Hello, I've just run the London Marathon!!

Firstly, I am sorry I haven't written for a while. 'Laser runner' you asked what I would be wearing for the Marathon and I even had a photo taken in my kit for 'spotters' but had a problem getting the photo on the blog and then I just ran out of time.

The Marathon? Well, it was a spectacular event. To have a man running with an iron tied to his back, in the same race as an elite runner completing the run in 2 hours and 5 minutes and all the people in between (including me) is really just amazing. The spectators were fantastic. I have been a spectator twice, but to be on the other side of the barriers was incredible. The support was very strong. I particularly enjoyed the parts in the race where there was loud music, specifically the live bands - that gave me such a lift. As we were waiting to start I looked around me and couldn't quite comprehend that 35,000 people were about to run 26.2 miles together. The sheer volume of runners was breathtaking and quite hair raising at first. I dropped my gels near the start and there was no way I could stop and pick them up - I would have been quite literally 'run over' ! 

As the course dipped and rose again I was aware of looking ahead and seeing the most beautiful, multicoloured carpet ahead that was actually a sea of runners! It was stunning. 

The first 12 miles felt fine although I was faintly aware of my legs feeling a little tired. It was a risk running my last long run (19.3 miles) two weeks before the marathon but I had no choice because of my virus putting me out of training for three weeks. I knew this was going to hurt as a consequence and from about 17 miles it did!!! 

It was really really hard running this marathon and it challenged me physically, psychologically and emotionally. My legs really hurt and some of the miles seemed to go really slowly. People say that training for the marathon is the hard part but that hasn't been my experience. I think running the Marathon was one of the hardest things I have done. 

And this is what is most staggering to me. 35, 000 other people would have found the Marathon, to a greater or lesser degree, really difficult and yet they did it. Only about 400 people did not complete the race. That is an impressive amount of people who, whatever they were going through finished the race. I will never watch a Marathon again in the same way. Spectators call out your name (if you have written it on your top, that would be a lot of names to remember!) and they know that the runners are doing something difficult. But until you have done it yourself you don't fully understand what an incredible challenge it is.

Amy and I ran together and ran over the finish line in tears. Mine were tears of relief at finishing. Our time was 5 hours exactly and we ran non-stop! 

Would I run another Marathon? Well, probably not this week! But I have raised almost £2000 for St Helena Hospice and that's brilliant - THANK YOU so much to everyone who sponsored me. And I do enjoy the training. And I would quite like to have a different experience with less tired legs! So YES I do want to do the London Marathon 2009!

 

7 days to go.

The last long run this morning was only 5 1/2 miles! We used it as a dress rehearsal, running in exactly the kit we are going to run the marathon in - from sun cream to sun hat, laces to sunglasses. Still unsure what the weather is going to be like. It was really cold this morning but really sunny, and tomorrow it is supposed to be snowing!! I have bought a second hand track suit top and bottoms to wear to the start line if really cold and have been told that all the discarded clothes are collected and given to charity to be sold - so that's good.

I have made lists about lists including lists of the lists so I don't forget anything. Friends that are going up to watch are strategically positioned evenly throughout the course to maximise the support! Now all I have to do is a couple more short runs, eat carbs and relax!

Last year as I watched the Marathon on the television I decided to run it the next year and here I am. It's a strange thing looking forward to something that has been a challenge, rewarding but ultimately is going to really hurt! There's sort of no way round the fact that 26.2 miles will need to be run on Sunday 13th April, starting around 9:45am.

Now, is it too soon to see what the weather forecast says .....

I am thinking of everyone who is training for this and wish everyone all the best - and that includes you, Paula (of course she reads my blog).

19.3 miles and I'm a little tired!

I feel I know that pond, and those ducks, in Great Bentley really well! I ran round the nearly two mile circuit five times on my own and was then joined by Amy. The blister didn't trouble me, and although it was windy it was also intermittently sunny and a little rainy. It wasn't too cold either. Amy joined me and we began the second round of five circuits. Strangely, at 17 miles I had a bit of a crisis and almost had a panic attack! This is really unusual for me. I suddenly doubted that I could complete the run even though I felt physically OK. Amy was brilliant and firstly got me to stop running! Then, once my normal breathing had returned and I settled down we continued. I'm not entirely sure where this pressure is coming from, but for a moment it was intense. I did go on to complete the 5 further circuits and wondered what that was all about. 

