It’s always wonderful when people leave a comment here on ‘Just One More Mile‘. With a loyal, and growing, following it’s fantastic to hear from people from all over the world but also great when runners a little closer to home get in touch too.
So, it was especially nice to receive an email from Lucy who was rather nervously looking forward to her first ever marathon at the Rutland Water Marathon in November. As some of you will know, Rutland Water is a beautiful area that contains a stunning Wildlife Reserve, great cycle tracks and perfect running routes. It’s also host to an annual marathon that people come from far and wide to participate in. The course is quite challenging in parts with some mean hills and meandering paths but all with a spectacular backdrop of open farmland and Rutland Water reservoir itself.
Here’s the conversation that Lucy and I had about the ‘run’ up to her first Marathon:
Hi Joanna,
Great to find your site with so much useful information about the Rutland Water marathon. I’ve entered this year’s race-it will be my first but hopefully not my last! I live fairly locally so did the 17 mile circuit last week and then walked another 4/5 miles looking for my backup team (i.e. hubby and three kids on bikes), who were nowhere to be seen at any point during the run. It was all rather stressful, but we’re going to have another go on Sunday and try and add one lap of Hambleton. At 43, I’m definitely a plodder- but looking forward to accomplishing a lifetime ambition.
Best wishes and thanks again for posting the info-it’s a great motivator
Lucy
Hi Lucy,
Thank you so much for getting in touch, it’s great to hear from you.
Hope you have a fantastic day today and have a really good run. I shall be thinking of all the competitors today and giving you all a big cheer! I’d love to know how you got on, so please get in touch when you’ve recovered 
Nothing wrong with being a plodder or 43 (we’re the same age) and I very much hope that you achieve your lifetime ambition.
Go Lucy Go.. run like the wind .. and Enjoy every moment!
Best wishes
Joanna
Hi Joanna,
Well I can’t quite believe what’s happened today. I tore my hamstring two weeks ago at 19.5 miles of my 20 mile training run (just in front of the Normanton church ironically). Having rested, iced, ultra-sounded and massaged for 10 days and after a test run on Friday night decided it felt too tight to complete the distance.
However, the thought of continuing training through Dec/Jan for the Gloucester marathon was not very appealing, and I really felt I had nothing to lose. After a lot of deliberation I decided to start and pull out if things got too painful.
Well, that point didn’t come, and I ground down the race one mile at a time. I really didn’t think about finishing until I saw the crowd at Normanton. I’m so delighted to have completed my first marathon, and the fact that my time was just under 5 hours (4.56) was a real bonus! It won’t be my last, I’m sure. I can honestly say (anxiety aside), that I enjoyed every minute – the other competitors were so encouraging and I had the privilege of chatting to a couple of runners who had done it all before 90 times (truly inspirational!).
Not sure I was able to run like the wind – hurrying like a gentle breeze might be more apposite!
Anyway, thank you for your encouraging message.
Very best wishes, Lucy
Dear Lucy,
I’ve just seen your message that you’ve posted to ‘Just One More Mile’ … I am beaming from ear to ear for you! A truly inspiring and wonderful achievement. Well done! Your experience sums up the blog and brings the words ‘Just One More Mile’ to life.
Many, many congratulations again – I’m very pleased for you!
Best wishes
Joanna
Hi Joanna,
Thank you so much! I still can’t believe it myself – despite having legs that feel like they belong to someone else at the moment. I’m more than happy for you to share my story – I read other people’s accounts in the weeks leading up to the race that I’m sure influenced my decision to give it a go. The last thing I wanted to do was injure myself further but I’d worked so hard to get to this point. I was really gutted that I might not be able to give myself a fair chance. Lots of friends were saying “there will be other races” etc. but I really wanted to run this one! I think I’d allow the tear just enough time to recover – very very lucky..
Very best wishes
Lucy
Wherever you are, if you’re planning to run your first marathon or just need a bit of moral support, please stop by and get in touch. You can leave comments on any of the posts to express your point of view or perhaps give tips to other Just One More Mile fans. Or you can join a growing band of friendly runners at the Just One More Mile Fan Page on Facebook. Whether you’re an active contributor here or just quietly lurking, I hope you find all the information and inspiration that you need.
Happy Running .. and here’s to the next finishers medal!!
