I Just Ran My First Marathon... And I Nailed It!

On Sunday I ran the Manchester marathon and it was amazing. It was my first marathon and I'd only done one half marathon before so I wasn't really sure what to expect. Ok, I expected pain, pain and more pain.

Yup, pretty much what I was expecting!

The weekend started on Saturday morning when I met some of my running club Pegasus at Cardiff Central train station. I had been packing on and off during the week and may have taken a few too many items.

This is called 'panic packing'!

It wouldn't be a Pegs outing without a selfie so we all squished together.

#PegsOnTour!

I got to the hotel and unpacked then laid out all my running kit for the morning.

I'm ready!

We all got together the night before the marathon to carb load and have a giggle. Sarah arranged for us to eat at Dom Marco and it was fantastic. I've never seen a table full of people drink so much water!

Cheers!

After the meal we all went back to our hotels for an early night. I didn't have the best nights sleep which was to be expected but I woke up feeling confident and excited about the race.

A quick breakfast of porridge and a banana then it was time to get my kit on and jump in a taxi.

Let's go!!

After 3 trips to the toilet and dropping my bag off, it was time to go to the start line. The nerves started to creep in a little bit but I was feeling great and couldn't wait for the marathon to start.

Katie and I looked around us and noticed that spectators were stood in the starting area with the runners, there weren't any marshals around to keep them out of it and for some reason they thought this was acceptable behaviour. I was later told that spectators where also using the portaloos and causing runners to be late for the start - this was also happening along the course and runners were having to wait longer than necessary during their race.

Starting line selfie with Katie

The race started and we crossed the timing mats so started our Garmins. Katie and I kept the pace quite slow so that we wouldn't get carried away and ruin our race in the first mile. It turns out I had more to worry about than my pace. About 1/2 mile in I felt my foot go into a hole in the road and I couldn't get it out quick enough. Splat! I landed on my knees, my hands and also smacked my right shoulder on the ground. Katie pulled me up and we carried on but my hands and knees were stinging like crazy. My left hand was bleeding and I didn't want to look at my knees, my running tights weren't torn so I guessed that my knees were ok. It knocked my confidence for a bit but I knew I had to ignore it and keep going.

Mile 4 and I was photobombed by a Welsh flag!

I kept my pace comfortable and enjoyed the amazing support from the marshals and spectators. Having my name on my running vest was the best decision and about 50% even got my name right. I'm used to being called Sarah instead of Sara so answered with a "whoop whoop" and kept on running.

The miles ticked away but by mile 11 I was feeling tired and my knees were killing me, the finish seemed so far away. I kept plodding on and chatted with a few runners then we were soon at the halfway point. I like the halfway point of any run as I know I'm on my way to the end and I can start counting down the miles.

13.1 miles down... only 13.1 miles to go!

Just after mile 14 I stopped to say hello to Adele, her hubby, their daughter and their 2 border terriers. I met Adele on Twitter, she's also a runner and a big inspiration to me so getting to meet her was brilliant.

Runfie with my run-spiration!

Then it was time to crack on and tick off some more miles. This was the hardest part of the run for me, miles 15-19 seemed to drag and it didn't help that the 19 mile marker was actually at 19.6 miles - a lot of runners freaked out at this point but we pulled ourselves together and stomped on.

A lot of marathon runners say that somewhere between miles 20-23 is when you 'hit the wall' so I was expecting the worst but it never came. After mile 20 I seemed to kick it up a gear and loved the fact that I'd never run this far before. My training runs had stopped at 20 miles so when I hit 20.01 miles I got really excited and the adrenalin was flowing. My knees were still hurting a lot from the fall but even that didn't dampen my fun. I loved mile 20 onwards!

Mile 23 and feeling good!!

Mile 23.1 meant that I was only a parkrun away! Just 5K to go. 3.1 little miles and it would be over and I would be a marathon finisher. 

We came up to a bend in the road and a marshal shouted out that we would be able to see the finish as soon as we got around the corner. Then it happened... I could see the finish in the distance!

I CAN SEE THE FINISH!!

