The day of the London marathon proved to be one of the most amazing and toughest days of my life, a real roller coaster of emotions. All the months of training and build up were very much worth it in the end. It didn't go perfectly, but that just means there's more to learn from for next time!
Anyway so I got to the station just before 7am (thanks Dad for the early lift!) and headed off into London. Nearly everyone on the train was a runner or a supporter - easy to tell by either the running gear, the timing tag on their shoes or the red Virgin bags we were all issued to put our kit in. There was a lot of nervous energy in the air and unlike a normal morning on the train, we all nodded or said good morning or good luck to each other.
I arrived at London Bridge where me, Audery, Dennis and Shell had planned to meet up - we were all raring to go and couldn't wait to get started! It was great arriving at the start of the race with friends, it made such a difference to the day. Took the train to Blackheath and joined the thousands of people off to the Blue Start, which we could see marked by a large blue blimp and blue entrance gantry (the red and green starts were also marked in the distance by blimps). It was like a mass exodus from the station and heading up the road - there were 3 trains backed up on the platform full of runners!
At the start we said goodbye to our supporters as it was runners only from now on. The blue start is a large, secure area with baggage buses around the perimeter, rows of loos, marquees and a huge television screen showing the live events going on. Helicopters hovered overhead filming the three starting points and we could see on the big screens how huge this event really was. There was a lot of extra security after Boston, with police and sniffer dogs everywhere.
It was a sunny, fairly warm morning and most people were sitting around on the grass, sorting out their kit. It was quite funny to see everyone look so chilled out and relaxed, like we are all at some festival - but really we're all here to run over 26 miles. I got my kit sorted and took the rest of my stuff to the baggage bus, then the group of us took some photos of each other and wrote our names on our bibs (and in my case, on my arm!). We also got the chance to watch the beginning of the elite women's race on the big screen, which started at 9am. I always felt a bit sad for the elite women as they don't get to run with the masses and the big crowds aren't out yet! Later as I was watching the highlights they talked about runners who could get into the elite start but some chose to run with the masses instead (both men and women) as they got the crowd support.
Finally at about 9.45am we headed off to our pens to get ready to go. Dennis and Audery headed off to the start pens a little closer to the start and Shell and I were a bit further back (me, pretty much at the back with the 5 hour group!). It was really well organised, very clear as to where to go and, no confusion or hanging around too long. My plan was to follow the second to last 4:58 pacer but if things went wrong I would follow the run/walk pacer who was the last pacer aiming for a time between 5:15 and 5:30. I really wanted to get a sub 5 hour time (my first marathon was 5:05) and I was certain I could do it.
Crossing the start line was fantastic! There was such an electrifying atmosphere and I could hardly believe I was finally running in the London Marathon! There were big crowds and even hot air balloons along the side of the roads, and people were out cheering by the thousands.
Set off at a steady pace with everyone else following the pacer. To be honest, even at such an early stage where the pace felt very easy i did feel it was a bit too fast for the marathon. But I was determined that I would be able to see it through. The pace was a bit all over the place at first as it was still very crowded and people had yet to settle into their rhythm. Didn't see anyone walking yet, though!
As we approached mile 7, we saw the first major landmark, Cutty Sark. This was incredible - the crowds were the biggest so far and the noise was deafening!! I felt like a rockstar when people cheered my name!
By mile 10 I realised I had been optimistic with my time and that the current pace was too fast for the marathon. I watched in disappointment as the pacer stretched further and further away from me. I tried to catch up very slowly by aiming for people slightly in front to overtake but I was starting to wear myself out. I dropped back on the pace or i'd be paying for it big time later on. It sucked to realised i was not going to get under 5 hours and that i may have gambled away my chance of a PB as well. But I had told myself that whatever my time i would still be very happy to have been able to run this famous marathon and finish it.
Just after mile 12 we saw the next famous landmark, which turned out to be one of the highlights of the route. We turned a sharp right and in front of us was Tower Bridge! I felt fantastic running across here and the crowds were thicker than ever! How many times do you get to run across Tower Bridge on closed roads?? There were loads of TV cameras along here and people were being interviewed.
I was still on a high from Tower Bridge when i passed the half way point, and shortly after the Shelter charity cheering point. Here at last I saw my family who had come to watch! They gave me a huge cheer! It was also thrilling seeing the faster runners doubling back along the same stretch on the opposite side of the road having already run through the Isle of Dogs and were now passing mile 20 and on the home run.
After the high of crossing the half way point, came a bit of a low as I looked at my watch and pace band saw I was no longer on track for a 5 hour time and since there was no way i'd get a negative split, the time second half was going to be slower still. Again I told myself it didn't matter, what was done was done and it was just about finishing. The next 5-6 miles were emotionally tough as you've run a long way but still have a lot further to go.
