Blackpool Marathon

On Sunday 26th April I took on my biggest challenge since I started running - I completed my first ever marathon! I'd always said since I got in to running that I would never do a marathon, I think the main reason was due to the long distance and also thinking I'd never be able to run that far.

Since joining Trawden though I've been inspired by so many people with their stories of long distance running, whether it be their first marathon or the last in a long line of them.

Just after Christmas me and Lee Ellis decided to enter one. I had previously applied for the London Marathon but didn't get through, although at that time I was a little relieved! As first timers we decided to enter a flat marathon as we thought this would be easier, so in January we applied for the Blackpool Marathon.

Most people I've spoken to about marathon running followed a plan, in fact everyone told me I should follow a plan from the Internet or a book. I took notice, but in reality I didn't follow a plan at all.

Last year I was out injured for quite a few months whilst doing shorter runs and I knew that by upping my mileage this year would possibly increase my chances of being injured again. I decided to only run three times a week whilst training for my marathon, club run on Mondays, another 6-7 on Wednesday and a Saturday/Sunday morning long run. Every few weeks I then went to see my physio (Marie Flood) just to iron out any niggles.

I actually enjoyed training for the marathon most of the time, it's difficult to get out when it's been snowing, raining, blowing a gale, etc, but at the end of the day you just have to get out there and do it!

I'd been speaking to a few of the Trawden runners (both Daves, Jill, Autumn and Darren Holland) to name but a few and they gave me some good pointers along the way and about some good races to enter to get me prepared. I'd done the Trafford 10K, East Lancs 10K and Ron Hill 10K, I'd done a few 13 to 18 mile runs on my own where I experienced hitting the wall and I also entered the Trimpell 20. That was a very good run and worth doing for all runners who are gearing up for a marathon, plus you get loads of goodies at the end!

I stuck to my three runs a week and this seemed to work well for me. In terms of my long runs I only did a few of them, a couple of 13 milers, one 15 miler, an 18 then the Trimpell 20. I was supposed to do a 22 miler but I got a bit lazy over Easter and preferred eating eggs to running!

Leading up to the marathon, the one point I did pick up off everyone was what are you supposed to eat beforehand. I'd experimented with carb-loading on some of my longer runs and had started to take gels and sports drinks with me, mainly to see if they agreed with me - trust me it's a good idea to do this so your not caught short on race day.

The week before the marathon I really got in to the spirit of carb loading. I love my food, especially carbs so this was great! However I soon got sick of porridge, pasta, bread, soreen, pretzels and water, lots of water to keep hydrated!

Before I knew it marathon day was here and I was very nervous, especially after all the great stories I heard from everyone who ran at Manchester. The previous night's sleep had been shocking, I was awake what felt to be all night! Before I knew it I was wide awake at 5.50am!

I got up at 6am and had a shower then ate breakfast, far too early for my coffee, porridge and bagel, but I managed to force it down. Lee picked me up at 7.30 and we set off to Blackpool (along with my friend Paula who, along with me and another mate Matt, were running the marathon for Pendleside Hospice and were all first timers).

We got to Blackpool for about 8.30 to register. First stop was the toilet - the first of many visits before we set off!

Then the moment was finally here. We were all on the start line ready to go! I don't think I've ever been as nervous in all my life, my stomach was churning like a washing machine! Then we were off!

About three miles in the Achilles on my right foot started acting up and was really painful when running on it, I was gutted as I thought it was only going to get worse and I'd have to drop out. Luckily the pain disappeared and I could continue. Usually I don't listen to music when running but decided to take my iPod and it was fully loaded with tunes to keep me going. In reality though I didn't need music. The people of Blackpool were superb hosts. Everyone was so friendly and helpful cheering us all on.

At about mile 17 I started to get into a low point, I'd not hit the wall at all, I was taking my gels at the correct intervals and keeping hydrated with water and sports drinks. I thought to myself I could just do with some friendly faces. Suddenly my brother and Chris (Emmerson from TAC) and his wife appeared giving me a big cheer - that really spurred me on! Next was my mum and other brother's turn at mile 20. I was so glad to see them, so much so I stopped to give her a quick hug!

By the time I got to mile 23 my feet and legs were really feeling it, there were people all around walking, quite clearly they had hit the wall. I was feeling low on energy at this point and as I passed the 24 mile marker I checked my watch to see what time I was up to, it read 3:30 or something similar with two miles to go. I suddenly thought I could hit the time I had in my head of 3:45, so I kept my head down and kept on going.

At mile 25 all my friends and family were there along with lots of other supporters cheering us all on, that was a great boost and rather quite emotional if I must admit! This spurred me on and before I knew it I had crossed the finish line, I checked my watch and my time was 3:44:28. I was over the moon, I'd beaten my target for my first marathon. When the results came out my actual time was 3:43:58, so even quicker!

I was so pleased I'd stuck to my plan and I didn't get cramp or hit the wall. I was equally pleased with the T-shirt and medal I received as well.

As I write this now, I'm in pain with my legs, ankles and feet and I know it's going to be worse tomorrow, but I can put up with it as I had a superb day and can honestly say I enjoyed every step of it. Will I do another one? Absolutely! I'm going to do Chester in October and apply for London as well. Another good thing about the day is that I raised about £600 for Pendleside Hospice too!

I hope you all enjoyed my first race review!