My marathon day
The day started in a leisurely way. My start time was not until 11:21 so after a surprisingly good night sleep I ate a vat of porridge followed by a banana. I was really done with carb loading at that point! I made myself a bagel with peanut butter to have an hour before I was due to start.
My wife Jan then drove me towards the start line dropped me about a mile from the start. I had a leisurely walk which was typically up a hill! Lots of runners with their kit bags heading towards the common were doing the same as me.
The start area was full, but well organised with signs directing people to the correct areas. I found my lorry to drop off my kit bag. It was hot and there was no shade, I grabbed a bottle of water and sat down to eat my bagel and tried to relax.
When my wave was called to the muster point, I joined with the rest of the runners and we walked to the start, then we were off.
The start of the marathon was busy! I started off too quickly, weaving and dodging to get in front of the person in front of me, only to have to do the same again and again. But I felt good at that point and settled into my stride (or plod!). The crowds were great, lots of noise and the cheering was really uplifting.
The first 5 miles came and went, and I soaked up the atmosphere and the various costumes. I saw 2 guys running as a 3 legged race, a rhino, Christmas tree to mention a few. At mile 5 all was going to plan, I slowed to take on a gel, squeezed it too hard and covered myself in a sticky mess!!! I continued around the Cutty Sark and headed on. At the main tourist locations, the crowds were particularly large, noisy and supportive, every step of the 26.2miles someone was cheering you on. What a great turnout from London to support several thousand lunatics running in the sun.
Talking of the sun, it was hot out there, most of my training had been done in the damp and cold winter months and this was another level. There were water stations every 3 miles and showers set up that were great to run through and cool down a bit.
At mile 9 I saw my family cheering me on with banners and I waved to them as I ran past. On towards Tower bridge (just under half way) where the crowds were large again and I slowed down to take a few pictures before continuing on. Around docklands I started to feel the heat and things started to get a bit harder.
We had a plan that Jan would send me messages that I could read on my watch as I was running so I knew where and when they would pop up. We had a rough plan of them seeing me around Mile 18. Like all great plans it didn’t quite work out, the sun was so bright, I struggled to read the messages on my watch and after scanning the crowds and feeling multiple buzzes on my watch I got my phone out to read that There was a change of plan due to navigating transport and crowds , they would see me just after the mile 20 marker instead.
Just after Mile 20 I saw them it was a boost because at this point it was getting harder and harder to keep going. A quick stop, chat and selfie before carrying on. I found myself walking more than I was running and simply concentrated on just putting one foot in front of the other. I knew I needed to take on fuel but really feel like anything. I ate a few pretzels (I was really done with sweet sticky jells!) and although all advise says don’t try anything new, I was tempted by a cup of Lucozade being handed out. It tasted amazing!
Those last 6 miles are a bit of a blur, I had to dig deep to keep going. I saw the 5:30 pacer pull ahead of me and then the 5:45 and I knew there was nothing I could do about it. At that point it was not about a time just getting to the end. As the houses of parliament came into view, I knew I was almost there, and I was going to get over the finish line. Down the mall my head was down, and I was walking when a guy came up behind me, said come on mate and encouraged me to run (slowly!!) towards the finish line. I ran over the finish line with his help and thanked a complete stranger for his support.
After that I collected my medal, took another selfie, collected my kit bag and headed off to Charing Cross. That was a slow walk! At the train station, to my dismay, they were queuing around the block. Thankfully I realised that was for the underground and I was off to London bridge using the overground. I found my train and got on, only to have to stand in a really packed, hot and stuffy train. I got one stop where more people got on, but before the train left the station, I started to feel unwell and had to push my way off before I fainted. I sat on the floor, took some deep breaths and got some fresh air as it passed. I then noticed two guys on a bench next to me and talking to them, they had done the exact same thing!
All three of us were feeling better as the next train pulled in so we got on and I met up with my family in London Bridge and headed back to my daughters flat. I wasn’t really hungry but I ate half of my dinner before being driven home. Once home I sat on the sofa, legs aching and poured a large glass of red wine, before heading off to bed at the end of a fantastic, memorable day.
Everyone from the crowds, the organisers, volunteers, other marathon runners and my supportive family made the day an experience I will never forget.
The ballot for next year closes Friday, I would recommend anyone sign up for it from walkers at 7+hours to super fit 2:30 runners.
Thanks again CRC for the opportunity.