I don't remember too much about miles 14-20, other than feeling the sun really heating up and getting too warm. I had to take on a lot more water and at times, when there was no cloud or shade, felt slightly dizzy. I was so used to doing all my training runs in the winter and very cold spring so this sudden warm weather was quite challenging. Only three weeks before the marathon, there'd been snow on the ground and I was running in tights and two layers of tee-shirt! Because of the heat, I needed to start putting in a few short walks which i'd time and allow myself about 30 seconds at a time. I'd use this time to walk through the showers (or hose pipes) to cool down, take a gel or sort out anything that was bothering me like my sunglasses steaming up. What I do remember well was finally coming into Canary Wharf and looking right up at the skyscrapers. Never been up this close to them before - it was quite a sight!
At mile 20 the worst happened, and I had to stop - and "go". Never had to do this in a race before and was really annoyed especially with the queues! It probably added 4-5 minutes of extra time but at least i felt a lot better afterwards. I thought I'd planned my diet carefully the day before but something had decided that it was not going to get along with my stomach that day - proof that even the best laid plans often go stray!
By mile 21 it had clouded over and was a little cooler. Now I felt better, I was able to cut out most of the walks and run at a slow but steady pace again. But the emotions of the day were coming out and I spent a good few miles sobbing and feeling the tears running down my face (glad I had sunglasses on). Even the charity runner's stories and photos on their vests were getting me upset!
At mile 23 we went through a tunnel, which had been taken over by Luzocade to be turned into the "tunnel of yes". There were no spectators here which was in some ways quite nice for a bit as there was no pressure and people could walk if they needed. It was good to know there was only a 5k left to run.
The final few miles were a blur. I remember very little expect seeing my family again at mile 25 and the London Eye. There were a few times when i had to walk and I really needed to stretch out my calves which got very tight. When running, I tried taking very short, quicker strides. At some point in the last 5k I saw one of the run/walk pacers who said he was going to come in at just over 5:20. So decided to follow him. This was great and I wishes I had seen him before as he set a good steady pace but every few minutes allowed 10-15 seconds of walking before returning to a jog. Although it felt naughty to walk at all at this late stage the pace was well planned as after regular very short walks I could always achieve a slightly faster jog. At the final part of the Embankment you turn right before Big Ben and run the final mile towards Buckingham Palace. This was another unforgettable moment because the finish line is so close (yet so far!) and I saw Dennis, Brian and the others calling out my name and waving to me! Great bit of motivation at that final stage!
The final 800 meters is a real tester as you do two right turns in front of Buckingham Palace but each time you expect the finish line to be right after the turn. It was very frustrating to see a huge banner spanning the road which you assume is the finish but is in fact the 26 mile marker - with 385 yards to go! But at long, long last it came closer and closer like some kind of ground rush, and I hardly realised it when was finally crossing the finish line!
Felt so good to finally finish! The next few moments were very surreal as I slowed down and realised what I'd just done. Nearly started crying again but managed to turn it into a huge smile of relief instead and hobbled over through the finishing gates where they remove your timing chip and put the medal round your neck. I couldn't believe I finally had my own London Marathon medal! I walked slowly up the Mall, getting my official finisher's photo taken, getting a goody bag and collecting my baggage. Again, all very well organised - it was crowded but things went smoothly. I have had to wait for half an hour to get my bags back at some races but here they gave it to you as you walked through which meant you didn't have to wait and could get your warm clothing on just minutes after finishing.
The meet and greet was a bit mad though and very overwhelming. I needed to find the Royal Horseguards Hotel where Shelter were putting on a race reception, but I had no idea where to go. Luckily they had volunteers out at the finish looking for stray runners, so one of the girls took me back to the hotel. It was a lovely reception - everyone cheered when a runner arrived - and I got a massage, a shower and food and drink (although i didn't feel like eating much food). It was great to sit down and my family where there as well.
A bit later I hobbled over to the pub where Dennis, Shell and Audrey were celebrating with Brian, Viki, Maria, Richie, Martina (sorry i hope I haven't forgotten anyone?!) and we had a few drinks! So glad to meet up with the others afterwards as they really made my day! You guys rock and thanks so much for your support!!
So i came in with a time of 5:21:30, no PB this time but I was still so thrilled to have finished and felt very blessed that I had been given the opportunity to run London. Not many people get to say they have run a marathon, let alone London so whatever my time I am truly grateful and a very happy bunny.
