From Iain Young…
Well after 15 weeks of training, I have managed to complete my first full marathon. Manchester, the crowd and the runners gave me the best encouragement to help me get to that finish line. During my training, not only was it about building up the mileage, it was also about injury prevention too. Only this time last week, without revealing to anyone, I had a problem with my left knee, which I then thought that’s my marathon training gone and thought I wouldn’t run a marathon in the near future. Earlier this week having been for sports massage and Osteopathic appointments I had positivity that I could still give it a go, even if I’d have had to drop out. So Race Day came, I had enough time to loosen the nerves and stress and I started off with belief. The 10th and 13th miles went by until, after the 15th mile, I felt my left knee niggling again. I knew that moment I mustn’t give up – spectators and runners shouted keep moving! I wasn’t going to pull out unless I couldn’t walk, I knew I needed that gold medal and finisher’s shirt. Big congratulations to Marc Westerman, Tony Pye and Marie Watson on getting their Marathon PBs. At least I got to see Phil Joyner, Marc and Tony out on the course. This may have been my first marathon, but it certainly will not be the only one for me. Next time will be an improvement – fingers crossed it will be without an injury concern or having to pull out. Bring on the recovery.