The crowd seemed to be exploding with excitement for us. My name was being called out every few seconds and their amazing support drove me forward.

I sprinted to the finish line and threw my hands in the air!! I had done it. I had finished my first marathon!

I DID IT!!

I crossed the finish line 5 hours 18 minutes and 40 seconds after I crossed the starting line.

My precious...

I picked up my medal and my goody bag then went to find the rest of the Pegs. I'd been messaging them during the last few miles so knew they were in the queue to collect their bags, they'd told me the queue was massive but I hadn't quite realised how long it was. I finally found the end and joined it. It moved really slowly and soon we were being told that runners who had just reached the front had been waiting for over 2 hours. 2 HOURS! I needed food and warm clothes but had to settle for a bag of popcorn from my goody bag and a space blanket which I wore like a cape.

I chatted with a few fellow runners to pass the time and eventually I was getting closer to the front and my Pegs were in sight. They had just collected their bags and came over to keep me company. We all congratulated each other and swapped marathon stories. When my bag was back with me (after only an hour of waiting!) we had a quick group photo.

Very tired and happy Pegs

We went to Hotel Football opposite Old Trafford stadium for a celebratory drink.

We did it!

Now the contents of a goody bag are usually quite normal but now and again they throw in something a bit strange...

I was nearly tempted to suck on the spaghetti

during the baggage queue!

After a quick drink it was time to go back to the hotel to wash off the road and relax. During miles 15-19 I kept thinking about how I was going to have a hot bath with a cuppa tea to rest my achy body. It was bliss!

I showered to get the road off me first!

We all met up again for a meal but everyone was so tired that we weren't out for long. I was exhausted but couldn't actually get to sleep. I laid on the bed and kept looking at my medal. I still can't quite believe that I've run a marathon.

I eventually put my medal on my spare pillow and went to sleep. Monday came and it was time to get the train home.

#PegsOnTour is nearly over!

Now I know what you're all thinking... what happened to your knees Sara? Well here they are; grazed, bruised and swollen but they still carried me 25.5 miles!

This was a few days after the marathon

And this is my pride and joy...

My first marathon medal!

Most runners follow a plan when training for an event and I had mine printed out and stuck to the fridge. Like most plans they are subject to change and mine changed on a pretty regular basis. There are lots of crossings out and amendments but it got me marathon ready. In total I ran 301 miles before the big day!

301 miles!!

Before I ran this marathon I had decided that I wouldn't run another one, not because it would be hard and a challenge but because it takes up a hell of a lot of your life. Well race day changed that, I realised what the sacrifices were for and it was so worth it!!

I want to thank everyone for their encouragement and support. There were times when I didn't think I could do another training run but a quick chat/message with my Besty or one of my Pegs and I was back on it. My family, my friends and my running family got me through this and I am so grateful, I know I couldn't have done this without you.

I also want to thank everyone who sponsored me. You helped me raise £443.04 (including gift aid) for Friends of the Dogs Wales and their gorgeous puppies who deserve to find their forever homes. If you didn't get chance to sponsor me then you can still do so here.

Training for a marathon while grieving for my lovely Dad was incredibly hard but it also gave me something to focus on, it gave me the distraction that I needed at a time when I didn't know how to move forward. Somehow I found a way, one step at a time, one tear at a time, one run at a time. 

Long Run Hell

On Saturday I did my first ever 20 mile run and it was horrendous. It seriously knocked my confidence to the point that I nearly pulled out of doing the Manchester marathon.

I started the morning with my usual light breakfast of a toasted wholemeal muffin with butter and Marmite followed by a banana a couple of hours before my run then I planned my 20 mile route. I knew it would be a tough run so thought I'd try to remember to take a photo at every mile as a way to tick them off and distract myself. I decided to start and finish at Roath Park so drove there and parked my car.

I'll never get tired of this place

The first mile was pretty good, my music was pumping and I was full of energy.

A tree at the end of mile 1

The 'take a photo at the end of every mile' thing didn't last long. Soon I was at Cardiff Bay and mile 5.

The start and finish of my first race as a Peg nearly a year ago

It was a bit of a gloomy day but Cardiff Barrage was still a gorgeous place to run.

