Brighton Half Marathon 2014.....

I made my way to Brighton in the pouring rain.  Thinking I must be mad to be doing this!!
That evening I had my favourite Pre Dinner at Pizza Express (this has become a superstition of mine!)

Before I went to bed I layed all my gear out ready for the morning.  Note my chip is on the back of my number:-)

 

I woke up early in the morning to have my porridge and cup of tea. When I was ready, made my way to the start line. It was buzzing and awesome to have the sun shining for a change. When I went to put my music on it said battery low!!! Not a very good start to a race and there was me thinking I was organised but obviously not :-)

Ready to go

The gun went and off we all went. All I could think about in the beginning was what a lovely day for a run but after about 2 miles I started feeling tired and heavy. Not a very good sign. The next 2 were the same and I was feeling very hot as I had over dressed. It seriously felt like a summers day. When I got near to mile 5 I was ready to stop. My body was tired and I was constantly fighting the demons in my head. Thankfully I didn't and instead put my music on to Katy Perry's track - Firework, it saved me. As soon as I was listening to my music, everything changed and I just got into my running zone - so thank you Katy:-)

At mile 10 we were heading back to the finish line along the seafront. My legs were starting to tire but I thought just 3 more miles Kerry - keep going. I could also really start to feel a blister on the back of my heel which was sore. The crowds were quite big at this point, lining the sea front and the support really helped spur me on. . When I saw the finish line getting closer I thought just keep pushing and then I can have my post race Nando's.
I was very pleased to finish with a time of 1:37:51. Beating my time from last year which is always good.
I love this race in Brighton, its always so well organised and is a great course. Definately one to recommend for anyone wishing to do their first half marathon, you won't be disappointed!

Happy to be finished

 

When I got back to the hotel room, I put my feet up on the bed and then saw blood and was thinking where has that come from? I looked at my feet and low and behold,  it was the the blister on the back of my heel. Look at the state of my trainer!!

I had to go to Nando's for lunch to celebrate!!