I finally feel coherent enough to post. Lots to tell - but hope I can be eloquent enough to capture the event. Danzargo has done a brilliant spectators post- which pretty much captures the atmosphere.
The night before - I was not exactly nervous - but I was very distracted - could not eat my dinner - was constantly checking my kit - which I had Dumbo like dependance on - at one point rampaging round my hotel room because I could not find my long run running socks - but there they were tucked in my running shoes-sigh. Had a very tetchy conversation with with concierge about best route to start- he gave me a very complicated train route- "I know this madness - I live near Greenwich..." I suggested perhaps the alternative route was Jubilee line and then the DLR - Long hard stare -'actually that is more straight forward and it will be quicker' he replied.
On the morning I was up and at em for 6 30- out the door by 7 30. And the day of being a Rock Star Began. I show boated through the streets of London - where surprisingly there were many people out and about not just those with Virgin London Marathon (VLM) bags. For the runners all journeys were free- we were just hustled through like super stars. A few runners stopped me to ask which way to go and which journey to take. Feeling confident - I gave directions- but from a distance they clung to me like limpets. (It was slightly unnerving when most of the runners got off at London Bridge - but I held my nerve to Canary Wharf - my limpets looked sideways at me - but stuck with me ).
The atmosphere up to Greenwich park was beautiful and crazy - I followed a tiger up, someone dressed as a glitter ball- all was a very bonhomie atmosphere. Once at the start you hand your bag in and then join the longest loo queue in the world - which I was still standing in at 10 00! Incomprehensible to describe the number of people - we heard Mo go off and then half an hour later I crossed the start line. Big thumps of the heart and gulping tears - to think I was actually here doing it. The start is very much locals - all quite casual really - no barriers- small hands held out for high fives- lovely.
I had two chief concerns- 'hitting the wall' and the heat. I was massively over- hydrated and very quickly needed a loo stop- another queue!! It was very warm and by 10 miles - I felt quite daunted - my legs were really achey and still 16 to go. I felt very tearful - to have come this far and to be struggling at 10 miles. I knew my family were at 11 miles - and what a boost they gave just to see them - here them cheering- quick hug and on my way. I made my mind up there and then - I would finish- in whatever way I could - I also thought of all the advice I had been given and the main one was ENJOY. So I gathered my headspace - held my head high and set my sights on Tower Bridge- I wanted to run over that in confident style - the wall of sound as I rounded the corner towards the Bridge was extraordinary-This is when the yells of your name really come in- mine had printed in big red was 'Suzy B' - the chant of that back at you as it went like a Mexican wave through the crowds was fabulous - made me grin and smile and cheer- pulling me along. Occasionally someone would really insistently call your name - like they knew you - it felt very personal. I loved that feeling of hearing my name - very addictive - And easy to get - if you flashed a smile- waved- high fived some children - the spectators need acknowledgement too
At mile 15 - canary wharfish- chaffing started - aargh - had to actively look out for the gloved - Vaseline hand of st johns - spotted one - and had to rather indiscreetly shove my hand down my shorts and apply - where needed! I knew now I was into single figures to count down 26 miles. So a mile at a time - I was definitely walking/running now - but kept my miles at 12 min mile pace. The 5 hour time was blown - but maybe six?. So I set myself targets- highlights as follows:
-over took the oldest marathoner (yay)
-passed the full brass band in bight orange - twice- no mean feat they took up the whole road (stopped to talk to --a friend and they passed me again!)
-two rhino's
- me walking and chatting to a chap running - he suddenly said - 'you can walk faster than I can run - I am holding you up - go" so I went
-the walking horse
- And the best of all the Tiger- I saw him 200 hundred yards ahead - a model of a tiger in a roar position - being carried on the runners back. He was in my sights - and I managed a fair sprint and overtook him much to the pleasure of the crowds - 'Suzy B Suzy B...."
