EDINBURGH-NORTH BERWICK 20mile ROAD RACE
11.00 Saturday 4th May 2013
Really not good to set off fast; I can almost get away with it during a Parkrun, feel little uncomfortable for the rest of a 10k, but it is sheer lunacy when attempting a 20 miler... like 2012 I'd had a truly awaful night's sleep and hoped that somehow I'd again be able to blag it. Wrong.
As I ran past Dr LD at under a mile I felt good. The sun was out, there was a nice breeze and the finish near the Law was shimmering away across the sea some 19 miles away. The first and second miles were too fast; both 7.30s and I was melting in the sun. Stupidity had set in and why I allowed myself to believe that I'd better my Trimpell 20 time by simply turning up, striding out and smiling.
Around Musselburgh racecourse and towards Cockenzie power station I started to feel sick. I'd thumped out a sub-40 first 5 miles and now I was going to suffer. I remember being cheered by my older brother Scott who then cycled along side me at Port Seton. He was drinking a coffee and all I needed was water. I should've been thankful for the support, but could only focus on the lack of consideration at my selfish needs.
I tried to get an energy gel and water down at 10 miles but just felt worse. The bends between Longniddry-Aberlady should've been a pleasant and rewarding stretch with fine views and good surfaces; I just remember looking down at the tarmac 3 metres ahead as runners started to pass. I trudged through Aberlady main street and filed round the bend and towards the 14 mile water station. I stopped for a gulp and a brief chat with Dr LD and my brother... I almost stopped for good, though. My first DNF eeek!
I proper stopped moving mind once I'd pulled up the mighty 150ft rise over the next mile to Quarry corner; sat down on the grass, drank a salt energy drink and took some deep breathes. Not even the sight of HELP Paddy McDonald got me to my feet. I sat here for 4-5 mins then glanced to my left... the sight fo the might Law seemed to draw me on.
Mental games and short term goals. First to Gullane. Tick. Through Gullane. Tick. To the Archerfield estate entrance. Tick. I felt bit better heading towards Dirleton. And some good support from the family at the top of the wee hill. I tucked along side two other runners who were also feeling the strain. We each cajoled one another to the drinks station at Ferrygate. Only 1.5 miles to the finish.
The broken footpath along Dirleton Avenue was not kind. No signs of cramp like 2012 though. My legs were heavy and my head was rolling as I pounded down into North Berwick. I almost fell down Station Hill and on to the links as a small gathering of family and friends cheered me to the finish. I looked at my watch for the first time since 15 miles and nearly cried as it read over 3 hours at the finish line. Still, it was the finish line and I wasn't left licking wounds and wondering why I had DNF'd.
Huge thanks to Dr LD and my older brother for their support. I'll be back to break the back of a 2.40 or maybe a 2.30...
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