DAY 9 - The Penultimate Marathon
By Alyson Knowles, 18 May 2010 –
Unbroken sleep again meant I woke up still feeling very tired. The swelling had gone down slightly over night and after a further 2 hrs treatment I was ready to rock! I felt OK - its amazing how your body just gets used to coping with pain for long stretches of time. I have now developed a lovely little shuffle or trot which protects my injury a little. I'm sure something else will raise its ugly head soon though as the all the compansating has to affect other parts.
It was fantastic to have my 13 year old son Morgan, (whose passion is rugby and most definitely NOT running) joining me at 6 miles. He ran with me until 10 miles and then once again joined me to run in the last 4 miles - even coming over the finish line with me. It was a very special moment for me and I hope him too. Sharon from Glaxo Hoad Hill Harriers also ran with me from 10 - 14 miles.
The support out there this week from family (Mam and Dad have been out every day), friends (Shelagh and Clare especially) and the Body Rehab Team have been absolutely amazing. We all know the saying 'the loneliness of the long distance runner' well it's true. Therefore it is vital to know you have that support network around you. It just keeps you going through some of the tough times. There are also times though when you just need to be on your own and draw on inner strength.
The one person who has spent the most time with me this week is Nicola from the Body Rehab Team. She has treated me for up to 5 hours a day, has been out on the course providing roadside treatment and has been looking after me as soon as I have come across the line ensuring I re-fuel and re-hydrate before whisking me off for my dip in the cold bath. She has been absolutely fantastic and I could not have continued on this journey were it not for her. Having shared this experience with her I feel like we have know each other for a very long time and we have become really close. We have laughed together, and cried many tears too. I will miss her next week when she is no longer around but we intend to definitely keep in touch. She has become a lifelong friend and not just someone who was my sports therapist for a few days.
I'm sure other 10 in 10 runners have a similar story to tell as Graham from the Body Rehab put an amazing team together who did a fantastic job by taking on an holistic approach to the whole experience.