Run > Race

Tanners 30 - managed to not get in too much of a state about this one... until I got to start and everyone was pouring over maps on the wall and adding all sorts of notation to the maps and route description we'd just been given. I couldn't even work out what was whate so decided to take deep breaths and try not to panic instead I even went back and hid in the car for a bit so I didnt have too see them. Heather found me hiding at the back at the start and pulled me forward to run with her and Anna but I lost them in the crowd early on. Legs felt v bad early on and had to take pain killers 2 miles in. At 5 miles I took a really nasty tumble and grazed hands arms and legs. Someone picked me up and made sure I was ok and got me running again and then I did the exact esame thing a mile and a half later, I was very shaken and everybody was worried because they thought I was dizzy and dehydrated. I wasn't but it really felt like it wasn't going to be my day. I was a bit teary for a bit but pulled myself together and decided I better start to try to enjoy it. Easier said than done as my back ached, I'd packed a lot of drink so rucksack was very heavy but I did need it all. There was so much climbing too just up and down massive hills in the blazing sun all day. By about 10 miles the field had spread out and there was often no one infront so following the directions wastime consuming, did better than expected though and only went wrong twice and quickly realised and stayed remarkably calm probably because everything hurt so much I was concentrating on that instead. No one had passed me after about 5 miles but at 20 miles I was faffing at a checkpoint trying to find a plaster for another runner who had blisters when a girl ran up and said she'd been trying to catch me for the last ten miles, this was the kick up the bum I needed as I'd been ambling just trying to get through it till that point. I put my foot down and ran as hard as I could for the next mile or so and the girl stayed with me, a bit longer and I managed to drop her I kept the pace up till i was out of sight then nearly collapsed! Now my racing head was on and I started to pick off lots of runners who were walking. It was very hot in the sun and most people including me seemed to be suffering and the steep hills were relentless. I walked all the steep hills but managed to keep up a decent run on all the rest and no one over took me but never have I been so glad to see the finish of a race. Every other long offroad event i've done I've felt quite strong at the end and could always have gone on, today I couldn't have run another step. Will definitely have to sack off Beale Park 10k on Wednesday to recover in time for 3 Peaks, so if anyone wants my number shout, I'll come and support you!