At mile 25 my family again cheering and shouting- and bullied me into running - which the crowds loved and carried me along chanting my name.
Last mile- the longest and slowest - but the 800 metre sign a very welcome sight. Over the finish line - Yay. Two thoughts - The guy with the fridge on his back had beaten me - if I had seen him - I would definitely have over taken him and " I can do better than this'
Injury count: 5 black toes, feet feel like they have been hammered, unsightly chaffing at top of legs, thighs like concrete.
Jealous friends: Fall into two camps - those who have done it - wishing they were doing it again. Those who have said they could never do it - seriously considering entering next year. So if anyone is interested the ballot opens 22 April - my name will be going in that ballot box!
Happy running - thanks for your support - I simply could not have done this without C25K and all of you. Much Love Suzy B
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suzybenj
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You really are such an inspiration Suzy, a massive well done to you. It sounds like you had an amazing time and you must be so proud. I hope your medal has pride of place somewhere!
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT, AWESOME, FANTASTIC - you are an inspiration for us all! Insufficient words and praise for such an accomplishment ... yes. Have to leave room for all the others, SuzyB you are truly a super star xxxxx
Fantastic Suzy, you have done so well and I don't know what else to say but FANTASTIC!!!! You must have had a super day. and you are an inspiration. Remember that tiger if the going gets tough anytime xx
Welcome to the marathon club (she says having only joined those ranks 9 days ago!). I love your write up - I was already impressed by how consistent your times were but when you say you were struggling from mile 10 I'm even more impressed. That Tiger ran Brighton marathon too - they interviewed him on the Channel 4 program at the weekend, he's amazing. I'll be entering the London ballot too - hopefully will see you there next year !
Thanks - I hadn't considered I had joined a club - but I have haven't I:-). Yes clocked you had done a Marathon - and noted you were right back out there running- good for you. It is easier if I keep moving - considering some sort of jaunt tomorrow...
What an immense achievement - very well done Suzy B! As someone who is still struggling to get to that 5k marker I can't even imagine the hard work it must have taken to do what you did on Sunday. I am totally in awe!!
What a wonderful achievement Suzy! You are a Running Rock Chick!
I was tracking you on the computer for a while but I'm afraid I had some major 'rubble digging out' in the garden to do and by the time I checked back, you'd finished!
Totally in awe - my longest distance so far is 8 miles - I really can't imagine the mental and physical strength needed for 26! Congratulations!!
Thanks for support - i did all the C25k+ podcasts for a while (june last year). Then gradually built up to a bridge to 10k programme. Good luck with the rest of the programme- it is well worth it
Everything as allready been said Suzy , I am in awe of you I really am , you must be so proud , congratulations on your amazing accomplishment & you know what you have inspired me ,& would like a pop at the London marathon myself I really would ! I'm 56 & you know what I may just do ! Congratulation Suzy you are fantastic !!!
Go Rockette go - it literally is all in the mind what you can do. I always said I could never do a Marathon . Then when I decided it was like a switch going over in my head- 'yes I can'. A friend of mine did her first Marathon at 57.
What a great post and inspirational post for everyone. Your achievement is fanatsic. Even though it sounds tough you really sounded like you enjoyed it. Great sporting attitude. Hopefully your recovery will be swift.
What an achievement. Congratulations Suzy. A very inspirational post and what a great memory for you. May there be many more. You deserve your 'rock star status'.
Amazing journey you've just made. Thank you for sharing it with us! All the training runs etc. Superlatives - not enough of them to equal your amazing effort!
Hope these amazing feelings last for ever for you - I'm sure they must.
BRILLIANT! And it is we who should be thanking you for being such an inspiration for us all!
SuzyB - you are amazing - reading your post is like experiencing it all - pain an' all. thanks for keeping us all in mind and telling us all about it - great run and great post! Con-gra-tu-lat-ions!!!