(water) Taxi!!

Spring time in Cardiff is made even more beautiful by the daffodils that pop up all over the place.

Running through Cardiff on a Wales rugby match day is a great experience, everyone was so happy and I even got a few cheers to spur me on.

My future husband

Wish I'd been there to watch the match

During miles 12 - 14 my run started to get harder, uncomfortable and I was really struggling. By mile 15 I was sat on a bench sobbing. My whole body ached and I was questioning what I was doing. Why was I putting myself through this? Why did I think I could run a marathon? I cried and cried. I scrolled through my phone trying to decide who to call to come and take me home. I cried some more. I cried until I couldn't breathe.

This year has been the hardest of my life. A big part of me thinks I shouldn't have carried on training for a marathon, I should've made the decision to postpone it until I was ready. Losing my Dad knocked the wind out of me and I spend most of my time feeling sad and exhausted. Running was what I always turn to when life gets a bit tough but the last few weeks have been hell and training for a marathon has sucked the fun out of running for me.

The other part of me knows that Dad would want me to do it and to keep training. He sponsored me so I want to do it. I also want to do it for me, it was always going to feel like an amazing achievement to complete a marathon but to do it after what I've been through will make it so much more special.

I stopped crying and decided to carry on. I'd already run 15 miles so 5 more was do-able, I just had to try.

Mile 15

The last 5 miles are a bit of a blur. All I remember is getting back to Roath Park and having 1/2 a mile to go. I ran lamp post to lamp post, I kept my head down and I just slogged it out. Finally my Garmin beeped that I had reach mile 20. I had done it. I had run 20 miles in under 4 hours... just. I got in my car and I cried. I was relieved and I was sad. 

20 miles in 3:59:55!

I drove home, had a bath and some food then flaked out on the sofa. I was still feeling numb, sore and emotionally drained. I knew I was going to keep marathon training but the thought filled me with dread, it still does. I want to do it but I also want it over and done with.

I know that when my last long run is done on Friday and I start tapering then all this will be nearly forgotten and I'll start to get excited about the marathon again. I need to keep in mind the other reason why I'm doing this and that is to raise some money for all those poor dogs without their forever homes. I can't adopt them all so I want to raise as much as possible to help the amazing people at Friends of the Dogs Wales look after them.

My running vest for the big day!

So now I have to mentally prepare for my next and final 20 mile run otherwise it will be just as bad as this one was. I think the fact that it's my last long run before tapering and carb loading will help. I am so looking forward to the carb loading!!

Injury Strikes!

I'm injured! I can't run and I feel as though I'm losing my mind! Ok so that's probably a bit dramatic but running keeps me sane and I can't do it so feel as though I'm going insane.

Maybe I should start at the beginning. The Wednesday before Christmas I went for my usual club run with Pegasus and from the start I had a bit of pain along the side of my right foot. I told myself to man up and get on with it, that it was nothing and I could just run it off. We did 6 miles and I was in pain the whole time but I just kept going. I'm an idiot but an idiot that has learnt a hard lesson.

Yep, that's pretty much how I feel!

I spent from Christmas Eve to a couple of days ago not being able to walk, I just had to limp along. It felt better when I was on tiptoes but still hurt like hell. To say I was terrified about what damage I had done is an understatement, I obviously imagined the worst and let my mind go wild.

Today I went to physio at DTR in Cathays, Cardiff. They were highly recommended by a running buddy who suffered from the dreaded plantar fasciitis earlier this year and was fixed in time for the London Marathon. I was sat in the waiting room on the verge of tears. I have been training so hard for my marathon and the thought of not being fit enough to run it was all I could think about. Add on the days of frustration from not running and there I was, a near blubbering mess! This is my first running injury and I have no idea what to expect.

Ok so I wasn't this bad... jeez get a grip love!

Carolin took me into one of the bays and asked me what the problem was. I don't know how I didn't cry my eyes out but I kept my crazy together and explained what had happened. She poked and prodded my foot while I grimaced with the pain then said she suspected tendinitis and that we can get me all fixed up ready for my marathon! Yay! I could've kissed her! The relief was incredible.

