I don’t know if you know this, but I have taken part in a marathon. Actually, I mention this every chance I get. I feel like Wolowitz, when he wouldn’t give over about being in space in The Big Bang Theory. But, you will be pleased to know, I’m taking part in another marathon, so I’ll have a different story to tell.
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Get training
This might come as a shocker but I didn’t really train for my last marathon. The closest that I got to training was the odd run outside. It was always cold, snowing, or lashing down with rain. I mean, who wants to get wet?! Plus, I was trying to get my IBS under control so there were times I couldn’t leave the house because my insides were getting ripped out and destroyed. A couple of weeks before the big race day, I took myself off for a half marathon to see how I would manage. The only thing I was sure of when I was finished was that I needed new trainers.
I do not want to make that mistake again. I’ve already invested in a new running watch, the best trainers, and running gear that I can afford, however, I’ll probably end up getting some more gear (like a running vest) as the year goes on. And I’ve started training already. Even if I can’t get out for a run, I’m in the living room with the yoga mat or the dance slippers on, making sure that my legs and heart get a good workout. I’ve also got my IBS under better control, and that means my nutrition and fueling will be a lot better.
Getting there
This is where things start to get a bit confusing for me because I’m in Northern Ireland. The last time I traveled, it was as simple as jumping on a plane with my photo ID. Since then, well, a lot has changed. Brexit has come into force, and COVID-19 has changed the travel industry forever. There are so many questions about traveling across the Irish Sea that need to be answered, and unfortunately, I won’t know the answers until closer to the time. We can only hope that guidelines and advice will become clear in the summer months when lockdown has ended and the virus is under control. As it stands at the minute, we still need masks when we are out and about, and non-essential travel is not allowed.
Accommodation
Once we arrive in Manchester, we will be checking into our hotel and having a nap. Why? Because the children will be with their grandparents and I would like a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. And notice how I have stated “hotel”? In a bid to save money when I went to London, I booked a B’n’B through an app (hint hint, nudge nudge, wink wink), and it was canceled at the last minute. Never again. I was forced to hunt for a hotel at the last minute when London was getting booked out by the thousands of people who were coming to take part in one of the biggest races in the world.
For our Manchester trip, my husband is treating us to a stay in a four-star hotel, something that was impossible last time because we had the kids with us. Kids are expensive and we taking advantage of them being with their grandparents. I just hope that the hotel room has a bath because we are going to need it after the race is done!
Free Time
This marathon will not be the only focus of the trip, I’m hoping to do some tourist stuff too. My husband has been to Manchester loads of times with his friends and family when he was a Manchester United season ticket holder. He is looking forward to showing me around the city on the Friday and Saturday. If there is a football match, we will be watching it (hopefully in Old Trafford), and enjoying some quiet time. One place he does want to visit is the Trafford Centre, a place he hasn’t been in about 20 years.
Race Day
The day of the race is always a nail bitter. I can guarantee, I will be up early to get ready and get to the start on time. This is the time that you hope that your trainers still have enough life in them, that the running gear you have picked out is the *right* stuff, and you begin praying that you don’t do anything stupid that stops you from finishing. Toes will be bandaged, gel will be applied, and too many Imodine will be taken to prevent the dreaded “runner’s tummy” kicking in halfway around the course. And as you line up, waiting to take off from the finish line, you will regret the food you ate the night before.
My husband has promised to run (or walk) alongside me for the entire marathon. There will be no disappearing on each other in a bid for glory and fame! He has even had a recurring dream of crossing the finishing line together, collapsing to the ground and sobbing uncontrollably. And as this is his first race, that sounds pretty accurate.
After the race
I already know I am going to be banjaxed after the race, and there is no way I am flying home straight away. I will be stretching, getting into the bath, eating my weight in food, and then sleeping. As much as I would love to be in the comfort of my own home afterward, I know myself too well. Maybe I’m paranoid but I hate the idea of being cocky, booking a flight home on Sunday evening, and then taking too long to get around the course.
If you want to follow along with my training, you can follow me on Instagram. Or you can support my husband and I over on our Just Giving pages.