Massive congratulations to you. From Couch to Marathon! You should contact HealthUnlocked and get them to share your story on the main site. How you managed to dig deep after the 10 mile mark, I can't even imagine. You must feel so proud of your achievements, we sure are proud of you on here.
Congratulations and I am in awe. C242K is what you have achieved, it really is amazing! I'm going to apply for next year, thanks for inspiring all of us.
that has made me want to do it even more!!!! ballot here I come but i guess I will probably have to go with a golden ticket sponsorship thingy - hopefully that would be for diabetes UK
SUzi B....Suzi B....Suzi B......!!! You are just terrific. What an incredible achievement to start and then actually cross the finishing line, albeit with sore limbs! Well done Suzi B. We must only have been metres from each other at some point and I did tell Mrs Dan that "SuziB from the forum is running today!" Now go and paint your toenails...!!
Brilliant run and brilliant post. All those hours of training and moments of doubt are behind you now and you can bask in the glory of your incredible achievement for a while.
And if you can run a marathon, surely you can do ANYTHING! There will be no holding you back now, because whenever you run into a wall you'll KNOW you can keep going.
Had to respond to this post because the way you have written it makes me fee we have been through this with you in some ways and I really want to thank you for that. Obviously without the chaffing, sore legs and black toes though
You have done brilliantly and I would like to second the suggestion that someone else made about telling your story on the main page of c25k. I am convinced that a video clip of you in all your magnificence sharing your story would be a real inspiration to people about what is possible. Within a year too. WOW. X
Thanks lizziebeth - that is very kind- I wanted it to read well - so I wrote it as I felt I will think about the C25K thing - but I suspect they don't want to dilute C25k as a message. I am not sure they even promote B210k. But lovely thought
OMG you are such an inspiration - I hope the newbies on here have read your post. Just goes to prove what can be achieved with the right mindset and determination and effort.
Well done and good luck with the ballot for next year!
congratulations suzy benj!;a lovely post to read and absorb the atmosphere! you really are an inspiration, i'm very impressed hope you get a chance to rest up for a few days and bask in the glory !
Thanks JJ - lovely to hear from you. And so much thanks for your support and encouragement. Once I get my head out of this week - I will be right behind you in your own challenge later in the year.
BTW - did you see they had issued a perfume in your name ---La Panthere by Cartier
Wonderful - have been eagerly awaiting this post. Such an amazing achievement. One of the other nurses at work ran it as well - we made her wear her medal all day. Very well done!!
Loved this, what an achievement. Well done you! Can't say I've set my sights on a marathon but completing this 9 week programme is my first goal. But you never know! X
Suzybenj, you have gone from plodding labrador to C25k heroine and have proved that this training plan and a lot of hard work can get any of us to places that we never thought possible. You are a star!
Thanks so much Ian - you are so right - the running has taken me many places - all good:-). Just entered the Oxford HM in October for a little autumnal challenge
Well done Suzy, Im in Ore at your amazing achievement. Can I ask you a question in relation to pursue and run a marathon, how much training had you done prior to this amazing feat? You mentioned that your were fairly confident and not nervous, however distracted the night before... thats why I am asking if you had ran this distance before. It sounds to me that you haven't and that makes your amazing feat even more gutzie and determination in your own psyche to overcome a driven dream to run such a huge distance. This I salute you and to all who have your gumption to make their dream goals into reality...this gives me more substance and hope to pursue the same dream. Thank you and all those C25K achievers 'We made a vow, so come, come on you believers and Run together'
Thank you. No i had not a marathon before - and it was determination. But I completely thank C25k for getting me into a place that this was even conceivable. As for the not nervous - i think I was just in place where I could not even understand what it was to do it - but I did believe i would do the best I could.
Just persuaded two rookie runners to start c25k -and they have booked a half marathon as their challenge to focus on.
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I am officially a runner! W6R3 all done!
Done it! Graduated at supernova 5k!
Done! Not the best final run but I am done! 
Week One Done - question about rest days.
