After the run, a reflection
The week prior to the marathon I had finished my training schedule and was just going out for strenuous walks and short runs. However, the thing that was really starting to worry me was my travel arrangements. Due to various commitments I had decided to fly down and take the train back. Of course this was all happening as the flight restrictions came in due to the ash from the Icelandic volcano. Mentally this was quite taxing even up to the point that the flight prior to ours was cancelled. However we got there.
The race day started with me catching a Tube and the Docklands Light Railway train to Greenwich. Unusually, at least, in my experience, everyone on the Tube was talking and there was quite a party atmosphere. Whilst this was great, I was feeling quite emotional. Was I going to be able to cover the distance? Had I eaten the right food? Had I drunk enough? Was I going to let my friends, family and sponsors down?
From the station I followed the mass of people walking up to the start areas in Greenwich Park. I was directed into the runners’ enclosure. I left my ‘kit bag’ on a lorry hoping to see it again at the finish and went to my allocated start ‘pen’. All of this was really well organised. About 10 minutes after the start gun at 9:45 I crossed the start line and I was off- in front all you could see was a snake of moving people flanked by crowds of well wishers. This was the whole tone of the London marathon for all 26 miles there were crowds of people cheering and shouting you on, offering you food and drink to help you on the way. A real experience of British society at its best- it was a remarkable experience and it gave me a real lift. I ran with and past several fancy dress competitors- someone as a toilet, another as a bottle of beer and a giraffe with an incredible neck over 5 metres tall.
At half way I was doing well, just about 2 hours- on course for my 4 hour time to finish. At this point the course had been through many communities south of the River Thames and took you over Tower Bridge to the north where we weaved round the Docklands. By this point the temperature, humidity and sheer presence of people was making me realise that all my practice runs in winter, in quiet Deeside had not prepared me enough for this event. I am sure every runner had to constantly think about their pace, their fluid intake, the people around them and the distraction yet encouragement being given by the crowds of well wishers. Finally along the Embankment and up the Mall, fully aware my pace had dropped, I crossed the line in 4 hours and 36 plus minutes. Lots of congratulations all round from fellow runners, albeit subdued due to fatigue. Through finisher processing- removal of timing tag, medal, goody bag gift (with the cheesy T-shirt – LonDone!) and kit bag retrieval and funnelled out to meet and mingle with family and friends. More congratulations and swapping of runner and spectator stories. Sunday late afternoon, cracked a bottle of champagne with friends before catching the night train home. Would I do it again? If you asked me on Sunday probably no, Monday possibly, by Tuesday/Wednesday yes, but which one next? The London Marathon was an incredible experience particularly for a debut to marathon running.
Thank you to everyone for their support.
Simon
Before the run:Hello
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I have set this up to help raise funds for the Born Free Foundation. I will be running the London Marathon in April 2010, my 50th year! I have chosen Born Free as the charity in memory of a dear friend, Simon Thirgood, who was tragically killed whilst working in Africa in 2009. Simon's wife Karen Laurenson has set up a project with Born Free to provide education for children from the Bale mountains, Ethiopia. The wider benefits of this education has the potential to influence the well-being of their communities, and the sustainability of their natural environment for generations to come.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Please help me to support this worthy cause.
