So here's my run down and analysis of the wonderful advantages of running a half marathon.
1. My feet have been given the opportunity to grow an entirely new skin.
Thanks to a rubbish first pair of trainers twinned with not being able to let my feet recover sufficiently, my feet are now regrowing a brand new layer of skin so despite looking like I put them in a shredder now soon the skin will be fresh and new like a baby's. Obviously.
2. I feel so close to members of the human race
One of the best parts was working out who you were running the same speed as. So many thanks to the lady running in memory of Janet, the woman in the red BHF tshirt, and the bloke with "Facebook Bosh" on the back of his shirt - you guys kept me going and I wonder if you noticed me. And a big wave into the distance for the 1700 people who sprinted ahead of me without a care in the world. Also the women with jelly babies and the adorable children holding out their hands for high fives were wonderfully motivating.
On the other hand - its amazing how much anger you can build towards the end of the race, presumably correlative to the general body pain. From 10 miles onwards people tell you "It's the last bit now" when it most definitely is not. And as for the casual pedestrians walking with their push chairs in the middle of path on the last stretch - there is a special place in hell for you.
3. I'll be fine if there is a zombie/alien apocalypse.
As long as the aliens/zombies walk at a steady pace and can't run for a long period of time - I can get a full 13.1 miles away from those mofos. #bringit
4. I am ridiculously aware of my knees
The part where they started to fizz around mile 11? That was a pure joy. I really feel like we are at one.
5. I can drink from a cup and run
Oh no wait, I can't. No one can. It's impossible.
6. I've managed to
Haven't shifted a gram up or down in 2 months (and I've been running about 16 miles a week). Makes it all worth it. Naaaaaat.
7. That said, my legs have got skinnier
Or maybe my leggings were washed on the wrong setting. Genuinely can't be sure.
8. Talking of new skin. My armpits need some.
Serious chafing. NOBODY WARNED ME.
9. The absolute joy of finishing.
For a good 90 minutes after finishing I was only capable of thinking one thing at a time. My first thought after finishing was "Oh heck, I don't know where anyone is, I hope someone comes to find me" My second thought was to grab an unsuspecting woman and demand to know the time. The happiness came when I realised I had got in in 2.5 hours. The happiness continued when Rob took my shoes off and promised me pizza. Beyond that, I had very little reaction to anything.
10. Most importantly, I raised an incredible £538 for Haven's Hospice - and some still to come in from people waiting on paydays.
Thank you so much to everyone for the messages of luck and the donations, it was a great experience and in the cold light of a week later, I probably will do the same next year. I think this is a little like childbirth.
www.justgiving.com/jefferydoesahalfmarathon
