Or so they thought. They were on the wrong train.
A train to London.
Not Milton Keynes.
Luckily, they were dealt with sympathetically when they reached London, and were put on a train to Milton Keynes in some style.
Carmel Keegan
The Milton Keynes Half Marathon wasn't my main race, I had to look at it as a training run towards my goal of completing an Ultra in June.
My training went really well, much better than I had anticipated! I didn't follow a training plan, I just made sure I did my long runs and threw in a few shorter runs in the week.
The atmosphere was amazing, The sun was shining and there was not a cloud in sight, everyone was in high spirits and I also think this was helped mostly by the fact that the night before me and fellow Shabba Sara stayed in a local hotel and arrived in good time and were very relaxed. It was a well organised event and the 2 waves worked well.
There were many tears from Sara and myself at the start when we talked about why we were racing for our chosen charities.
The highlight of the whole event was crossing over the finish line after a gruelling 13.1 miles and being greeted with a huge hug from Sara and my husband and children.
I was extremely happy with my time, I managed a huge PB of 6 minutes - despite the fact the race was advertised as 'Flat and Fast' it was neither of these at all. And I have proved to myself that all my training and hard work has done wonders. Not only is it showing results it is helping my confidence.
My next races are Milton Keynes Marathon (hopefully minus the hills) On the 5th May and then the 46 Mile Ultra on the 21st June.
If you'd like to know more about Carmel's fundraising, click here
My training leading up to this half marathon was very limited. Being injured (again) since the middle of December to near end of January is hardly ideal. But never mind, a few slow steady miles were ran into February, that would have to be enough.
The pre race prep was chilled; a sleepover with my fellow running buddy Carmel, despite a detour to Euston! Lots of emotion & excitement on the day resulting in a few pre-gun tears, all part of the experience which heightened by the reason I run, in honour of my son.
It was a very warm March day, gorgeous in fact, but a tad too warm for the flat course that was anything but flat! It was tough & my lack of fitness showed through those hills.
It was not a PB this time, but I'm extremely proud & relieved to have completed as it was in doubt only a few weeks ago.
My next challenge is Manchester marathon 6 April, it'll be a big ask but I'll give it all I've got!
If you'd like to know more about Sara's fundraising, click here.
We hope you've enjoyed hearing about Carmel & Sara's day. They are grateful for all support whether that be sponsorship or moral!