On March 7th, training for Heaton Park, I went out running and, feeling quite good, I decided just to keep going. By the time I had finished, I had covered 13 miles (gmaps pedometer). I had been mulling over how we might raise a significant sum for the Lourdes fund and decided that I would find a half marathon and to enter. The best date and venue seemed to be on 6th June in Buxton. Knowing the area quite well because of D of E expeditions and having run in the area before, I thought it would be a lovely setting.
Having entered, I looked at the course and profile. It was very hilly, not like running 13 miles on the trans pennine route. However, I started a training schedule which included some hill running in Alderley Edge and the Lake District. All seemed well until two weeks before the race, when I injured my achillies tendon. I rested for the two weeks, exchanging running for exercise bike and rowing machine.
On the day of the race I was pleasantly surprised to meet Mr and Mrs McKeogh who had come to support their two sons who had also entered. I started at the back, where I expected to stay. However, I made up some ground in the early stages. It was clear that the injury would hurt during the race. I power walked some of the most hilly parts (and overtook some of those running on these sections), probably about half a mile in total, but was pleased to get round and manage what is a very undulating course.
Eventually after a last mile which went on forever, I completed the course in 1 hour and 58 minutes. I have managed to successfully limp around school for the last two days, but feel back to normal now! I must pay tribute to the organisers, who had done their jobs superbly well; nobody got lost and it was good to be encouraged at various stages of the race and to be supplied with water.
Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me for the Lourdes fund. If anybody would like to still donate to the fund, please contact Mrs McGoff, my PA at the College.
M L Barber