Jess' run for Epilepsy Awareness

I am a Marathon runner! I never thought this day would come. Yesterday I completed my first Marathon in Queenstown. It was the first International Qtown Marathon too. I was so nervous on Friday night I don't even remember sleeping as my dreams became nightmares of the race. It was an early start at about 5:15am where I raced out of bed and got ready. I felt sick but forced myself to eat. I then headed down to catch the shuttle to the start line. When we arrived it was only 6:45am so had an hour and a half to wait in cold non-stop rain. There was no shelter but luckily I had my raincoat and thermals on although I was shaking from the cold and nerves which didn't help things. Next minute I was wanting the start to hurry so I could get warmed. I was really excited to get running as 'everyone' seemed to tell me how easy I would find the first half and I would glide through so being ambitious set my goal of 4 hours to complete.... unfortunately I did not find this and had stitch the first 10km which I never get, along with unexpected hills, slushy mud, rain and wind and mental emotions from lack of support as the trails didn't provide good access for supporters. However I managed to cross halfway at 2hours which I was pretty happy with and set a realistic goal in finishing under 4:30min. I was so excited to see my first supporters around 23km I couldn't stop grinning and became determined once more. After hitting about 28km my hopes dropped again as we came to an even steeper hill which seemed to never end (I really had wished the weather was better so I could see the beautiful scenery) however I battled with my emotions and trudged along towards the last 10km. At 35km it was the toughest mentally.... I had run so far but 7 1/2 km seemed so far at the pace I was going I still had another 50min worth of running. I am not quite sure how I managed to keep going but all I thought of was what a great thing I was doing supporting Epilepsy NZ and knew how far I had come. Within the last 5km I was on an ultimate high although the weather suggested otherwise with torrential horizontal rain and strong head winds I was so happy to be soooo soo close. As I ran up the last hill I sprinted my heart out (actually probably going no faster than a walker) and down the dodgy finishers ramp to the finish. I was so overwhelmed and so proud of my achievement and seeing my supporters it was rather an emotional affair. I also was stoked with my time of 4h:26min for such a tough course :D. I completely forgot how cold I was and sore and relished in the moment before going home to a luxurious hot bath. I am so thankful for all my supporters who have helped me raise so so much money for an amazing cause. I am so appreciative and excited about all the hardwork this goal has been. Watch this space :)