VLM Complete

I have just come back from my virtual Marathon. It was pretty hot out there after about half way. I started well and felt fresh up to 18 miles or so. Put a bit of music to see me home from 20 miles. Last few were tough but it was my second Marathon in three weeks. I really hope everyone else is doing well too. I don't really have any supporters so just ran it on my own as normal with my vest on and all my bits in the back. I have all you virtual supporters that I'm grateful for so thank you all. Indian tonight as a treat to myself.

[Roxdog 10 Miles]

You do have supporters! Us! Well done. That's amazing. I was wondering if you would be running this today. I have no idea about times etc, but am in awe of anyone who can run that far. You deserve that meal! Take care

[Hidden in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you Roxdog. You are so ace!

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Congratulations Dean on running the VLM in a sub 5 hour time of 04.55.17, two marathons in 3 weeks is a great achievement in itself. You will now have a good rest and enjoy your Indian tonight, once again a big congratulations on your marathon today 🎊🏃‍♂️😊👍

[Hidden in reply to AlMorr]

Feel chuffed Super Al! Under 5 was my goal today.

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I have just looked at the number of congratulations and replies you got for your first marathon, you are now in the top five for the most at 3 after TT60 at 1, Buddy34 at 2, I am at 4 with ButtercupKid, a graduate about 18 months ago at 5, well done.

[Hidden in reply to AlMorr]

Esteemed company there my man!

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Ha ha, I don't mind you knocking me off the No. 3 position, congratulations 🎊 😊 🏃🏾.

Tomorrow I hope to run my midweek run, a 8K.😊🏃🏾

[Hidden in reply to AlMorr]

Yes! Go for it and I'll watch it on relive. I'm going 5m too later after work though.

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

👍

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Good morning GTFC I ran my 8K midweek run this morning, time was 58 minutes, the run was OK but on relive it's heading which I have now posted is "epic run", I am not sure if it was epic, it was enjoyable but not epic, if I had ran a HM it might have been epic. 😊 🏃🏾

[Hidden in reply to AlMorr]

Faster than me today Al!

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I did not run a marathon on Sunday.

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

PS, the most amount of congratulations were

1:-TT60 for her graduation from C25K

2:-Buddy34 for running her first Half Marathon

3:-GTFC for his first marathon.

4:-AlMorr for running 10 miles

5:-Buttercupkid for graduating from C25K.

[Roxdog 10 Miles]

And I didn't see any runners out there this morning! Just mad me and the ducks!

[SmilingTortoise1 Half Marathon]

A massive well done Dean! What a fantastic achievement 👏👏👏👏 particularly without a physical crowd to cheer you on. What determination and drive you have 😊💪

Enjoy your Indian tonight - you definitely deserve it 👊

[Hidden in reply to SmilingTortoise1]

Thank you. I'm going to eat loads 🙈

[Jools2020 Half Marathon]

Wow. I am in awe - 2 marathons in 3 weeks! An amazing achievement 👏👏👏

Well done for today and enjoy that Indian, you’ve earned it 👍

[Hidden in reply to Jools2020]

Thank you, I feel good now 😊

[PhoenixRise 10 Miles]

Amazing! Well done GTFC! 👏 👏 👏 You can be my coach for next year 🤭 I fancy giving this a go I think 🤔

Enjoy your well deserved Indian! 🤤

[Hidden in reply to PhoenixRise]

I would say go for it as the longer runs set you up nicely and you're doing brilliantly so far 😊

[PhoenixRise 10 Miles in reply to Hidden]

Thanks GTFC 🙏🏻 I’ll be back for your pearls of wisdom and next steps once I’ve finished B210K in a few weeks 😉

[Hidden in reply to PhoenixRise]

Can't wait to read about your progress!

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

...so many supporters on here though GTFC! 🙂

Well done on another brilliant run - just fantastic!👏👏👏🎉🎉😀🏅

I ran this morning (not very far in comparison!😂) and passed a VLM runner in the rain! Of course I clapped and cheered him as he ran past!👏👏👏💪

Well done to everyone who took on this challenge without the support of the masses - you are all heroes !🙂💪

[Hidden in reply to Sandraj39]

Every run we do helps us so well done on yours 👏👏👏😊

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Stop! This day belongs to you and all the other 26.2 milers!💪😃

[Hidden]

That's a good job well done GTFC 👍

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks buddy!

