Edinburgh Marathon - Sunday 25 May 2008 by Lesley McKerral

Sunday morning in Edinburgh – cold, dreich and WINDY!!  I did wonder what on earth I was doing there, but then it came to me…I actually enjoy this nonsense!  I, like Robert, missed the markers for miles 1 and 2 so had no idea how I was running, but I felt good and then at mile 3 realised that I was quite a bit ahead of my target.  I felt really good so just kept going and by 15 miles was 8 minutes ahead of my target time, so by my calculations I was on for sub 3.50 (and at that stage my head was still thinking clearly).  Then, at 17 miles the route took us off the tarmac on to a loose, dusty, stony track.  Just what we all needed at that stage in the race.  At 18 miles and at the turn with the wind behind us, the gremlins appeared on my shoulder and I did think at one point, “stuff this for a laugh, just walk”, but then another thought, “if I walk the rest I’ll only be mega disappointed, so just keep going”.

The miles kept coming and going, the support was good, I missed the other Kilbarchan runners, and well done to you all, but I did finish in 3 hrs 52, knocking a whole 14 minutes off my previous best time.  I caught up with hubby who had got round in 3 hours 20 (and he was disappointed in his time!!), and duly burst in to tears of relief, exhaustion but more than that, complete pride at achieving my best time yet! 

P.S. Robert - Calum said that he had met you and I think you may have convinced him to join the club!

Lesley McKerral