I decided about 5 months ago to sign up for Belfast City Marathon, mainly because it was something I always wanted to do.
I’m a member of Termoneeny Running Club and I’ve been running now for the last 3 years. Most of my friends at the club had done one and my husband had completed 3, so I decided that since Belfast seemed to be going ahead, I would sign up.
I just didn’t rock up to the Marathon on the 3rd October and run it. It took 20 weeks of intense training which included running different distances and paces, 5 days a week. The furthest distance that I ran before it was 20 miles.
I was really nervous on the day of the Marathon as I didn’t know whether or not I could finish it but the crowd, friends, family and the atmosphere kept me going.
When I reached Mile Marker 22, I knew that I was going to finish it and it was the most amazing feeling crossing the finish line. I actually ended up completing 25.4 miles, 0.2 miles extra. I was so delighted to have run the whole thing without stopping and actually completing it. My official time was 4hrs40mins12secs.
I’m hoping to beat my time next year, after I can actually walk again!
Mrs Smyth
Congratulations to Mrs Smyth from everyone here at Cullybackey College!