A slightly delayed post due to processing our running club renewals, as I have taken over the membership secretary role. My way to pay back to the running club for all the support they have given me the last few years when my mum was very ill, and recently when Mum and Dad both lost their battles with Myeloma and Brain Tumour/Alzheimer’s.
Back in 1998 my husband ran the London Marathon, as I cheered for him as he turned at Buckingham Palace, I thought to myself, one day I might try this! Little did I know it would take 25 years.
With all the stress of poorly parents, I said one day, ‘I just need something good to happen, I’m fed up with the crap being thrown my way, 2 days later I received the email confirming my place in London, I had to open it twice to confirm I wasn’t dreaming, and then I screamed with excitement.
I went to the expo on the Friday to collect my number, I found my name on the wall, and enjoyed a fun day in London with others from the running club.
Sunday came, got the train to London early, and made my way to Greenwich Park, found the loos, dropped my bag in the lorry, and made my way to the starting pen.
I crossed the red start line at 11.12, and made my way around the course. The weather was cold with light rain, which was ok for us runners, but not so good for the spectators, but they came out in their thousands to cheer, shout, and encourage us on.
I made it to Cutty Sark (was filmed here for a few seconds fame on TV, took a while to spot on the recorded program at home) then it was onto Tower Bridge. From here you head east out to Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, here I caught up with a friend of mine, and we power walked a bit before I jogged on ahead.
Mile 21 - Rainbow Row was a boost and knowing I only had 5 miles left, I just kept plodding on.
You run along the embankment and aim for Big Ben, at this point my Son sent a message ‘Less than a mile left’ this was the boost I needed and I ran along Bird Cage Walk, past Buckingham Palace, and down the Mall. I’d done it!!!
It took me 5:35:56, I was aiming for 5:30, but considering my legs were hurting, (calves, knees, thighs and hips) I just kept moving, and was determined to get the medal.
I wasn’t prepared for the journey home, finding the underground, negotiating the steps, and crowds, train, then walking (if you can call it that due to tight calves) back to the car was a marathon in itself.
I haven’t entered the ballot again, and I don’t plan on doing it again, I’m glad it’s done, but to be honest, there is so much hype, and it’s not the most exciting course, many miles are run through housing or round Canary Wharf.
Around aid stations, you have to avoid discarded plastic water bottles, and I did appreciate the support, but sometimes the whistles in your ear, or the banging drums in the tunnels were a bit loud.
I cried at various points along the way, and that was due to the similarities in running Brighton in Sept 21 when my Mum was really poorly, and she died 4 days later, it bought back many memories.
Maybe, I wasn’t really ready for London, mentally or physically, but I’ve done it!
Now getting ready for a fun weekend away on 13th/14th, socialising, drinking, eating and running our way around The Green Belt of London (220 mile relay)
London Landmarks Half Marathon race report - a bit long!
Another London Marathon 2018 report
London marathon training update
