Arrived in Delhi 3 days before the marathon, landing in Delhi we'd heard so many stories press wise, and from people I had spoken to who had already gone to delhi, but I can honestly say I was amazed with the security, having armed guards and a designated lane for the Commonwealth Games traffic. Making all the normal traffic have to stop for us, meant no worries and no hanging about. one of the other fears we had was the mosqito's (denghi fever) so you can imagine you constantly think you have something crawling on you and you're forever scratching and swatting at imaginary flies. Once we had arrived at the games village we did actually get to see the games on the tv (in doha had no coverage), I was really happy to see my local team mate Emma Jackson run herself to a pb (well done Emma). I have to say the food hall was excellent so much food and lots of varieties to choose from, I'd stocked up on salads in doha so stuck with safe bets in delhi, pizza and pasta, did not want to risk any scares with food. Was still not sure on what marathon course we were running until the day before when we had a team meeting. We were told that there would be no spectators at all on the course. This did not really worry me too much as most of my training is run on my own. However it was great in barcelona when i had the support of my family and so many friends it does you the world of good. We all planned on getting up at 3 am to have breakfast together, as near to this time as we were running at 6.45am and the lads 6.30am, so it would be an early night for all of us. Unfortunately I saw every hour as the village was so noisy that night as the games had more or less finished and everyone was partying. To go alongside this I was sick! Sticking to Pizza and Pasta hadn't worked! Despite this I got dressed and went for breakfast and I felt a little better. My usual race day ritual is eat and then have a long soak in the bath, unfortunatley we only had showers, but i was determined to stay focused. Once we got led to the start we were watching the lads run on the big screen as we would predict it was pretty slow. We knew it would be hot and the humidity would be high, so no rushing off at the start. Before i knew it we were off. It was pretty easy, but my main problem was my stomach, I desperately wanted to go to the toilet and can honestly say i was looking everywhere to go..I got detached from the leading group just a little before 5k so here i was again running alone...at least this way i knew i could get my drinks with no problems. I managed to get through the first lap and then on the second lap, made a visit to the porta loo!! And again on the 3rd lap. Luckily after these 2 stops i was feeling a lot better. I was now focusing and trying to catch the group in front, I noticed a few had come detached and managed to catch 3. with the course looping back i was shouting at Holly and Helen telling them to go for the girls I had passed. With 6k to go now my leg started to cramp but put my head down and kept going! Finally crossed the line in 6th place, felt really pleased with the position, wasn't bothered with the time, and it was only 9 or 10 weeks after another hot marathon in Barcelona. As soon as I stopped my feet really started to hurt, had quick physio then carried by the team doctor into the ice bath, he carried me out, but did refuse to carry me to the closing ceremony. Went to the ceremony a few hours later, couldn't wear trainers all my toes were wrapped up. The joys of marathon running!!!! Holiday from running, be back soon.... |
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