March 26 Run

Half marathon

Did it! 13.1 miles of the Liverpool half marathon and I didn't walk a single step. Touch and go up until Saturday lunchtime because of cold but had a chat with a doctor friend of mine who said no reason why I shouldn't run.

So I did.

Tougher than I thought. Crusining for first six miles and feeling great. Of course, that six miles was essentially down to the city centre from Sefton Park, with the emphasis on 'down'.

Then back up Parliament Street - gruelling, but I made it. Now I can start to enjoy this, I thought.

No chance. There were more hills. The came Barkhill Road off Aigburth Road. A hill that stretched horribly on as far as the eye could see. At 11 miles it was the last straw for many competitiors and they walked it to give themselves a breather.

I'd trained since January 1 for this. I was so close to walking but with two miles to go I was hell-bent on running all the way. Somehow, somehow, I made it to the top, exhausted, in pain, I plodded (but ran) the last two miles.

I finished in two hours 23, roughly.

How's this for stupid: I wore a smart new running kit purchased specillay for the big day. Never worn the shorts before. Three miles in and the chafing started. After 13.1 miles the inside of my thighs were rubbed red raw. Agony. Spent the rest of the day walking like John Wayne.

Took family to Alma Da Cuba for celebration lunch. Had been on wagon for a week in preparation for race but didn't crash off it as anticipated. Just too knackered. Alma full of happy runners talking through their highs and lows.

So - a big thank you to everyone who encouraged me over the last few months. Special thanks to Lynne, Harry, Brenda and John for putting up with my neurosis and for watching Morgan while I did my training runs.

To Jane, my brilliant and charming coach; to the little old lady who stood outside her house on Aigburth drive handing out cups of water. I'm sorry for running off with your cup, love.

Thanks to everyone along the route who cheered, clapped and urged on tired runners.

To Chris in Australia for his commonsense advice, to Bruce for making up my mind for me as we played golf on Saturday.

To every doctor, nurse, cardiac surgeon/specialist I have come into contact with since my two heart attacks and quintruple heart bypass in 2003.

And thanks to blogwatchers whom I have bored rigid over the last three months.

That's it on this one, I promise. (Apart from pictures....)