[Tasha99 Marathon]

Super fantastic! Well done!

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

It's my coach 🧡

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Hidden]

😶🤣

[Couchphoenix Half Marathon]

Amazing....I take my hat off to you, congratulations GTFC 👏🏻👏🏻🏅🥳🥳

[Hidden in reply to Couchphoenix]

Thank you! It was all good, just the end a little tough 😊

[Fabulous450]

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽!!! Congratulations GTFC! You certainly do have supporters and you're amazing 🤗!

What a run!! 🥂 🍾 Absolutely delighted for you! 😁👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️

[Hidden in reply to Fabulous450]

I'm well chuffed. Thank you! 😊

[limberlou Half Marathon]

Wow!! I struggled my way through HM last summer and that was horrendous!! ( mind you - hottest day of the summer so ... ) but no way could I do the whole marathon distance.

I am in awe!! And you well deserve that Indian tonight - enjoy!!

[Hidden in reply to limberlou]

Thank you so much. Felt good for it today 😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

You are amazing! Wow that’s fantastic in this weather, and especially since you only ran a marathon recently too. What a stellar runner you are GTFC, I’m so pleased for you! You’ve well and truly deserved that VLM bling when it arrives. 🎉💥😀🏃⭐️🏅

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I think the long runs really help. I was really comfy up to 21 today. Just the last bit was tough 😊

[Buddy34 Half Marathon]

Well I don't know what to say to someone who can run 2 marathons in 3 weeks . Wait i do, congratulations my running friend you really are amazing.

Massive congratulations and bloody well done . I hope you're super chuffed with yourself and hope you enjoy your meal tonight. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️💪💪👏👏👏🥳🥳

[Hidden in reply to Buddy34]

Appreciate this Buddy because I really admire you. It was all the runs before really rather than this one. Up to 21 I felt comfy. Just the last few I felt tired.

[Buddy34 Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Enjoy a rest and of course your Indian. Are you starving 🤣👍

[Hidden in reply to Buddy34]

I'd pre made my peanut butter sandwiches for after 😂😂😂

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Well done, sir!!!

[Hidden in reply to roseabi]

Thank you. Feel great now 😊

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

You look as fresh as a daisy GT! I can’t believe that’s your finish line photo! Brilliant work, just amazing that you’ve a) run a marathon and b) you’ve run two in three weeks 🙀 just incredible.

I’ll have what you’re having.....

Many congratulations and well done to you, such a wonderful achievement 💪🙂

[Hidden in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you so much. Really appreciate it. All my longer runs helped. I kept a comfy pace (11.14 av) so up to 21 felt comfy. Last few were tough. 😁

[TailChaser Marathon]

Wow GTFC, that’s incredible! Massive well done! Enjoy your Indian, you really have earned it👏👏👏

[Hidden in reply to TailChaser]

Thank you! I really will 😁

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon]

Wow! That’s a huge achievement. Enjoy that very well-deserved meal and take it easy.

[Hidden in reply to Stephen_UK]

Thanks mate 🍷🍷

[Hidden]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

what a great run Dean, so many supporters cheering you across that finish line today. Enjoy the rest of your amazing day. 🏃‍♂️🥳 🎈🤗

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. The forums are so fantastic.

[Bluebirdrunner]

Wow...Awesome acheivement and time GTFC so pleased and proud of you!

Recover well and enjoy your curry tonight...

Huge CONGRATULATIONS!⭐⭐🏅👏👏👏👏xxx

[Hidden in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you so much. Now I'm all recovered I'm taking it all in 😁

[MccHa Half Marathon]

Wow 😯 well done to you Hidden 👏👏👏

Great run and timing 👍

Hope one day will be me running the full Marathon 🤞🤞🤞

Congratulations 🥳

[Hidden in reply to MccHa]

I think that would be ace. You may as well give it a shot 😊

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to MccHa]

I am sure you will be able to run a full marathon sometime in the future MccHa, I was watching the London Marathon on TV, there was a 87 year old from N. Ireland running his 40th LM virtually, how about that🏃🏾😊

[Madge50 Marathon]

Well done Dean! That’s brilliant! The app failed for me - recorded me having done 1.8 miles! My Garmin recorded fine though, so i’ll post later and hopefully get that marathon badge next to my name!

