I have completed the Yorkshire Marathon 8 times now. I like it because it is local, but it is a long day. Cars are parked at Ellington Airfield and a stream of buses take runners and supporters to the University and the race village.
The forecast today was not favourable. I packed plenty of clothes.
Timetable for the day. I was due to catch a bus between 07:30 and 08:00 and the race instructions said to aim to be at the airfield half an hour before your bus. My alarm went off at 5 after a poor nights sleep due to the worry that the alarm wont go off, or wake me and because I have had an annoying had cold since Friday am. I set off just after 06:00. I was surprised that the sat nav took me past Monks Cross. However, this meant I was not on the A64 long. At the lights for the Hull roundabout, I filtered into the traffic queue. It was short lived and the traffic opened up on Elvington Lane until the next queue, just after York Maze. Again the traffic eased up as we entered the airfield where we drove the long way round before parking. I got my kit and tried to remember where the van was as I joined the bus queue. This went down quickly and I was soon on a bus, on my way to the race village at the university.
It was already busy when I got there, so I made for the portable loos and joined a queue. It was a short queue but took a long time to get to be my turn. I then went into the hall, sat in a corner, ate some breakfast and drank lucozade. I decided to take my light jacket and visor with me for if I got cold or the rain was too heavy. At 08:45 I took my bag to the bag drop and headed to the race start.
More queues. This time to cross the bridge.
The rain was starting but just spitting at the moment.
The autumn colours brightened a dull day.
I joined the loo queue before the race start. In the past these loos are not to busy, today however, they were mega busy and people did not seem to be in a hurry to come out.I heard the race warm up and there were still 6 people ahead of me. It was 09:15 and the race was to start in 15 mins.
Eventually it was my turn, in and out as quick as possible and then to get into the start pen.
I had to work my way through the other runners waiting from the 7 hour marker to the 4 hour 30 marker.
I was in place with 3 minutes to spare.
The race was started by the Town Cryer and then it was a long walk to cross the Matt. The 4:30 markers had got quite a bit ahead of me. I was running well, working hard but making good progress, I went through half marathon at around 2 hours 15. I headed to Stamford Bridge, the first out and back. I quite like these sections. Also I generally feel that from half way, I’m on the way back. Just before 15 miles, my left lower leg on the outside started to spasm and try to cramp. I tried to slow and run through it, but it got worse and I worried that I would do a damage if I pushed it and reluctantly started to walk. The weather worsened and I put on my jacket and visor. After a few minutes I tried to run, but my leg had other ideas, i was walking quickly, but frustrated. After a couple more attempts I managed a slow jog to the feed station, where I had some Hight 5 isotonic drink. I walked jogged the next couple of miles. I was. Frustrated as the 4:45 pacers sailed past but finally my leg settled and I got going again, but I was chilled and stiff so could not retain my previous pace, so settled in to 10 km of a battle of wills between head and legs, The miles ticked by as I chatted to others who were also having a internal battle. I was surprised at 40 km to see 4 hours 45 on the clock by thee timing mat. Quick maths, 2 km in 14 minutes was doable. Plus I had no idea how long it had taken to cross the line at the start. I cracked on and pushed out the last mile and a bit. I was surprised and so happy to have the Cunningham cheer crew on the final run in, gave me a massive boost. Tracey had been supporting all day and Martin and Harriet ran the 10 mile and Marty the Marathon. I was so grateful for them hanging around on such a grim day.
At long last, I could stop. Everything ached, I was wiped out. I stopped my watch and I had managed under 5 hours. Even though it hadn’t gone to plan I had pushed through my first marathon as a 58 year old.
The medal weighed heaven around my neck. Hard earned.
The wind had now calmed and the sun had chased the rain clouds away.
I collected my bag, covered my soaking clothes with my jacket and soon warmed up. The queue was massive, so I went for coffee and to get my medal engraved with my time. I met Matt and Harriet in the baggage area. Both beaming after running great times, it was Harriet’s first 10 mile and Marty’s first marathon. I am sure they will do many more.
4253/5335 finishers
1031/1583Female
32/69 FV55
I queued for the bus. Getting off in Elvington was emotional. My legs were stiff as boards. The bright autumn sun was low in the sky and blinding made it look like a scene from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It was hard to find the van in the massive car park.
I found my van and had some food and water before setting off home. I soon found myself in yet another queue, this time to get on to the A64 and set off home.
It was a tough day for me at York this year, but I still really like this marathon and highly recommend it. It’s well organised and well supported.
