Race report by Greg:
My First Marathon yesterday. Started really well. Things began to slip at 17 mile marker. My heart sank when the 4hr pacer went past. I managed to keep with it for a while but i couldn’t keep it going. My first encounter with the dreaded wall. Definitely the hardest run to date. Massive thanks to Mel and Neil for the lift and the beer after. She gave me lots of advice and settled my nerves on the start line . I Managed to stay with her until Mile 3 and then had Janet and Gareth in my head saying ” slow down Greg Mels in another league , pace yourself”. Running through Deansgate with Tina Turner belting out simply the best will live with me for ever.
Had amazing support from Lostock, Firstly Paul letting me borrow his trainer’s. They were amazing and definitely helped. The cycling team came over and gave me a cheer around old Trafford.
Ian and Janet Johnson were next spotted twice. Ian running with me giving me perfectly cut jam buttys for a boost
Mile 18 and I was in a bad way. I kept stopping and coughing even choking on the water. It was so painful to try and start running again .
The crowds were incredible in cheering me on, all shouting my name. Mile 23 and my mum appeared with Jelly babies and said “come on you can do this” . Final 500m felt like a lifetime. Seeing Gaz from Lostock at the finish line was a welcome sight.
Definitely a tear jerker writing all this . Everyone has been Brilliant in congratulating me. 4.35 HR wasn’t the time I wanted but thinking what I’ve done in the last month accomplishing the Haworth Hobble ultra and a road Marathon with injuries and the worst cough ever. I’ve done pretty good.
Facebook memories recently brought up my first trail run two years ago . I’ve come a long way and achieved so much.
Thanks everyone especially Lostock. You mean everything to me . All the messages , love and support are heart warming.
Last shout before I take more tablets 😂 is to one Amazing lady Janet Rhodes. She’s the best coach / running partner/ friend ever . Truly Thankful .I’m honoured to call her my friend. All the training runs we’ve Done together and the Support. She even had to work in the morning and then cycled to try and cheer me on unfortunately I missed her and Alan.
I have learned lots from this . More training and fitness is definitely needed. I can and will beat the wall . Watch this space.
