My second 1/2 marathon of the year but actually the first that I put an entry in for, Sunday it was time to challenge myself and try to run 13.1miles in the fastest time I could.

The day started badly with chaos on the rails. There were overrunning engineering works causing all trains between Edinburgh and Glasgow to be cancelled and a strike by staff in Glasgow was causing disruption there.

But Scottish City Link came to the rescue and I was soon heading away from St Andrew’s Square bus station on a very comfortable coach. It looked like I wasn’t the only one with a fair few runners on the bus as well.

Arrived at Buchannan St Bus Station in Glasgow and the first order of business was to dump my bag. I’d been given the tip that I didn’t need to go down to the baggage at Glasgow Green after all, instead I put it in the left luggage, paid my £5 and headed for George Sq and the start.

The transport chaos was making itself felt. The 10Km run was earlier than the 1/2 marathon and so many had turned up from Edinburgh late that they added an extra wave just for Edinburgh runners. And even then there were a few who didn’t make it. Well done Network Rail and Scotrail.

I found my place in the last wave and waited. And waited. And waited. The extra 10Km wave meant that course changes were taking longer than expected. It was also taking ages for my GPS watch to make a lock on the satellites. But then I was among tall buildings.

Eventually the start and up the supposed famous hill of St Vincent St. A bit of a climb at the start but not much. Then round the streets heading for the Kingston Bridge. This was interesting as they’d only closed a couple of lanes for us and the traffic was still flowing on the bridge. But we got a wave and a toot of the horn from many drivers and this kept us going. At this point I was pulling just under 5min Kilometres and going well. Mostly thinking if I don’t slow down I’m going to really suffer at the end.

After the Kingston bridge there was the long drag down to Bellahouston park. Drizzle had started and it was turning to rain. Welcome actually as I was getting somewhat hot. I skipped the water station at 3miles and kept going for the park.

In the park the road narrowed quite a bit so there were a few moments of getting boxed in. I also took some water at this water station and drunk most of it. But round the park, seeing the first casualty that I’d come across waiting for help and then back toward the clyde. There was a steady support along the road and many people were handing out jelly babies to the runners. It was fantastic to see them and a real push along.

Round by Pacific Quay and then across the river on the Clyde Arc we turned left along the Clydeside expressway to the Riverside museum. This was the 10 mile mark and I was beginning to suffer, my pace climbing to 5m 15s a Km.

But the end was almost in sight and I dug deep and kicked for home. The Daily Mail Motivation Mile came up along with more water and a shower for those feeling the heat. The rain was off by this point and I was tempted by the shower to cool me down.

As we approached the finish in Glasgow Green the crowds along the sides increased in number and there were lots of shouts of encouragement.

Into Glasgow Green, under the arch and I crossed the finish line. It was a relief to be finished but I was elated as well, having run my second half marathon.

I picked up my goodie bag with things to eat, a t-shirt, some water, the medal and a very welcome space blanket. I dropped off my timing chip and walked slowly to get the bus home (though I changed my mind and got an actual train that was running by this point). Putting on my medal I felt like I’d won the Olympics.

Mass participation runs like this are fantastic to do. You challenge yourself and you only compete against yourself and the clock if you really want to add to the challenge. There’s lots of support, especially if you do it for charity and the feeling at the end is one that will stay long after the sore legs are gone and the t-shirt has faded.

And my time? Official time was 1h 48m 26s, a new personal best and well under my goal of 1h 50m.