Well finished the London Marathon 2013! It was such a great day, tough, some challenges I had not expected, and very emotional, but SO worth it.
The crowds were fantastic, I was totally overwhelmed for the first hour or two, and there are some points along the course where I was on a real high - Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and turning towards Buckingham Palace. The sight of so many people running for Boston was very moving as well.
I'll do a proper update shortly, but just a quick one to say my final time was 5:21:30. Not as fast as Loch Ness so no PB for my second marathon, but I am just so pleased and blessed to have had the chance to run this great marathon. Very happy days! Here are a couple of pics from before and after the race. Hopefully will upload some my family took of me running soon.
It's come round quickly - the marathon is tomorrow! I am thinking back to last summer when I found out I had a charity place with Shelter. I was in Elsinore with the BCPA, it was the middle of the night and was still a bit jet lagged so couldn't sleep. I ended up reading my emails and saw one from Shelter offering me a golden bond place! Then in September, 3 days before I was about to run the Loch Ness Marathon, I got successful in the ballot too, even better! This was great as I could now chose to run for more than one charity and didn't have to worry about a high sponsorship target.
Had a really good couple of days. Did my last run on Thursday, a very gentle 2 miles! Hardly felt like a run at all! Friday i went down to the ExCel in London to do the registration and pick up my running number. Even being on the DLR was exciting because you could just tell that almost everyone is a runner, all getting ready for the same thing. It was busy but not packed at the expo, and I immediately got my number and timing chip. It's official! Nothing holding me back now.
Went round the expo for a few hours. Probably not a good idea for my credit card given the amount of goodies on offer. Adidas had an enormous area, selling their entire VLM range and pretty much everything else! I couldn't resist and treated myself to a few VLM 2013 tops and a jacket. Won't wear them just yet though, I'll save them for when I've finished.I also visited the Shelter stand to say hello, and they gave me some tee-shirts for my family to wear tomorrow.
I also went back to the expo today, to meet Shell, Audrey and Dennis who were also registering. It was much busier today, but had an even better and exciting vibe. We all got some great photos of each other posing!
All set now, I've packed my stuff and laid out my gear for tomorrow. Trainers, socks, iPod, watch, hair bands are on the table. Shorts, and vest top are hanging up on the peg. The running number is attached, as is the black ribbon we are all wearing as a show of solidarity with Boston. Gels, water bottle, Lucozade, gels, sunglasses and stuff for after the race are all packed in my backpack.
Had a baked potato for dinner, and am going to watch Doctor Who and then have an early night. Probably won't be able to sleep though - it feels like I'm a kid again on Christmas Eve. The nerves haven't started yet, it's just pure adrenaline right now!
All I need now is to trust God that this will be an excellent race, get a good night's sleep, a simple breakfast of toast, tea and a banana and then reach the start line!
Total Training
Wednesday
Cycled to work (8 miles)
Swimming 30 minutes
Thursday
2 mile run
I have heard that the tapering period can get rather boring and frustrating (taper blues, anyone?) so I wanted to enter a large 10k race in the final week to keep my spirits and motivation levels high. So a few months ago I decided to enter the Great Ireland Run in Dublin and make a long weekend of things.
I flew there on Saturday and spent some time in the city centre exploring the area and doing a bit of window shopping. It's s cool city and hopefully I will get to go back soon! Unfortunately, since I visited on my own and was about to run a race I could not fully enough the great pubs and drinking establishments of Dublin! Perhaps another time I will go back with a group of friends!
I stayed in a youth hostel which was excellent value and also meant I could buy food from the supermarket and cook there myself. The only problem, which was quite a big one, was the room was quite noisy as it was a shared room. People coming and going meant I found it difficult to sleep. The room was also extremely hot and the windows barely opened, so even when quiet it was difficult to sleep. I think I only got a few hours sleep that night.
The race was on Sunday afternoon, so I walked there after light early lunch. The walk however turned out to be quite a lot longer than expected - around 3 miles in fact! The race was taking place in Phoenix Park, which I didn't realised was huge! It was about 1.5 miles from the youth hostel and then that again to the start.
The race was really well organised, as expected of a "Great Run" event. I've done the Great North Run which was very well run indeed and this, although a lot smaller, was no exception. I had an hour or so after arriving to drop off my bag and warm up. We even got to watch (from very close up) the start of the elite women's race before getting to our pens!
It was a big crowd and popular with spectators, although nothing like the GNR or VLM. We had nice weather - warm in fact, surprising for Ireland! However very windy! I took the race very easy since I was tapering, and there was no reason to risk and injury or run myself into the ground now. I ran about 40 seconds faster than marathon pace - rather leisurely for a 10k! Needless to say I achieved my worst 10K race time ever! But this didn't matter, in fact I did not even look at my watch other than to check I wasn't running a too-fast pace. However I could not help but speed up for the final kilometre and go for a sprint finish!
