So as many of you know, I’m training to run the London Marathon in April 2019 and as part of my training I have committed to running some races along the way!
First up was the Great South Run in Portsmouth!
Portsmouth has always had a special place in my heart as it was where I went to University, I love the British seaside and a few of my best friends still live down there!! So I was SUPER excited! 2 of my wonderful friends that inspired me to enter next year’s marathon, were running it, alongside my other 2 best friends from university – so it was lovely to be in it together, give each other a starters hug and talk all things running.
I geared up in my CEP calf socks, normal running attire, Brooks trainers and wore my new Polar M430 to track my pace, HR and overall time. When we got to the start line there were SO many people. Everyone had a massive smile and was warming up to high energy music and I couldn’t wait to get started.
I kept my jacket on until the last minute as I’m always cold, went for one last nervous wee and then joined the starting wave after wishing all my friends good luck. I had a HUGE smile on my face- it was sunny, the energy was awesome and I was doing my first ever 10 miles!!!
On Your Marks, Get Set, GO!!
As the gun went – it took a few mins to get over the start line where I hit start on my watch and then we were OFF ! Crowds were cheering! Drums were drumming! People were cheering my name as it was on my number which was super motivating. We started down by the Portsmouth Pier, went through the Navy Base with military bands playing and the admiral waving us through. We then headed down through the university side of Portsmouth which brought back lots of amazing memories and plenty of cheering from the crowds!!
We headed along the seafront, past Canoe Lake and through the other side of town which was amazing – people had music blasting from their houses and big speakers! So fun! Before running past the Royal Marines Museum and onto the seafront for the final 3 miles. My mile splits were consistent at 07:30 mins and I felt good !! As the miles were closing in towards 10 – the pace felt harder to maintain than at the start but I felt good ….so I started to pick it up. Pushing for that bit more.
The Final Push
I looked at my watch and noticed that if I put in a bit more effort I could maybe achieve the amazing time of 1 hour 15 mins for my first 10 miles – I was so excited, I thought OK yes – let’s do this Charlotte! I gritted my teeth and started to push the pace. I saw 2 of my best friends running the other way and they cheered and pushed me on – this gave me a massive boost.
To me, I was flying down the last bit ….and at last seeing the finish line in the distance so I dug in and starting pushing for home where my boyfriend shouted my name and encouraged me to smash it all the way through the line.
The Aftermath
All the training runs have been worth it, I feel confident moving towards the marathon and longer distances now and know my training is working – getting me stronger, consistent and more miles in my legs! I got an awesome medal, t-shirt and finishers pack with plenty of goodies from Great South Run and then headed to the stretch zone for celebrations, carbs and hugs. All of my friends smashed it too! We had an amazing time carb loading and clinking cups at @SouthseaVillage afterward!
