With all of our lives over the last 18 months or so pretty much on hold, I was really looking forward to getting back to official racing at the London Landmarks Half Marathon this weekend.
The conditions felt good- overcast but not cold. My hotel was very close to the start line, so I was able to arrive not too early with a nice warm up walk across the river. The 30 minutes hanging around waiting on my ‘wave’ being released was ample opportunity for the nerves to build. Also worries about whether I should nip to the loo before we head off. No, it’s psychological I thought.
When we eventually got away I felt excited and ready to do this. It was crowded, with a bit of jostling for position. But that’s to be expected with c.14,000 runners. The signs advising social distancing was a bit pointless, either at the start or on much of the course.
The cheering crowds and pumping music along the route was something else. Strangers shouting out my name, pushing me on when I started to have doubts in my ability despite having run the distance a great many times before, was really special.
Also amazing was seeing my family cheering me on - early at mile 1.5 on Upper Holburn (I think), mile 5 (Fleet Street) and after the rave tunnel after mile 11 - this isn’t something normally experienced when you’re out on a less loopy course.
The downside - the twisting and turning, doubling back on yourself so that at times you’re facing runners miles ahead and others behind you, when combined with the excessive noise was massively disorientating. Oh how I missed the isolated Scottish hills of my training runs at that moment!
The temperature (and therefore me) started heating up about a 3rd of the way round. I was carrying an energy drink but not taking on enough water. I’ve never really mastered running and drinking at the same time, but after realising I actually did need the loo and a quick stop was needed, I also realised I needed water and lots of it. The mist showers were greatly appreciated, and at the last water station I stuck the bottle in my pocket after a few welcome sips. I knew I’d need it all to get to the finish line.
At about the 18th km I was really struggling & hit a wall, metaphorically speaking. I felt weak so took a walking break. Nibbled on the energy bar I’d been carrying, took on some more water, then got going again though much slower than my normal half marathon pace.
It was a very slow finish for me, I usually have something left in the tank. The final stretch from the 13 mile marker to the finish line felt like an eternity. My watch also said I’d done the distance some way back, when would it end?? But eventually the finish line came into sight and I finished in 1h 57m 43s (chip time). Slower than normal, but pretty pleased given the struggle I and others found it.
Did I enjoy it? Yes and no. It was really disorienting and felt way tougher than the many other times I’ve completed the distance. But I do love running, and the camaraderie and atmosphere were superb. So I may be back, but hopefully at a cooler time of year, with a better strategy and when I’ve forgotten all the bad bits!
The course reads as tough - but you did it 
Swansea half marathon race report
2018 Virgin Money London Marathon - My race report