Stayed around for a short while afterwards enjoying the food and drink from my goodybag. I have a nice medal and tee-shirt from the event to remind me of my first overseas race and final big run before the London Marathon.
Came back on Monday evening after a bit more time in the city centre. I also got a much better night's sleep as I had the room to myself so a lot quieter and managed to turn the heaters off so I wasn't too hot.
Nice weekend in Dublin, a really fun race and great day to fend off the tapering blues!
Below - pic from the GIR website of the elite women's start. A few Brits in there! Well done to Kenenisa Bekele and Lauren Howarth - the champions of 2013!!!
I just wanted to touch briefly on the tragic bombings at the Boston Marathon. I heard about it maybe 10 minutes after it had happened when someone posted on Facebook a link to the BBC website. We quickly switched on the news and saw the terrible scenes. Finding this quite difficult to write as it is very upsetting and not sure I can do this justice. Cannot believe that there are people out there who can do such a thing. A day meant for triumph, job and celebration of both Patriot's Day and the world's most prestigious marathon turned in seconds to a day of horror and terror.
It goes without saying that we are praying for everyone in Boston especially the friends and family of those killed and seriously injured. It will leave a shadow forever on the great sport of running and for the city as well. But how amazed I was to read the stories of bravery and heroics with people coming to help those injured! Runners immediately going to aid those who were injured and the emergency services working flat out for hours and into the night. Even those who were exhausted and fatigued going to the hospitals to donate blood! I was also reminded of when the storms hit New York last year and runners who were told their race was cancelled immediately asked what they could do to help, and started to help clear the areas.
My heart goes out to that little boy's family and the families of the others who were killed.
I can't imagine the disbelief of runners and spectators who were not yet at the finish line , only to be told the race was over and there was no finish, and then finding out why this was so and what happened.
Marathons and big races like this are those amazing times when complete strangers come together to cheer on and support other complete strangers, but this week this went to a level no'one could have imagined.
So what of London? How overwhelmed I am to see how Britain promises to show such solidarity with Boston on Sunday! The race will have a very different vibe this year, it may in the shadow of the memory of Monday's blasts but we will not be over-shadowed by the events or the people that did this. We won't give up or pull out! Everyone wants to let these people know that we will not be scared or terrorised and we will certainly not be abandoning the plans for Sunday!! We want the race to be a tribute to the Boston Marathon.
So on Sunday, many of us will be running not only for our favourite charities, or chasing a new PB or just a personal challenge, but I am certain every runner will run for an extra reason, another side of the race, so will have in their hearts a message of hope or prayer for Boston. There will be a 30 second silence before the start, and many of us will wear black ribbons to show our support. I believe many will try and cross the finish line with their hand over their heart. I will try and find a way to write a short message somewhere on my running vest as this is not just about London, but the whole of the running community and one city supporting another.
Also I am thinking of the poor young chap who died during the Brighton Marathon last Sunday. It may not have hit the news quite as much but it will still rip a hole through his family as well.
We pray all goes well on Sunday for London and that the organisers and police are able to able to keep the race safe and as secure as possible.
Link to BBC website - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22168556
Seems like spring is finally here - when it feels like it anyway! Monday was really nice, but I was not cycling or running that day so didn't have that much chance to enjoy the sun. It was mostly a rest day, although I had swimming with Tri-Force in the evening, which was a good session. It was quite busy that night, and we had some new people join. Watching the beginners learn to front crawl makes me remember how slow and sloppy I was just a few months ago! I'm sure they will learn quickly though, as the coaching is very good. Next time, it looks like I'll be able to move up into the next lane on Mondays, no longer the beginners' lane! Still can't believe that I could hardly front crawl at all in January. I still need to have a quick breather every couple of lengths, but nothing like I used to have to do. I needed a few minute's rest every other length when i started out! I can just about do 100m without stopping now and can do several of those with short rests. I also managed 50m in a minute which i was pleased with. My goal is to be able to do 400m in one go and under 10 minutes as this is the swim distance of the sprint triathlon at the end of May.
Tuesday was pretty busy. I cycled to work - quite a cold and cloudy morning though! At lunch went for a recovery run with Matt, we did about 4 miles. It was just about warm enough to finally wear shorts and tee-shirt. I had better make the most of these weekday recovery runs as looks like my running buddy will no longer be working in Hatfield for much longer!! Any other local runners in the area want to come join me??
