LWRG take on the Chester Marathon 2013!
A few months ago it was decided that some of the group run their first marathon. The idea began with a few half-hearted conversations whilst we were out running. Before long, nine of us had entered the Chester Marathon. After the initial panic, “Oh No, What have I done!” we got down to some serious training.
I worked out a training plan that would fit well with the ladies involved and the runs included usual group runs, shorter runs on their own and the dreaded long run. The long runs were usually done as a group or in pairs or threes. 20 miles is a long way to run on your own and it made it manageable for everyone running together. As our paces were different I had a friend to cycle back and forth checking everyone was OK and filling up water bottles. We practiced with gels, drinks, new shoes and our mantras!
The first time the group completed their 20 mile run I was so happy for them. It was a Friday evening during the summer. We had all been at work all day but it was a lovely evening. By the time we finished it was going dark but the ladies had reached a milestone, it was further than they had run before and was the furthest they would run before the marathon. Some runners train right up to 22/23 miles but I see no need to go further than 20 miles as recovery can take too long.
So the training continued throughout the summer, some runs in very difficult hot weather. Some runs went well, some runs did not, some runs ended in muscle pulls and strains. But we carried on and made the best of the different situations we had. We decided to raise money for Lancaster charity Cancer Care. Once we announced our marathon plans the money started rolling in!
The evening before the marathon I had a few worried texts. It is an odd feeling. You are waiting for something you have been training for a long time. You have to rest and eat. After some last minute encouragement (You can do it! You have done the training! Remember your mantra! You will be great! Yes I have spare pins!) we all got some sleep.
Up at the crack of dawn, the group assembled at my house to board the mini bus. It was a still dark 6am set off. There was some excited chatter on the mini bus as I quietly listened on the front seat. I smiled to myself whilst I listened. A couple of years ago, these girls did not know each other. Now here we were sitting in the dark on the motorway, joined together by a mutual love of running, about to do an amazing thing. It made me feel immensely proud of them all and gave me a warm feeling inside. Anna came with us although unfortunately due to a long standing injury she had been unable to do the training. It was very special having her with us that day.
We arrived at the Chester Race Course nice and early (as always!) and headed off to find the portaloos. Bananas were consumed, nerves were jingling, cuddles were shared and tears were shed. After a little team chat and last minute wee’s and cuddles we went to our starting line.
Ellie and I started in the 4.15 zone and the others were dotted around between the other zones. The gun went and we set off. After twisting my ankle on a rock before we left the race course, we headed off up the road and through Chester.
The crowds were great, it was gorgeous weather to spectate which really helped. We left the racecourse and headed into the City Centre passing the Town Hall, Cathedral, split level Middle Ages “Rows”, Eastgate Clock, Amphitheatre and through the Roman Walls four times before heading out of the City across the Old Dee Bridge.
We then left Chester, ran through Pulford, before crossing the border into Wales and the villages of Lavister and Rossett. Keeping to the rural lanes we completed a small loop before entering the historic village of Holt. Here my family were waiting to cheer us on. We were at 16 miles and running well. It was so great to see them.
I lost Ellie at 20 miles where she stopped for a little break. I carried on which was difficult after 20 miles of chatting and company! We then crossed the ancient Roman bridge at Farndon to return to England and the home stretch running through Churton, Aldford and Huntington. My family had moved now and I saw them again at Huntington. A great boost at 24 miles! There was a nasty hill here but the majority of the course was flat. On re-entering the City, we passed the River Dee along the Groves and Castle Drive before a triumphant finish at the racecourse! The finish was great, on the grass race course and the crowds were fantastic!
Once I had finished I put some warm clothing on and waited for the next member of our team. Ellie came in next, followed by Kate, Nicola and Rebecca, Louise and Liz. The feeling of seeing everyone cross the finish line was amazing. After the last runner was in, I could relax and everyone could enjoy their success. This day will be remembered by me and I am sure by the other team members for the rest of their lives. This day was built on love, friendship and support and it illustrates what our group is about.
We had some time sitting peacefully by the mini bus, eating, drinking, sharing stories of the day. All exhausted, sweaty, painful legs, blisters and cramp. But so happy! Well done each of you. I am SO proud.
And the icing on top of the massive cake was we raised over £4000 for Cancer Care 
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