LONDON – MY FIRST MARATHON

 

Well,  who would have thought, when applying last October for a place in the London Marathon, that I would get in!

In January 2023 I started a 16 week training plan, which included three runs and three gym sessions per week. Initially, it seemed a daunting task, but I thought how lucky am I to get this chance? And got stuck in with the training. Thanks to Rob Jasper for putting on the routes each week for the long runs.

Everyone says the London Marathon is one of the best to do and it excelled itself in so many ways.

The Saturday started with a trip to the Excel to collect my race bib, collect a pacing band (for my attempt at 5 hours!), talks by professional runners & a virtual chat with Mo Farah. I also did a radio interview with a lady from England Athletics, about how I started running & gave our lovely running club a plug.

On Sunday morning I made my way by tube/train to the Blue Wave start at Blackheath, and was greeted with a cold rainy field. Found my wave and within 15 mins we were off. Kept to pace for around 10 miles, slowing a little around Cutty Sark, as the road narrowed and the crowds were unbelievable. What a fantastic feeling running over Tower Bridge with the crowds five deep, calling your name and shouting words of encouragement. (So glad I had my name on my club vest). I was on 2.35 at the halfway point. From mile 18, legs were feeling heavy, but thought “You can do this” and just keep putting one foot in front of the other, started to feel cold with the wet & the next five miles felt never ending.

Finally, at mile 23 the rain stopped and the sun came out & for the last few miles, the cheers, music and encouragement was unbelievable. I was on The Embankment and looked at my watch 26.1 miles at 5.35, but saw John and Matt who said you still have 1.5 miles to do! So I ran down Birdcage Walk, past Buckingham Palace and halfway up The Mall to the finish line. It felt amazing to run to the finish line and see myself on the big screen, waving!

Then the icing on the cake, receiving my medal and marathon top. I spoke to a chap who had just received his Abbott Majors 6th star and he said that no other marathon is like London.

Luckily, John and Matt managed to see me four times and give me the encouragement I needed, plus I saw Rob Newton twice.

I would just like to say a big thank you to all at KuHAC, who have given me advice and supported me in my training (especially Vanessa), couldn’t have done it without you.