In the evening was the Tri-Force circuits class, which I always enjoy (well, most of the time - it's not easy!). It's a really good over-all workout although the core training gets a bit painful, not sure if that's anyone's favourite part of the class! I sometimes struggle with some of the exercises and have to do something a bit different, as I managed to injure my lower back about year ago and it hasn't ever healed completely. Some types of sit ups, V-sits, mountain climbers and burpees are generally out of the question. Usually end up doing press ups, squats or plank instead. It's a bit frustrating sometimes (although I don't really miss burpees!!) especially when I have a go at something only to get half way through and it starts getting painful. It's also really annoying to have to keep taking painkillers throughout the day, a year on! Ironically, I managed to do this to myself at circuits, by slipping off a gym ball onto the hard floor! Luckily it doesn't affect my running.
Total training
Monday
Swimming with Tri-Force, just over an hour
Tuesday
Cycled to work and back (8 miles)
Recovery run (4 miles)
Circuits class (1 hour)
A review of my running tights and shorts
Nike Perfect Fit 3/4 Tights
I love these! Very soft and comfortable, easy to wear. Not as thick as most running tights so fine for spring and mild days. Available in lots of colours and I went bold with yellow. There's a small pocket on the hop but unfortunately it does not have a zip to close it.
Nike Swift 3/4 running tights
My favourite running tights. Super comfy, lovely material, and they look awesome with the triangular imprint design and blue piping. The length is perfect, as they allow air to the ankles on cool days, but are long enough so they don't bunch up around the knees. Good sized zip pocket at the back and a smaller one (no zip) on the right hip that takes a gel or small mp3 player. Not cheap - got my first pair for £50 from Sweatshop, but as soon as they came on sale I bought another pair. Worn them for all my long runs and autumn/winter/spring half marathons. They used to do an ankle length version as well which I wish I'd bought instead of the Skins A200s, (below). The waist band is fine and doesn't have a drawstring (which i like), it stays in place without feeling tight. Also bought the full length tights which have a zip on the ankle and orange piping. Bargain at £15 at the past-season outlet store!
Under Armour Cold Gear tights
Good pair of tights, the first pair I bought and do the job well. Very comfy and no annoying drawstring - although it does make it every so slightly on the loose side. Has a pocket but it's tiny, only enough for keys, ID, a very small phone or iPod nano. Worn for most medium runs in very cold weather.
Skins A200 compression tights
Good pair of running tights, but there is a rather annoying seam going right up the back of the leg, which irritates the back of my knee. Small pocket on the inside. The waistband is a bit of the tight side, even with the drawstring at it's loosest so I wear it for medium runs, wouldn't wear them for a half marathon. The drawstring is rather annoying as it is not very soft and digs into my skin. I have got used to that and the seam, and otherwise they are very comfortable and high quality tights, but I prefer the Nike Swifts.
Skins A200 compression shorts
Bought these as i wanted a pair of skintight shorts and I was mostly happy with the full length tights (and they obviously wouldn't have the seam down the back of the knee!). They are good, but still a bit tight in the waist like the tights. They feel quite tight around the thighs, like cycling shorts.
New Balance 2-layer shorts
Bought these in the Christmas sale. They are 2-parts - a hot-pant style inner short and then a loose outer short. Feel very comfy when on, but the inner hot pant layer did start to ride up a bit when running. Nice for short runs in hot weather. It's nice to find a pair of shorts with a pocket but that don't have a really cheap low-quality inner lining.
New Balance hot-pant shorts
Bought these on Saturday so have only worn them for circuits and a short run. Seem very comfy but once I get going they felt a lot shorter that I remembered in the shops! Two pockets which is a nice bonus and not constricting like some hotpants.
ASDA boy's PE shorts
Bought a 2-pack of boy's PE shorts from ASDA for £6 last year. They were fine and I did the Loch Ness Marathon in them!! The only problem is they are a bit loose so I have to wear the running belt to hold them up, and they have no pocket. Funny that you can spend £6 on shorts that do the job almost as well as a £60 pair of tights...
Nike Run Low Rise Capri
I bought these in the Nike outlet store sale mainly for short cycle rides as i discovered I'm not a fan of knee-length tights for running as they always bunch up around the knee and annoy me. These are nice capris though, with a comfy waistband, pocket and a good cut around the knee. I mainly wear them for cycling, walking and cross training.
Karrimore Run Capris
A budget pair of capris which were about £10 from Sports Direct. Not great but ok for a beginners as at least they are wicking material and fairly comfortable. Too tight round the knee for running and the seams are not all flat-locked. However they have a pocket and are flexible and stretchy. I mainly wear them for cycling and walking if the other capris are in the wash.
