Today is the big day.
I'm running my first public half marathon (the Great Bristol Run).
2 years 3 weeks ago, I was 4 stone heavier, and couldn't run for even 1 minute.
My then 2yo DS ran away from me in the supermarket and I couldn't catch him. A random shopper had to get him.
I vowed that I had to change. That Friday (Coronation Day) I got up really early, put on a pair of walking sandals, and did the first Couch 2 5K.
It nearly killed me. That night I had a huge nosebleed, the next day I could hardly walk.
But, I persisted. Purchased trainers, got to the end of C25K, and could run for 30 mins, but nowhere near 5k.
Started an exercise class over the winter, and last spring, re-did C25K.
Completed my first 5K public run.
Started to push a bit harder, and by the end of last summer, I could run 10k without stopping.
This winter, I actually kept up with running, and in January, I first hit 15k
Last month, I did my first sub-30 min 5k.
Last month, I ran the full half marathon distance (21.1k). I plug myself into my music, and run to give my mind time to think and process.
Today, I am facing my demons, and running this with other people. I don't know the course, I never run with anyone else around me. It's going to be hot and noisy. I'm worried about getting there, and pacing myself, and how much water to drink.
But,
I'm so proud of how far I have come. From 1min to 2h 30min (at least) non-stop running. I feel healthier sexier and happier.
My DC are coming to cheer me on. I want to make them proud of me.