The Long Road ahead... by EmilieT

...I'm having such a (surprisingly) good time...!  It's been a while since my last post and i'm very proud to say that last weekend I completed my first half marathon - no prizes for speed at 2 hours 14 minutes, but having checked my sub 5 hour RW marathon schedule - it actually looks like I might be AHEAD of schedule!?!  Could this be possible!?  Gasp! They seem to say around 2 hrs 30 mins at this stage for a run/walk half marathon.  So given I ran the whole way, I feel I can allow myself 16 minutes of running-related smugness. 

Then, this weekend, I was visiting my mum's place with some friends and completed another 12 mile run on saturday morning.  I guess in theory i should have gone for an increase on the half marathon, BUT (in my defence) it was my first run with a HILLY course - lots of hills in fact - so i figure 12 miles on hilly run is sort of like 13 (maybe 14??) flat!?  I was just too relieved to have got to the end of 12 that although deep down i probably could have continued, I decided to quit whist i was ahead - especially as i'd spent the first 4 miles trying desperately to think of suitably creative excuses to give to my running partner to stop altogether, as my mind was in a strangely BAD place. 

We'd spent Friday evening skiing in milton keynes at the ski dome (very fun by the way...) and hadn't eaten until about 11.30pm and then it was a very spicy nandos, followed by late to bed at about 1am, so i'm not sure I'd set myself up for a winning performance.  I must say though, having battled through the mental demons during the first 4 miles, it does teach you that even when you least fancy running and are feeling like you have NO hope of getting through a long run, if you can battle on, you do eventually settle into a rhythm and your mind eventually calms down.  This running lark does teach you a lot about yourself I must say.  

My training partner - who is also running her first marathon but who is an absolute FITNESS MACHINE - ran the first 5 miles with 1lb ankle weights on each of her legs - LUNATIC (and she pootled off for an extra 3 miles after i'd stopped...).  She's been an absolute godsend in helping to motivate me though - I never realised quite how helpful it would be to have someone to run with.  My only concern at this stage is that i'm slowing her down and we won't really be able to run together for much longer as she obviously has her own goals to focus on.  I figure even if we set off for runs together though it is still positive - she can always race off and wait for me at the other end or run extra miles.  I'm just actually quite fearful of running alone now as she's so fantastic at looking out for me and giving me tips on my technique. 

So next weekend is my first 'organised' half marathon in Portsmouth which i'm actually quite looking forward to.  We're making a weekend of it and staying in a gorgeous B&B - a carb-tastic meal planned for saturday night with our husbands and then they'll be there to cheer us on for our race on sunday.  Slightly anxious that the terrain seems to involve some shingle (!?), but i guess if all else fails I can walk that bit.  Don't fancy twisting an ankle...  Hope everyone else's training is going well - any other Portsmouth half marathon runners out there?