Sounds odd saying that.....marathon.....crikey!

Enjoy that dinner and a beer no doubt!

👍🏃‍♂️🏅💪

Mx

[Hidden in reply to Madge50]

🍷🍷🍷 for me!

🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

Massive congratulations to you! I'm so pleased you got it done!! Just got an e-mail from them regarding supplementary evidence. You deserve that badge and the medal that is coming your way too. Can't wait to read your report. Absolutely thrilled for you 😁😁

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Madge50]

I'll be looking out for your post too Madge! Awesome!!👏👏👏👏🏅🎉🎉

[Elfe5]

Fantastic Dean - what an achievement! 👏👏💪🏻😄🥳.

Savour every bite of that well deserved Indian. 😉😋

[Hidden in reply to Elfe5]

I'm really looking forward to it. Thank you so much 😁

[grumpyoldgirl]

Woohoo! Looking good, GT! What a brilliant achievement - twice! 🎉🎆🎉🎆

[Hidden in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Yes, I think that when it sinks in I'll be chuffed to run it twice in 3 weeks. Thank you so much.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Literally awesome GTFC; if I tried to run a marathon I would have to take a nap half way....,and then give up!! Amazing running 👏👏👏👏👏👏🥇

[Hidden in reply to Beachcomber66]

😁 thank you. You could split it anyway. Appreciate your support.

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon]

Brilliant!! Well done GTFC 👍💪 Enjoy your takeaway you definitely earned it. 👏👏👏👏

[Hidden in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thank you! I've eaten sensibly for a few weeks and not drank at all this week so I'm ready for this evening 🍷😁

[Forest_Run_Beginner Marathon]

WOOOHOOOO, that is phenomenal GTFC. I was thinking about you and all the other VRB's today and wondering how you were all getting on. Just amazing. Congratulations, bask in the glow of your awesomeness now and enjoy that curry and maybe a glass or two of red wine, you definitely deserve it. 👏👏💪🏅🏅🍾🥂🏃‍♂️🥳🥳🎊🍷🍷

[Hidden in reply to Forest_Run_Beginner]

Thank you so much. I really value your support. You know me well 🍷🍷😂😂.

I prepared well with my food this week and not drank so I'd be ready in my head because if you're not 26.2 will find you out. Feel great now. I hope you are doing ok too?

[Forest_Run_Beginner Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I am well thank you, although if you have a little running mojo to spare, I'd really appreciate it if you could send it my way. Mine has been missing since the end of August and I'm struggling at the moment to enjoy my runs. You definitely inspire me and encourage me to get out of the door though, thank you, and to everyone else on these forums.

Huge congratulations again 🍷🏅👍💪🎉🎊🥳🥳🏅

[Hidden in reply to Forest_Run_Beginner]

Hey, you are doing so well. It can be tough to go out so don't beat yourself up. Running is there for you and sometimes we need it most in difficult or busy times. Go out when you can and do it for you because you deserve that time for yourself. I don't look at numbers or fast pace. I just run for enjoyment and what it gives me as an individual. We're all right behind you. You are great! Remember...no more beginner, you're in the big league now 😊

[Over62 Half Marathon]

Brilliant running 🏃‍♂️GTFC a great resounding cheer from me. Enjoy your Indian meal - well deserved. 👍👏🎉😁

[Hidden in reply to Over62]

Thank you!! I feel terrific 😁

[Wimborne Half Marathon]

Yay Way to go GFTC... huge congrats 👏 ✊🥳👏... and you never run alone on this forum as I have been thinking of you and everyone running today . I hope you could hear me cheering at the end. Whoop whoop 🙌

[Hidden in reply to Wimborne]

Thank you so much. I love this forum because we all support each other no matter what. Really appreciate it, thank you 😊

[Wimborne Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

And just for you I ran in the rain today. Well more like drizzle. Yep as I thought hated it 😂

[Hidden in reply to Wimborne]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

