Apperley Quarter Marathon

So I'd done the half, and the aftermath was a bit of an anticlimax...all that build up and then it's over. I decided I needed to enter another event. Every time I've driven to Tewkesbury recently I've seen banners promoting the Apperley Quarter Marathon, and even though it was taking place only 6 days after the half, I decided I was going to do it. After all, it was only 6.5 miles, nothing compared to the 13 I'd done last weekend, should be easy, right? WRONG!!!

To start with, I had to go on my own as Wayne was working and his mum was looking after the kids. I felt a bit lonely rocking up by myself when everyone else seemed to be in big groups. But anyway, I collected my number, made multiple trips to the portaloos (notice a theme?!) and soon it was time to assemble at the starting line. We ran through the village and down a hill to the river - all nice and easy so far. However, the next 4 miles or so were off road, running through fields and then along the riverbank to Deerhurst. I found this really hard going - it was quite bumpy, and felt a lot different to running on a road. It seemed to take all my energy just trying not to turn my ankle or fall over, and I knew my pace was rubbish.

We then ran through Odda's Chapel and back onto the road to Apperley for the last couple of miles. However, this involved going up a huge, never ending, steep hill, and bloody hell it was hard! I somehow managed to keep running, and even overtook quite a few people who were walking, and eventually made it to the top. Then it was a short run back to the cricket club for the finish. I did it in 1 hour 13 mins, which on paper is really rubbish for 6.5 miles, but given the terrain and the hills, not too bad I suppose, and I wasn't last!

So, two races in a week, covering almost 20 miles and now I think it's time for a rest! We're going on holiday on Friday so I'm definitely going to give my legs a week off!