Well I did it, I completed my first ever road race. I know it wasn't many miles but it was such good fun.
We started off quite near the front, which is what I didn't want to do. Set off at a good pace but was unsure what pace it was as there were so many people. I concentrated on my breathing and was guided by that to tell me if I was pushing it too hard.
It was the first time I have run with a group and even managed to master the art of grabbing a cup of water, sloshing it in the vicinity of my mouth, throwing it into the verge and onwards.
I paced myself well on the hills, little pixie steps, all the time concentating on my breathing.
I was amazed when mile 5 came up.
At the start we were passed by a few people and then we fell into a pace, passing lots of other folks. By mile 3 I was only passed by one other person and then caught him up at the end, what a wonderful feeling.
I did think that I was not competitive but I might have changed my view of that after this morning. I set myself a goal, I completed it, I had a smile on my face at the end.
At mile six I upped the pace even more, got up the last hill and then sprinted to the finish, my face was burning, I felt a bit sick, actually I felt a lot sick. I crossed the line at either 52.55 or 53.55, can't remember which one as I was just so pleased to get to the finish.
I did chat to some people on the way and was silly once or twice.
My thanks have to go to Simon for encouraging me to enter, for running with me and for inspiring me
I have walked the dogs and now must grab a shower and give my legs a post run massage.
I have the biggest smile ever.
I never thought I would run a race but I did, my mum would be so proud of me.
Edit: The marshalls and race organisers were fantastic. So too was the guy on the blue Ribble who rode along and cheered everyone on.