You are so ace! I adore it. Well done though for getting out 😊

[AlysP]

Yay!!!! Well done!! I think you deserve an extra onion bajii or two after such a massive effort!! 👏👏👏💪💪💪

[Hidden in reply to AlysP]

😂😂😂😂

Thank you so much. Feeling great right now 😊

[CBDB]

Oh well done!!! Big congrats! Awesome 👏 👏👏👏👏

[Hidden in reply to CBDB]

Thank you. I'm so pleased 😁

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

Absolutely amazing, I bow down to you 👏🥳 Out in our boat on the Thames today we passed literally hundreds of VLM runners. Some looked great, but most looked thoroughly cheesed off with the pouring rain 💦💦

[Hidden in reply to Sandie1961]

😂😂😂😂😂

I longed for rain today but it was only spitting. Thank you so much for your comments.

[misswobble Marathon]

Well done Dean! Great job. Congratulations! Another one in the bag.

Enjoy your meal! I love a curry post long run. It just slides down one's cake 'ole with the greatest of ease. I usually make my own though as I have to eat straight away or I'd keel over.

I hope you're feel ok after your exertions.

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

This made me laugh so much!!!

Thank you so much. I got a takeaway but after the run I had made some peanut butter sandwiches and crisps for after.

Feel good and enjoyed it very much up to the later stages when I got tired.

Hope you are all ok 😊

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I don't know what to do with myself. I ache so much I did a 32k trail run and it nearly did me in. I had such blisters and painful toe-ends I had to heel strike. the trail is so hilly and stony. You feel every stone under your bunions. I have a masso blister. I might post a pic. Tee hee

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

That's a heck of a run on the trail 👏👏👏👏 one of my toes is deep red 😱 I'd post it 😂😂😂😂😂 honestly, what a great run. Let's both rest up a few days at least!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I think one of my toe nails is a goner. Mind you, first one of the year.

I usually run the day after a long run as my legs get dead jittery. I might not run tomorrow. Walking might not even be possible. I have just taken two Neurofen red capsule thingies

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

I read it's best to leave it for a few days to let all the micro tears heal and your legs rest up a bit. Nurofen are the business. Trail running must be a lot tougher than on the flat. I take paracetamol before and after a really long run. Look after yourself 😊 you are a pro!!! Love it

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Hidden]

This long trail run did me in once before at 32k. I couldn't actually move. I was on the street and my legs wouldn't go any further. I had to get home by holding onto walls and railings. It was my hips. they'd locked up. i bought my most expensive purchase ever after that. A pair of Merino boxers they are gorgeous, and get brought out for longer runs once the mercury drops. £23 for pants!

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

They are the future!!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Hidden]

£28 now. Crikey! Kepler boxers from Alpkit

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

Well done mate! 👍👊👊👊

[Hidden in reply to mrrun]

Thank you. Really appreciate it 😁

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Wow! fantastic time - quite a lot faster than the first one right? Massive congratulations. We saw lots of bibs out there today, but every time I saw someone on their own I wondered if I could run that far by myself. I don't think I could! So huge respect to you!!!

[Hidden in reply to linda9389]

Thank you so much. This one was 3 mins slower than my previous one but to be honest I just wanted to get round and be under 5 so I am absolutely delighted.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Ahh, sorry I should have checked but I thought you'd run the first one in 5 something. Well under 5, an amazing time, and two marathons in three weeks is just phenomenal!

[Hidden in reply to linda9389]

May I ask how things were for you?

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Hidden]

All good thanks, in a wet and muddy kind of way. I will write a race report but I fear it will be long !!!

[Hidden in reply to linda9389]

Ohhh! How absolutely incredible. Write one!! You deserve it and it'll inspire others too! That badge looks incredible next to you! Wait until we get the medal too! 👏👏👏👏

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I am very excited about all the badges. I just submitted evidence for my wooden 26.2 I Did It Anyway badge, to go with the 13.1 one that I earned in March. I'm very easily pleased

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Just amazing GTFC! 2 maras in 3 weeks and a great time too! Hope you enjoyed your well-earned meal 👏👏👏💪👊💥

[Hidden in reply to Decker]

Loved it! Thank you so much 😁

[Jelly-bean16 Marathon]

Congratulations! I had a similar experience although not as fast a time! I ran alone and went well up to 21 miles point then felt very hot with coat on when the rain stopped.