She started the treatment by hooking me up to a machine that I will refer to as zappy as I can't remember it's actual name.

Here's zappy!!

Zappy made my foot feel warm and tingly, I was given some magazines and told to relax. After about 10-15 minutes (no idea really, I'm totally guessing!) Carolin came back and detached me then brought out this bad boy...

Will my foot get a tan?

I had 9 minutes of ultrasound on the tendons then Carolin poked and prodded some more. I'd taken my runners with me just in case and I'm glad I did. She examined them and noticed that part of the shoe along the side of my foot was ridged and had no give.

As soon as I put it back on, a really sharp pain shot through my foot. My runners and how they fit my feet have caused the damage so I can't wear them again, it's time to go runner shopping again!!

Ooooooooooooo runners!

Carolin taped me up and wants to see me again on Monday, I'm not allowed to exercise until she gives me the ok. I have to rest, ice and elevate it as much as possible.

Best colour tape ever!

So I am hugely relieved that this is fixable but still hugely frustrated that I can't run yet. I didn't realise just how much I rely on going for a run to clear my head and keep me grounded. Running is how I control my weight, I run so that I can eat what I want without the worry of piling on the pounds. It's Christmas and I have hardly indulged, in fact I've been told by a few different people that I've lost weight. The stress of not knowing what was wrong and my paranoia at my weight ballooning because I can't burn the calories off has left me with no appetite.

Running and training for my marathon is a massive part of me and my life. I plan everything around my running. I'm a runner and I can't run. I know I will heal and I'll be back out there with my running buddies soon so just need to keep myself busy and stay patient. Yeah, let's see how well that goes shall we?!

Run 26.2 Miles and Help The Puppies!

I have finally set up my fundraising page for Friends of the Dogs!

I know, right!

For those of you who haven't read my Marathon Madness and Puppy Dogs blog, I am running my first marathon in April 2016 and have decided to keep myself focussed by raising money for Friends of the Dogs.

Awwwwwwww!

I need all the help I can get, my training isn't going very well right now. Today's run started at 6am and it was raining that drizzly, soak-you-in-a-second kind of rain. I was miserable, cold, wet and wanted to quit before I reached the end of my road. I spent the whole run chanting "think of the puppy dogs... think of the puppy dogs" and it helped, I completed the run.

If you would like to help me raise as much money as possible then please go to https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/saramorgan4. Every penny helps and will be greatly appreciated.

Marathon Madness and Puppy Dogs!

Way back in April I entered the ballot for the London marathon after an amazing run with my club Pegasus. I hadn't even run a half marathon yet, or even more that 10K for that matter, but decided to do it anyway.

Yes I probably am!

I was 99% sure I wouldn't get a place as it's virtually impossible these day and I was right, I didn't get in. A lot of people found out by receiving one of 2 magazines, either the bumble bee for accepted or Spiderman for rejection. I received neither. Nope, I''m not worthy of a magazine apparently! Booooooooooooooooo!

I decided to say sod it to the London marathon and hello to the Manchester marathon on 10th April 2016! As it turns out, quite a lot of my Pegs didn't get into London either and are doing Manchester instead so it's going to be a club weekend away.

ROAD TRIP!!

I have already drafted a marathon training plan that has me running 4 times a week plus cross training once a week, I'll do either yoga or spin or both depending on how busy my week is.

I've also decided to raise money for charity and have chosen Friends of the Dogs (www.friendsofthedogs.org.uk). They work closely with Cardiff Dogs Home, local rescues and other animal welfare charities to help stray and abandoned dogs in Wales find their forever homes. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm crazy about dogs and wish I could rescue many more but I can't so want to raise money for them instead.

Awwwwwwww!

So this is where you come in kind people who read my blog! I shall be setting up a charity giving page in the next couple of weeks and will start to promote my fundraising. I will be eternally grateful if you can spare some pennies to help me raise money for this amazing charity. Your reward will be hearing me moan about my marathon training, how much it hurts and how hungry I am from now until 10th April 2016!

I shall keep you updated on my marathon training progress and how my fundraising is going. Any donation, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.