To feel proud, terrified and excited?

[WeMeetInFairIthilien]

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.

Ahhhhh have an amazing time OP, you deserve all those cheers! You are doing something remarkable today and your kids will be so proud!

I did notice the Brooks trainers. Nice. I used to think that trainers didn’t make much difference but they really do. On my third pair of Brooks. Enjoy every moment, OP

Wow, well done you are an inspiration! I started couch to 5k this week having never run before in my life, I’m doing my final week one run today and it’s so bloody hard! Can’t imagine I’ll ever get to where you are, but somewhere close would be great! Good luck, I’m sure you’ll be brilliant!

Fantastic, OP! Hope you have a brilliant run.

Good luck!! You've already achieved so much!

This is so inspiring OP! The messages on your trainers literally have me in tears!! Good luck today. You’ll smash it!! X

And that is it. What I'm aiming for.

The finish line!!

Absolutely brilliant, you should be very proud of yourself. Good luck today!

You're awesome. What a huge achievement, to have reached this stage. Have a fabulous race today.

Have a wonderful run, OP! What you've achieved is amazing.

Couch to 5k has been brilliant for me. I did it last summer and it's worked miracles. I actually enjoy running now and, one year on, I still run at least 3 times a week, and do parkrun etc. I don't go much beyond 5k, though. You've inspired me to push myself to go further!

T -60 mins

3 waves to head off before me.

Found the warm up zone, wave meeting point, and most importantly the toilets!

Good luck!! You will do great!!

Just a word of warning...this might be your first but I bet it's not your last. You may as well just pay all of your salary to the race organisers from now on 🤣🤣

Congratulations and well done on your achievements. 😊

I used to be a runner (can no longer due to back pain) and ran many races. You will absolutely LOVE the atmosphere.

Couple of tips, don't get carried away with the crowds of other runners round you. Its so easy to go off out too fast and then you will be begin to suffer from about mile 8 and the rest of the race will be really difficult as its hard to come back from the fatigue. Stick to your own pace, no matter how tempted you are to keep up with others around you.

Drink little and very often, take on water or energy drinks from every station, even if you just take a few sips. My first half marathon I felt really poorly afterwards as I had not replaced energy. A few sips from energy drinks, if any are on offer, will just keep your levels topped up.

Lastly, enjoy it!! I would recommend running without your music so you can take in the atmosphere and most of the time there is music on route.

Have a great time and enjoy yourself. I envy you and wish so much I could still take part in events such as this.

Good Luck. I look forward to hearing how you get on.

Go you OP - enjoy your day. Watch out for the heat.

😂I came back from my first race and signed straight up for another one.

Incredible. Well done.
What an achievement.
Amazing.

Thank you!
@andweallloveclover

I have a hydration pack, with isotonic mix in it, plus sports gels.

Bone conduction headphones, so can hear everything + my music, which is easy to pause.

This is happening!

You’ve got this @WeMeetInFairIthilien !

I’ve run many races/distances, including marathons, but every step since having my baby is 20 times harder than it used to be, and I’m nowhere near ready to do another half yet, but your post has made me really want to get one booked in so I can start to aim for it.

Good luck, and enjoy!

Well done OP and good luck.

I'm actually jealous, I have started couch to 5k 3 times in the hope of being you but each time stalled at week 7 and developed an injury. I know how hard it is just to get that far when overweight.

Enjoy your well deserved healthy body and bask in your glory today.

Good luck today and congratulations (you're already a winner!). 🎖

So inspiring. Huge good luck on this beautiful sunny day!

Wow! Huge achievements! Well done

You go girl.

I did my first half a few months ago. I was so scared and anxious about it I couldn’t sleep. On the day I really enjoyed it.

Like you said, you’ve already done it, you’ve smashed the training and 21k. Thus is just the celebration.

I can’t wait to hear all about it later.

You should be really proud of yourself and the great example you’ve set your DC. They’ll be so proud to have you as their mum.

Bloody hell, I’m tearing up 🥲

You are amazing and a great inspiration to us all. You will smash it

Take headphones but actually I found the vibe and positivity of the people around me enough to motivate and keep me going.

We will be back later for the debrief.