FORMER Headington Roadrunner Mara Yamauchi (pictured) was philosophical after dropping out of Sunday’s Great North Run half marathon in Gateshead due to illness.
Yamauchi had only just returned from a hamstring injury and she will be bidding for an Olympic Games qualifying time of 2hrs 31mins over the coming months.
The 38-year-old had no adverse reaction to her injury, but dropped out of the race after eight miles.
She said: “It was very disappointing, but I didn’t feel well and unfortunately I had to drop out.
“I just have to try and get on with training and getting back to full fitness.
“The hamstring is about 90 per cent better and I can do good training now.
“I am doing a 10km race in Berlin on October 9 and then the Birmingham Half Marathon on October 23.
“I am hoping to get an Olympic qualifying time in the Yokohama Marathon in November, so I’ve still got a bit of time on my side.”
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