Leeds Half Marathon

The day had come for both Jenny & I to meet our maker.. & we weren't ready.

We assembled with 7,000 other eager runners in the centre of Leeds, excitedly awaiting the starting klaxon, knowing not quite what was in front of us. At this point, Marlene's kind offer of bacon sandwich's this morning seemed a distant, fading memory. BANG! And we're away. Well, as much as you can be away in a crowd of people. But once we'd reached running speed, we were very much away!

It was a tough course, a lot more hilly than we'd expected, making it quite a slog for the both of us for large parts. We both quickly decided that time wasn't the main goal, finishing it was, & so through gritted teeth, those long uphill stretches, a monstrous amount of determination, & a bloody nose (Jenny was an unexpected victim at about 8 miles), we crossed the line. Jenny clocked 2:49 & I managed 1:47. We're very pleased with our achievement & thrilled that it's over.

Jenny seemed very with it & not at all green when she crossed the line. I on the other hand stumbled around drunkenly, head & legs thinking independently & in complete confusion, making a beeline for Lucozade/ water/ the loo's. The Toffee Crisp in my finisher's bag was a welcome sugar rush!

In the fallout, we retreated to Jenny's sister Emily &, her husband, Dan's place in North Yorkshire for rest, recuperation & a damn fine bath. And relax...