For this edition, we take a look at one of our founder members stepping up to the Half Marathon distance. Have a read of Roxy’s running story first….
My first half marathon by Roxanne Foster
Salisbury half marathon 1st Oct 17
This was my first half marathon, in true fashion I signed up with a goal of under 3 hours.However in August I realised my ankle was not enjoying long runs so I had to have 4 weeks off training. I then began to worry I would be keeping all the marshals from sitting down at 6pm for their Sunday roast! The thought did cross my mind to opt out but instead I decided even if I finished last I would still have finished.
Race day – I was so unbelievably nervous – what if I was the last, or worse I couldn’t complete it, however with a few friendly faces at the start we were off! Passing all the coffee shops was too tempting!! Why am I doing this?? Then I spotted the supporters cheering and soon believed I could do this!! The first lap was fairly enjoyable although I’ve never realised how long Netherhampton road is!!
As I approached the half way point 1hr 10mins in, I was on target for under 3 hours brilliant I thought I’m going to make it, at that point the winner was crossing the line which I thought was crazy!! Well done mate but I’ve got to go again so off I went I managed another few miles until things started to hurt around the 10mile point. My fingers were swollen and from the hips down felt like a tonne of bricks, my way through this was to talk to people who were feeling the same we reminded each other there were only 3 miles left.
From the 10 mile point I did attempt to run a few times but it just wasn’t happening so a power walk was the only option so off I went! It wasn’t long until I had caught up with the Help for Heroes bear there was no way I was being beaten by a man in a boiling hot costume. Luckily for me the bear had to stop on the final bit so I could over take!! The finish line was a relief!! It hurt and I experienced so many emotions on the route it was unreal, a constant battle of you can’t do this, yes you can keep going! If you think you can’t do it you can! I now have a time of 2.45 which is a time to beat but next time I will do more training!!