Sandbach Striders

On Sunday four striders braved the hot blistering sun to take part in the Potts Arf

Martin, Liz and Heather pose with medals.Wot no Terry ?!?

Marathon. As I approached the first mile, memories of 2006 came flooding back. 

It was after that race I remember saying “I’d never do this one again!!!!”  

When I got to mile 4 I realised why I had said it. The hill seemed to go on forever. I decided I’d do a 9 minute pace and not kill myself especially as I had a niggly sharp pain in my right hip which I put down to old age. I soldiered on and put the pain to the back of my mind.  Just as I was approaching mile 5, Vic (F) runner came flying past me with a sign on his back saying he was the Lead Pacer for a sub 2 hour marathon.  So… I decided to try and stay with him and the group of (F) runners.   

No joy, I lost him at 7 miles and Terry was a blur in the distance. I then played mind games and decided I’d go for at least 2 hrs 10 minutes. I settled into a decent pace until I got past the 10 miler marker and approach the Beswick pub, my heart sank as I saw another ruddy hill.   At this point my leg was aching so I tried shifting the weight on to my left leg and gritted my teeth.  At 12 miles my leg gave way from under me and I really just concentrated on finishing the race.  I met up with a Trentham runner, well he was more of an extremely fast walker who told me to dig in and take it easy with the leg. Bless him. Janet from the South Cheshire Harriers told me I only had a mile to go so I went for it.  

At the top looking good before leg went haywire!

I finally finished the race in a horrible time of 2 hours 20 minutes. My worse ever time for a half marathon, but hey-ho I was so glad to see my fellow Striders cheer me on over the line. A big thanks to Evonne for the post race massage. I can walk better today. Will I do the Potts again? A resounding NO. Don’t even talk me into it please.

For more information visit the Potters 'Arf website.

Liz