EMF Half Marathon 2022

I had found a new confidence in running during 2021 which led to me signing up for my 1st half marathon in Edinburgh for the end of May 2022. I signed up late October/early November giving plenty of time for training.

I did not train for this event. I had no clue about training plans, was still at the 20 minute HIIT workouts & running when I felt comfortable. I had no idea about long runs, intervals or recovery running. Because I had ran this distance already, how hard can it be a 2nd time?!

Event day came quickly (as they always do) & I was really really nervous. I used the park & ride option as I thought it would have been the most straightforward & least disruptive to the family as the start time was 8am, meaning I left the house at 5am to park for 6am. Plenty of time to get the bus to the start line then find my bearings.

Naively I still didn't have a hydration vest/pack at this point but instead relied on the water stops I read would be along the course. Still no concept of fuelling either as I also didn't eat breakfast due to nerves.

At the start line I knew no one. I hadn't met any other Scottish runners yet so felt a bit of a spare part. I recognised Craig Baines on the start line who would go on to be my coach (one for the another blog entry!) who was lovely with his husband Adam. Craig was going for a time goal so moved to his wave leaving Adam & I to chat. I felt less lonely & better for starting.


The actual run itself I gave a good effort to. Reflecting on this 2 years later it's hard to describe the actual run. I remember breaking the distance down by using the water stations. So instead of 21km, it was 7km, 8km, etc. This helped massively & have used this technique since. Running along the coast was a nice view & the crowds at Musselburgh were really encouraging. 




Running along the metal grates in the park the finish line couldn't be missed & it was a great feeling finally seeing an end to the effort that was input. 

I met the family & remember being STARVING! The walk back to the car was sore & the packet of smoky bacon crisps I had were the best I'd ever tasted!

I'm glad I booked Glasgow half marathon for the following October as if I hadn't I'm not sure I'd have continued running. I had decided I didn't want to feel this broken after a longer distance run due to lack of training (and fuelling!). I hired Craig as my coach the following month where we worked towards a goal for the next event.


What I wrote at the time on Instagram:

EDINBURGH HALF MARATHON 2022

Last year I did the virtual Edinburgh 10k and was so happy to have completed it and get my finisher box. This year it was time to step it up a gear.

I was at the start line over an hour early and it was cold! When we got started the support from the crowds made the first 2km seem like a breeze. I also set off on a slower pace which definitely helped for the whole run.

My goal was to get to each water station and just do it in stages. This also worked massively psychologically and helped take the stress of how far it was to go.

Running along the coast was definitely my highlight. The beach was lovely and we couldn't have asked for better weather today, for me perfect conditions.

I hit the wall at 18 & 19km but told myself I was so nearly there and not to give up!

Seeing the finish line and running along the metal grate I could have cried with joy! But I held it together and managed to finish on a run!

I'm now very sore, headache and lots of water to now drink and stretches to be done.

Glasgow - I look forward to your challenge!!

Thank you to all of you who gave amazing advice and support. As always this community never seems to fail at cheerleading. You all mean more to me than you know.

#emf2022 #halfmarathon #Edinburgh #Scotland #running #13.1miles #brooksrunning

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