THE MOTIVATION

Urological cancers (bladder, kidney, prostate, testicular) represent nearly 20% of all cancers diagnosed in the UK each year. UCARE aims to improve the treatment and care of urological cancer patients through research and education. I am supporting them because my dear mother had a brush with bladder cancer a few years ago.

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THE CHALLENGE

Running The London Marathon on 13th April, 2014.

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RACE REPORT

Despite earlier forecasts predicting cloud, it was a glorious sunny day. Good for spectators; bit hot for runners. I ran the 1st 5k at 7 min/mile pace (which is close to 3hr marathon pace). I knew this was too fast for my planned schedule but was just swept along with the crowd. Deliberately slowed myself down after that, and concentrated on water, nutrition and conserving energy. Was feeling pretty good for the first half and had plenty of energy for crowd interaction (hand slaps, whooping etc). It was a bit demoralising to be passed by a giant gherkin, and various people in wedding dresses, but my mantra was - I am not racing, I am NOT racing.

Just after half way, there's a point where the course loops back on itself on the Highway, and here we saw the elite male runners coming back the other way. We all gave Mo a cheer, but he was some way behind by then. I was hoping to see my family at 14 miles, but missed them as they were on the other side of the road nearer the elite runners. The next few miles were the toughest and around 18 miles/30k I was in a shallow pain cave and running my slowest on the day. Previous experience helped here - this was nothing like as bad as my last marathon, and I started to feel better as we reached 20 miles. Avoid the wall - eat plenty of carbs early on!

At 22 miles, I was back on the highway and this time did manage to find my family. Cover photo update coming soon. I was feeling good and did a little Pharrell Williams dance and sing to my sister. 'Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof'. I was in good spirits after this and just kept trundling along for the next couple of miles. As I was feeling strong, I picked the pace up a bit and a started passing lots of people, including the gherkin - phew. Fair play to him though. That must have been hot. Anyway, I kept winding it up and managed a sprint finish up the mall passing loads more people - hockey fitness. Met up with my family shortly after and spent a nice afternoon together. All in all a really enjoyable day.

Thanks to everyone for the support. :-)