After my Loch Ness ‘I’m never doing another marathon’ moment, I have of course done another marathon. Last year I had quite severe problems with my Achilles, but the gym sessions paid off eventually and although it twinges from time to time, I can run more normally again. I signed up for more coaching from Jenny Bushell, and it was brilliant to have her encouragement, wisdom and support.
I did the Endurancelife Dorset half marathon back in 2017 and have entered a few of their races since then, but never managed to make the start line again. Fortunately they let you move your place from race to race very flexibly. I loved Dorset, even though it was incredibly hilly, because it was such a friendly race on a well marked route through gorgeous countryside. After Loch Ness, I accepted that my fastest marathons were well behind me, and so chose the Endurancelife Suffolk marathon as my first trail race. Mandy, my sister, did the half, and my friend Jill did her first ever 10k.
The race starts in Dunwich, and goes through the most amazing landscape – through forests, on the beach, along a dyke, across heaths, along the back of RSPB Minsmere, through villages and nature reserves. The half marathoners set off after us, but then the routes combine so there were always plenty of people around. I found it hard, as always, after about 20 miles when there was a fair amount of walking, and finished the route in around 4 hours and 48 minutes. I was so happy to see Mandy at the end with a welcome cup of tea! But I was delighted to come first in my age category and ninth woman overall which is not too shabby. I’ve signed up for the half again next year and will be back with some friends.
Run for your life 