Run > Race

A beautiful sunny day with not a cloud in the sky. Heatwave for Edinburgh. Dire warnings to make sure we all kept hydrated a bit of a let down as first water station was out of water as were three consecutive ones at the most crucial part of the course - so if not picked up water at mile 13 then there was nothing else until mile 22 - unless you scavenged for it. Got just about half way before pain shot through knee and just had to get on with it most as a dull ache but with the occasional knives thrown in just to let me know it was still there. About mile 16 just had to walk. Feeling really low at not being able to get water and could see long line of runners along the coast ahead of me so realised just how much further there was to go. Pulled myself together and continued to run all the way to the end of the coast line, a loop round Gosforth and then joined the rank of the runners now heading back towards the finish. Dealt another blow when the second water station just wasn't there. Lots of empty water bottles and portaloos, but no sign of a water station. Lots of walking now going on, people beginning to scavenge for water. Walked / ran the remainder of the course feeling very light headed part of the way - wondered at one point as if I was coming down with a migraine as was getting spots before my eyes - realised I was becoming dehydrated. Fortunately came across a discarded bottle about half full. Just as well as next water station was out of water as well. Huge relief to get more water at mile 22; picked up another gel from other half at 23.5 and once I saw the finish line I was so relieved I forgot all about the painfull knee and sprinted for the finish. Well, it felt like a sprint!