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Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon

LEONORA ANSON 28 MAY 2014
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The first time I had completed a half marathon in Liverpool was in March 2013 on the BTR half marathon route after running for 11 months.

I completed that race in 2.25 - I guess by now your taking my term for 'race' loosely! This time I was eager to ensure that I bettered that time though was quietly concerned I may not!

Nicola and I arrived to race HQ, the Echo Arena, with half an hour to go. We were in fancy dress this time (tutus and fingerless gloves) in an attempt to rock this half marathon out! Quickly we realised that we were in the minority of fancy dress runners that day, I think it's fair to say that we were:

1. Surprised
2. Embarrassed
And...
3. Looking forward to some good old scouse heckling from the supporters!

Conditions for the race were perfect: no wind, overcast and dry! Result! A far cry from the Manchester 10K the weekend previous!

We set off at approximately 8am, leaving the dockside and Austin Healey as we headed off into the city - first stop past the Cavern in true rock and roll style! We passed the statue of John Lennon leaning outside the Cavern, you could almost sense him thinking what the hell are you crazy lot doing! We continued on through the city centre hearing whisperings of Jimi Hendrix, played by a rock band who had been stationed just outside The Crown Court buildings.

The runners continued up through the centre and headed for China Town, up quite a steep incline - I think it's safe to say at this point that we were all slowly realising the undulating route that unfolded during he first half. We continued up through Toxteth and headed onlto Sefton Park were we met a DJ who had clearly confused us for the Rock 'n' Roll marathoners' that took place that same day. He kept shouting "Well done everybody - your just finishing mile 12 and coming into mile 13!" Erm I don't think so mate, we've only just covered 4.5 miles!

We winded our way through the park and welcomed the gel station around 6.5 miles - at this point the sun made a short appearance and it was lovely to see the park and people on their Sunday morning stroll. Most of them looking bemused at 3000 runners!

On passing through the miles of Sefton Park we headed onto Otterspool Park which has a steep downhill (my favourite) and leads the race into the 3-mile straight down towards the Pierhead finish - I remember at this point feeling very positive and shouting out to my fellow runners "Come on now this is the last push!" Not sure why I felt the urge to do that - think the endorphins had kicked in with 4 miles to go!

We passed a vile sounding rock band who can only be described as screeching like they were in pain! This really helped push us runners on as we all seemed eager to get away from the terrible music.

We then made it onto the home straight, running along the Mersey with the Pier Head in sight! Great you may think, but no! it's funny how my endorphin rush seemed to desert me as we pounded our way along the grey concrete; it's almost as if the finish line is being pulled away from you. I have to say this part of the half marathon in Liverpool really tests my mental strength. Both times I have done it I have thought "Where is the finish?"

However I have to say the support along this part of the route was great - a real saving grace! One supporter shouted "Eh girl! I've just seen your sister up there, she wearing exactly the same clothes as you!" Well yes of course it was Nicola! But I don't think it was 'just seen' probably 30 minutes or so earlier. She finishing in position of 29th lady! Well done!

Turning the corner with one mile to go and I heard the dulcet tones of one of my Sweatshop runners "Come on girl, move that boney arse!" Thanks for the support Keith! We continued up along to the finish line I noted that I had knocked 15 minutes off my previous Liverpool Half Marathon time, finishing in 2.10 - result! All I can say is it's the power of the Tutu!

Great to be back in Liverpool and even better to be greeted at the finish line with a nice pint of lager which both Nicola and I sipped in a very lady like fashion! Not!

We then sat on the grass in the sun waiting for Neil (my husband and Nic's brother) to complete the Marathon. He did so in 4.22 - not bad for a self proclaimed 'non runner' who had not really trained. Well done Neil!

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