Well deserved Indian. I hope you enjoyed it. I had the Recovery Chilli from the VLM recipes they sent through but couldn’t face much. Very hungry about 4am!

Hope you’re not too sore today 👍

[Hidden in reply to Jelly-bean16]

Jelly Bean that is ace!! So pleased for you! The fact is you did it! You ran a Marathon 🎽💥🥇 incredible achievement 👏👏👏👏👏

[Slinkymalinki]

That's incredible! Huge congratulations to you 👏👏🎉🏅. I have elevated you to 'SUPERHUMAN' status for your amazing running achievements and unwaivering support of others. 🙂

[Hidden in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Gosh, thank you so much. I feel really happy about it 😊 I particularly love supporting others because their joy brings me joy so it's a bit selfish in a way 🧡

[Julietfred Half Marathon]

That's amazing GTFC. Well done on your achievement 🏆. Hope you enjoyed the 🥘!

[Hidden in reply to Julietfred]

Oh thank you so much. It was really lovely 😊

[Kevin41 Half Marathon]

It’s been said, but I’m going to say it again - that’s a phenomenal run and an amazing achievement. Massive congratulations and huge thanks for your positivity, grace and support!!

[Hidden in reply to Kevin41]

Thank you so much. Running just adds another dimension to us 😊

[Hareshaw-Granny]

Absolutely cracking achievement. Really well done. You are a huge inspiration and support to everyone. 👏👏🏅🏅

[Hidden in reply to Hareshaw-Granny]

Really appreciate this. I certainly feel pleased with how it's been going 😊

[SlowLoris]

Well run Dean.

[Hidden in reply to SlowLoris]

From one Marathoner to another, thank you 😊

[Cmoi Marathon]

Fantastic, well done!

[Hidden in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you 😊

[MoliJ]

Wow fantastic run. Very impressive. Massive congratulations 👏 👏👏💪🏃🏻‍♂️🔥🔥🔥🔥 enjoy a rest today.

[Hidden in reply to MoliJ]

Thank you, feet up lots today 😊😊😊

[MoliJ in reply to Hidden]

Enjoy your rest x

[59er]

Well done GTFC! You put in all the hard work and preparation so are entitled to be very proud of yourself. Enjoy that Indian and rest up 👍

[Hidden in reply to 59er]

Oh, thank you. It's definitely the preparation in the runs building up to a big one. Really appreciate it 😊

[Instructor57]

Fantastic !

And that looks like a good time to me ! 😁

Enjoy the well deserved Indian 😋

[Hidden in reply to Instructor57]

Under 5 was my aim so when I knew that I felt even better. Thank you 😊

[Irish-John Marathon]

Good man, great Runner!! Well done Dean!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[Hidden in reply to Irish-John]

Thank you so much buddy!

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Oh wow that’s awesome, and we are all your supporters, couldn’t you hear us cheering you on and whoop whooping at the end??

[Hidden in reply to SueAppleRun]

😂😂😂😂😂

Thank you so much. Really appreciate it

[Oldgirlruns 10 Miles]

Just seen this GTFC - huge congratulations! It must have been pretty grim in yesterday’s awful weather so I’m super in awe!

[Hidden in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thank you! It was surprisingly ok really. I like the rain so willed it to come 😂😂😂

[Run46 Half Marathon]

2 Marathons in 3 weeks...amazing, amazing, amazing! 🎉✨🏆

Did I mention, you are amazing...nuff said 👏🏃‍♂️👏

[Hidden in reply to Run46]

You are so epic! Thank you so much. I do feel really pleased now 😊

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

What more can I say, but congratulations GTFC. A virtual London marathon done. We were waving Pom poms all the way. 🏃‍♂️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[Hidden in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you. I'm really appreciative of all of your support 😊

[C3PO Marathon]

Congratulations!

[Hidden in reply to C3PO]

Thank you 😊😊😊

[Leosmit]

A fantastic achievement and what a great post-run photo!! Incredible.

[Hidden in reply to Leosmit]

Thank you very much! 🙂

I hope you are ok?