Well, that was amazing! Loch Ness Marathon done today, with a great big massive rainbow at the start for 10 minutes – which got me going good. Down hill for the first 10 miles ish too, first mile was around 6:44 min mile lol. Maybe a wee bitty too fast. 😜😂

Garmin stats here: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1378247296

Lovely run, and there was a big rainbow at the start for 10 minutes, and another at 8, 10 and at the end. Rain plus sun in September = rainbows 👍🏻🌈

I did the first 10 in about 1:18, first half in around 1:45, then took it steady to about 18, up the hill at Dores and from around 20 miles in I got cramp in my calves, moving up to my quads.

Powered through though, and crossed the line in around 3:43 – avg heart rate 162 / 88% max 177 / 95%. Garmin training effect 5.0 – so maxed out.

Fit Girl did hers in 3:58 – brilliant effort. I’m very proud of her. (Thanks Julie for the pic above).

Was very emotional at the end. I met Jen and I was so pleased to see her – I got a great big hug and crumpled into a crying mess. But it was mainly because I’d kept the tears in on the run. Rainbows were amazing, and really kept me going. 🌈

I feel a bit broken now, so going to have a bath, another stretch and a wee lie down and out for dinner later.

I feel a real sense of achievement, and now I’m going to take some time out to recover. Might wrote a longer post once I’ve had some sleep / recovery / ice cream. 😜😂

Thanks for all the messages of encouragement, and pictures of me along the way. (The above pic was taken by Lesley at around 25 miles and I was sore).

Granny must have been with me all the way. 👍🏻🌈