RACE REPORT – Slave Route Half Marathon PB by Siobahn Ball
To be honest, I was determined but not confident at all. I had more self-doubt than the usual excitement. At the start, I still remember my sister saying to me “Ball, don’t sprint off now. You have 21KM’s of running to do”. However, my dad had other plans.
On route, my dad was the leader, daughters would follow. First 15KM’s I could see my dad is testing the boundaries on pace. In my mind, I had to keep telling myself, you can do this, you got this, and you are worth it. I kept my eyes on my dad’s feet. I continued to follow his pace.
18KM on route, we are close to the castle, BUT I was so negative. At this point, I was ready to GIVE UP! I SCREAMED at my dad to walk. But my dad was not listening. He kept shouting back at me, You CAN do it, just run, we almost there, C’mon Ball, C’mon Ball.
The finishing line, I said to myself, ENOUGH! It was a now or never moment. I shouted to my dad “Tommy, let’s do this!” I threw the biggest tantrum, I picked up my legs, and told myself to RUN! We sprinted to the finish. I looked back and asked my dad, how did we do? He said “Ball, we did it. 2.10.44. Look the 2H15 bus is coming in now.” YES, I cried!
