I can’t quite believe it’s been 5 months since Andy Sim surprised me at Selby Leisure Centre by pulling my name out of the actual London Marathon Ballot hat!
Since then, Vale of York women have been promoted at PECO, I’ve moved house, we’ve relocated athletics outdoors and introduced Bubwith as one of our new training locations.
So here we are, my final London Marathon blog.
I took the opportunity to go down to London on the Thursday before the race and stayed with my sister for a couple of days, relaxing and carb loading. I had a lovely time, but in the back of my mind the marathon was there looming ever closer. I feel like I spent quite a lot of time managing emotions: panic at points, overthinking the training I had done, and worrying about everything from the taper to chafing solutions!
I took my mind off all of this by heading to the expo. It was big, loud and busy, and if you have money to burn, you could really go to town on all the merch available. I took loads of pictures and soaked in the atmosphere. It’s quite a weird experience to be surrounded by so many people who have a similar mindset, hobby and goals as yourself.
Saturday arrived, time to head into the city proper and get checked into the hotel, my marathon home for a couple of days. It was lovely, easy to get to and had all the facilities I needed to prepare me as well, as it turns out, to relax me afterwards too.
I met my daughter for lunch, and she treated me to pasta for the carbs, then I headed back to the hotel as everyone had given me strict instructions to stay off my feet.
Reflecting on the training plan: overall, it was simple and increased in mileage each week, with lots of easy running and the obligatory long run at the weekend. I followed this fairly rigidly, with the only flexibility being on Wednesdays for the group run. I felt well prepared and even managed to have next to no injuries. I probably tapered a little too hard, but by Sunday morning I was feeling fresh and excited!
Sunday: Race Day Morning
Nothing out of the ordinary to start the day: porridge, drinks and checking my kit and bag for the 50th time.
Then we were off, heading to Victoria Station really early, lots of smiles and head nodding at strangers. We were all in this together but on our own at the same time.
Blackheath station arrived quickly and we all departed the train heading towards the heath, with vibes of the Quidditch World Cup. There were hot air balloons and music and a brilliant PA keeping everyone informed. There was a line of portaloos which seemed to stretch into the horizon and lots of water to keep hydrated. It was going to be a warm one. I had a while to wait for wave 11 and was lucky enough to have other Vale members for company.
Anyway, enough flannel: 26.2 was upon me. We set off at 10:27am. I was chatting to a lovely young woman in the corral, and we wished each other well then we were off.
The first few miles: checking my watch, staying on pace, thinking about how far we had to go. Before I knew it, we were 5k in and all was well. 10k in and we hit the Cutty Sark, the crowds grew and grew and the noise was incredible. I was having a brilliant time.
Halfway: my daughter was waiting for me. Luckily, I heard her shouting and had a 10 second stop for a hug and I was off again. For anyone who supports these events, hearing my name being called with words of encouragement has an enormous effect and gives a real boost, more than you can imagine!
I was cruising along, I had slowed my pace a little to take into account the warmer weather but was still satisfied with the thought of a 4:30 finish or thereabouts. I had been aiming for 4:15; Vdot said I could do it. Heart rate and lungs were feeling good.
Mile 15: this is where it all changed. My hip had a little shout at me; I tried to ignore it but within a mile it was very sore indeed, and so it was a game of two halves. As much fun as the first 15 miles had been, the final 11 were gruelling. I was vaguely aware of London Bridge crowds and Sporty Spice doing a set, but was more aware of Daddy Pig catching me up (I’d passed him miles before).
Finally, the Mall, the crowds, the big finish. A sign read “385 yards to go”. Suddenly I could move a bit faster and crossed the line with the VOYAC salute, immediately in floods of tears. It was so emotional. I had done it: on my own, in pain, and with the support of so many people—not least all of you in the club, my friends, family, supporters and all those thousands of strangers. The 4:15 didn’t matter anymore. London is iconic.
If you want to do London, go for it. You won’t regret it.
It’s nearly 2 weeks since I ran London (that’s what we call it!). I would do a few things differently next time, mainly strength training. I think there’s probably always something we can change or improve on reflection.
Thanks for following my exciting journey. See you next year!
