we were heading too a long way in distance. Had a bad spell at 4.5 miles when i just couldnt control my breathing enough to run, a theme that seemed to develop in this run.

We arrived at the promenade in Seaburn after a climb up from the fish shop in Whitburn. Lots of friendly people assuring us we didnt have too far to go, yes i could see the pier but it was getting no closer, in my head it was getting further away was really starting to tire along promenade seeing David Daniels on his bike gave a little boost as did people saying not much further to go. 

We headed round promenade and down a hill to enter the beach, the pier was getting closer i could see the finish flags in distance. 

I tried to keep running but it turned into a run/walk.

Then seeing the finish i found something and saw a few tyne bridgers, (Victoria, Vicki and Debbie being the main ones i saw but sure there was more, sorry i was in the zone) watching so found a sprint finish and put what little i had left into it, actually mistook the first set of flags as the finish but then realised it was ahead and noticed the last 100m of sand was tough and hard to get through, I powered through the best i could trying not to fall over. Crossed the line and i thought i was going to be sick, after i had got breath back the feeling went and i headed to get goody bag, i do wish this wouldn't happen at the end of a race.

I DID IT I RAN FROM ONE PIER TO ANOTHER-OFFICIAL TIME 1:37:41

yes it may have been slower than what i was aiming for but i did it and so many lessons will have to be learnt from this, but the terrain made it feel much harder/longer and its just not the same as road running.

Some pictures and my time 

Race number 2 Siglion Sunderland 10k 2017

Race number 2 of the year Siglion Sunderland City 10k

Race day arrived this morning woke up with the usual mix of nervous excitement wondering can I do this today? I feel tired blah blah anyway I knew I could so made my way to Sunderland

Now Sunderland 10k an event I have volunteering at for the last couple of years (once at stadium of light then last year at its new home of Keel Square) both occasions it rained this year marginally better a few spots on the way there and in tail end of race anyway moving on this year it was my first time actually taking part in this race.

Arrived with tonnes of time to spare the parking location I chose wasn't as busy as I had imagined it to be.

Then did a warmup run to Keel Square just to let my muscles know that something was going to happen.

Caught up with some friends wishing them luck (both 10k and half)

Went to the assembly area but knew it was going to be a longer wait to get going as the earlier kids race was delayed due to a car on the course. 10am came and went and after what seemed like an eternity just after about 10:15 away we went.

I set out with the aim of run to feel, whatever was going to happen would happen, whatever time I would get I would get. Knowing my 1:13:10 pb may be unrealistic to beat today i set out with the aim of seeing what happened and how I felt.

Set off to cheers from fellow Tyne Bridge harriers members watching the 10k before their half marathon set off gave me a boost but I set off comfortably as quite crowded at the start.

Official finish time 1:17:23

Mile 1 11:16

First mile winded round the streets of Sunderland busy in places so took some gaps on the paths and just kept it steady. 1st mile ended at a water station decided to skip water at this point as felt ok and was on wrong side of road and was focused on my steady pace

Mile 2 11:11

Spent this mile keeping it steady and wondering am I on the right route where's the bridge? Should I not be seeing it by now but surely​ enough turned a corner saw the bridge at the top of a hill and focussed on it keeping my rhythm going and determination not to stop for a brak. I succeeded

Crossed wearmouth bridge plenty of people supporting.

The end of mile took my breath away a lovely downhill section down to the river loved this hill and finished this mile strong

Mile 3 12:35

In awe of the view of the scenery I carried on strongly but made decision to grab some water at the water station. I loved the water pouches instead of bottles so much easier and better for the environment too.

Following the river I then wasn't prepared for the climb up from the river

Made the decision to walk this one till it flattened in the view that it may pay off later.

What went up then came down to a spectacular view of the marina after high 5ing a Marshall fantastic Marshall support finished that mile strongly

A quick time check roughly 36 minutes at 5k I knew it would be hard work to beat 1:13

Mile 4 13:29

Ahhhh the sea roker pier fantastic I just love running by the sea enjoyed it so much my pace slowed  and I was encouraging others

Had to take hat off (again) too windy for hats today

Arrived at roker park had been warned of the hill again decided to walk whilst having some more water from water station. Followed by a few more walk breaks.

Mile 5 12:32

Decided at about 49 minutes there was a slight chance of pb but I had to work for it. I didn't acre at this point I was having a lovely run so scenic and stunning time wasn't everything exiting the park I picked up pace and saw the sea had a burst of energy carried on at a steady pace encouraging other runners

Mile 6 13:23

First half of this mile I was steadily running along felt good headed down a hill but then realised after going along after the downhill that an uphill was coming, at 5.5 miles i could tell today wasn't the day I didn't care I decided I would then be happy with sub 80 walked up the hill and was encouraging others could see the Bridge again in the distance and gave what I had left

The last 0.27 2:59

Arrived at the bridge where hours earlier I had ran it as warmup and knew I only had 400m to go saw some people from my club encouraging me

I kept this steady really I hadn't looked at watch much in this race and I would finish when I finished

The home straight lots of support including friends and club runners shouting my name I feel I finished strong and put hands up in the air.

Moments later I was bursting with pride as running ninja friend Helen finished her 10k battling demons she has faced gave her a hug could tell she was emotional

We ninja friends then formed a ninja queue where ninja cath was volunteering giving out medals

I then went to the finish after getting goody bag to wait for my mum to finish and watch the remaining 10k Finishers and cheer friends finishing the half marathon.

I then saw Aly Dixon and Paula Radcliffe racing to finish the half, aly just popping Paula to the post

After a while we got cold at moved towards the bridge as was waiting for my friend Debbie to finish and on cue I saw Debbie decided to run back towards the finish with her as my cool down as felt she could use the encouragement

So until the next race technically relays on Wednesday coming