Still basking in completing my first marathon – 3 days on. How long does that immense feeling of achievement last … it’s ace?! I enjoyed the race and course so much I took 5 hrs to complete it! (Wanted 4.20 but had to run with an IT band injury and painkillers, so happy with managing to ‘run’ it all). The force 10 that whipped around Trafford Park was awesome; the ‘Everest’ section, otherwise know as Altrincham was a lovely mid-point challenge in case we were getting bored (locals lining the streets brill by the way); Dunham Massey reminded me of some the more muddier Wilfred Owen poetry; and the close, darkening lanes of Partington were like being back on mid winter training run! Each turn of a bend brought a new chapter to the epic tale of the GMM… Who needs London? The people of Manchester/Trafford were amazing, as too were the course marshals. Xtra Mile should take note that these people are a powerful resource and compensated in bucket loads for the organisers incompetence and misdemeanours on the day. I’m not even bothering to go through the rigmarole of applying for London 2013 as I would much rather run this one again ….. BUT Xtra Mile have got to get a grip and address ALL the issues raised on the day and on this website – and make some serious promises - before they go near it next year.
Congrats to everyone who finished, we were all amazing !!!
(You lucky lot running already - swimming for a while for me!!)