05/10/2021
So I thought I'd tell you all about my marathon. How it felt and how the day went.
Anyway, after a very wet and windy journey to our hotel in Clapham, and a long walk in the rain for pizza, Sunday came with pleasent weather, not too cold, not too hot! Perfect running weather!
The marathon wasn't just about running 26.2 miles...there was quite a bit of walking to do to just get to the start. Down to Clapham Common Underground (and brilliant from TFL to allow free travel) then on the train to London Bridge before a change (and another walk) to catch the train down to Blackheath with all the other marathon runners. A fabulous atmosphere with a combination of the nervous and the supportive all chatting and reassuring each other.
And then it was a walk to the start on Blackheath. Through the checkpoints, showed Covid pass and down to the start, after a long toilet wait! Again chatting to fellow runners, finding out stories, aims and wishes and getting ready to go. And before I knew it, into my wave pen, trackie bottoms and old hoodie into the donation bin and Strava turned on ready to go...
The way it was set up this year, with waves of a few hundred runners going off together, not a mass start, meant that we were into our running straight away. And right away the crowds were cheering us all on, an unbelievable noise that didn't dissipate the whole way round.
The first three 3 miles, through the residential area of Charlton and downhill to the River Thames at Woolwich went by in a blur. The advice I'd been given was to try and soak it in, which I did my best to do so, but it seemed that maybe I was going too fast. That 5k seemed like it took about 15 minutes, absorbed as I was with the crowds, the sights and sounds and the general exhiliration of actually running the London Marathon (when I checked my Strava after ending and checking with Shazza who'd been following me on the App, my 5k splits were all nice and steady at around 30 minutes).
From Woolwich all 3 starts joined together on the the next 5k section down the Woolwich/Trafalgar Road before the right turn around the first big spectator spot, Cutty Sark. And what an experience it was. Just the fillip needed as you hit quarter distance. People shouting out your name, extolling you on to keep going. Really gave you the spur needed. Time also for some re-fuelling as I took on a gel and some candy kittens.
That energy was seriously needed as into your head you know the next big thing is Tower Bridge and the turn right towards halfway and the East End. Tower Bridge I didn't enjoy. Energy levels were dropping, lots of people were stopping for iconic selfies (maybe next time for me) and I just needed to get going! Over the bridge and I heard a few calls (including, apparently, one of my dealers from work, who I totally ignored, sorry Nina!) of my name that helped hugely. Another gel, a mouth full of Candy kittens and a malt loaf got my sugars back up. The important thing is that I kept running though and soon I was back feeling good.
Indeed so good that from mile 14 as we entered the Isle of Dogs round and through Mudchute and around to Canary Wharf I started 'floating'. 'Floating' is how I describe the euphoric feeling that you get when you run when it just seems so easy, natural and wonderous. I'd been passing slower runners all morning, but suddenly I was going through the pack at a great rate. Laughing and joking with runners in full firefighters equipment, dressed as Rhino's or just other runners as we passed through. Even the bloke outside a pub, pint in hand and fag in gob, bellowing advice about running styles didn't irritate!
Unfortunately the 'float' didn't last as aches and pains took hold. A twinge in a hamstring, shoulders that ached and went numb and, most concerning, a sharp, shooting pain in the bottom of my right foot. Now I knew 7 miles to go that I was going to finish. Not a problem. Even if I crawled. But time was going to be my concern. I was really wanting to be as close to 5 hours as I possibly could be but walking 7 miles was going to take a whole lot longer than planned. Luckily, though, I caught up with a fellow MND runner, Kate, and we started to chat as we went round and help each other with both taking turns to inspire and be inspired! When I had a bad moment Kate was able to get me running and vice versa. Which was just as well as the heavens opened for a 10 minute shower with a cold headwind that made life slightly uncomfortable for a mile or so! A mile at the end of which we passed the MND cheer squad which gave another huge lift.
The biggest lift for me was still to come as I knew Sam and Shazza were going to be waiting for me on the right hand side of the road as I passed Tower Bridge for the second time moving onto Lower Thames Street before the Embankment and the final last effort. And sure enough I saw them both with huge smiles and pride on their faces! I kept running right up to them and greeted Shazza by shouting 'IBUPROFEN' at her! A quick rummage in her bag and a couple of pills were passed over, a hug, a kiss and I Love You each and off I went again. 3 miles/5km's to go. Normally 30 minutes or so of running. It might have been nearer 40 though as there was running and walking involved. However, soon enough the right turn at the Houses Of Parliament along past St James Park came along and adrenalin started to take over with the iconic 385 yards to go sign and the right turn at Buck Palace onto the Mall and the last 200m 'sprint' to the finish post, a foil blanket and collecting my kit bag, medal and tee-shirt. Congratulations from all the amazing volunteers rang in my ears as I walked down to Admirality Arch and the meet and greet area where I was collected by Shaz and Sam before going to the MND meet for a sandwich, beer and massage!
What an amazing day. And despite all the pain and struggles one I 'need' to do again!