I have now completed a run of 3 hours and 10 minutes which, following my break with the virus, gives me confidence that although the marathon is going to hurt I should be able to complete it. I would like to understand what my panic was about and will ponder upon it further!!

Two weeks to go.

Approx £1700 so far raised for the Hospice makes all this worth while.

 Nearly there.

Ruth, that run was for you!!

Just done a 10 mile run. Unfortunately Amy is still feeling poorly and wisely stayed in this morning. It was really cold but beautifully sunny and I re-visited my favourite running spot; the seawall along the marshes. Absolutely stunning! The positive ions (?) coming from the River Colne swept me along. Felt really good and I feel really back on track. My dilemma now is the big one - I feel I need to complete a 20 miler but is it more sensible to try and do it this Wednesday morning, or Saturday morning. Saturday only gives me two weeks recovery before the marathon, but then is Wednesday too soon - it was only last Wednesday that I returned to running (that 2 miler) after a three week break? I can see I am driving those close to me just a little barmy by ruminating on these sorts of issues. 

I wonder how Kevin and Paul got on running in the snow on Saturday.

And Ruth. I'm really thinking of you. Ruth, you probably know, is my music therapist colleague who did that sport relief run last Sunday (16/03/08). She has been very supportive of this blog giving me loads of comments. She was off from work last week and I thought she had flu. Got a text from her on Sunday and she has ended up in hospital. After speaking with her I am really worried for her. I know she is surrounded by loads of friends and family and she said that there were advantages to being in Broomfield Hospital - an en suite, flat screen TV, central heating !!! But tests are being done and, well, if you need anything just shout. Looking forward to seeing you Tuesday. Anyone reading this got any message for Ruth?

Ok, time for protein, carb and vit/mineral in take - sorry I mean lunch.

What's the story, morning glory?

Wednesday morning I did indeed go out for a two miler and it felt really tough, which was psychologically quite tricky. TWO miles felt tough??? Marathon in three and a bit weeks -uh-oh.  I met up with the Hospice runners Thursday night and following his injury, Duncan said the evening's run was going to be make or break for him - sadly it was break, and as I shook his hand and wished him the best I vowed not to mention my silly virus again - I AM going to run the Marathon and I am grateful for that. At least he can kick back and enjoy little Matilda with his wife. Hopefully see you next year Duncan.

Kevin and Paul were kind enough to run a short four miles with me (OK so they had run 13 miles on the previous Saturday and were about to run from Chelmsford to Colchester, about 22 miles today (Saturday). But it did make a difference running with them and the four miles, while I was happy to stop at that, felt good. They were generous to add that I kept a good pace. My biggest problem, actually were my trainers - (remember Laser Runner, you were asking about my trainers?) Two huge blisters on the insteps of both feet. This has really concerned me. I didn't get any blisters with my previous trainers (Assics nimbus 9's) and suddenly feel a desperate need to get a new pair of those instead. Where I bought them are happy to look into the possibility of an exchange, which if they do I will be really grateful - although an invaluable bit of kit - they don't come cheap! Luckily I kept my old pair and ran in those this morning. No, not 10 miles, just six. It was freezing, windy, snowy and I'm saving the 10 until Monday - following Chris's advice to build up the mileage again slowly.  This morning felt much better so that's encouraging. As I finished and was cooling down an old lady walked past and said "You've inspired me to walk really fast'! 

Another reason for waiting until Monday is that Amy, my trusty running partner is now unwell although I sense she is going to see this off quicker than me. Hopefully she will be better for Monday.

You know, there are thousands of people in this country (and others) who are getting in a pickle about this Marathon. It is such a commitment, such a challenge and so invested with all sorts of various levels of meaning and could be simply blown out of the water by an injury (or a silly virus!). Which means there are thousands more family members, friends, colleagues and you all reading this who are tolerating us lot getting in that Marathon pickle. Thank you.

Oh, and Happy Easter - here's to new beginnings.

Things could be looking up!

Today is the first day that I have started to feel better - I mean REALLY better. I went to the GP and got the all clear. This is just fantastic - however I do this Marathon - walk, run or crawl - I am going to do it. Coming back from the Doctors I suddenly felt concerned about how to return to the training now. The last thing I want to do is run (quite literally) into an injury, so I called Chris Wheat, the Physiotherapist ( www.colchesterphysiotherapyclinic.co.uk  ) I saw before and he advised me thus. He said that my fitness level will have dropped dramatically and I need to get this back up. He suggested building up to running for an hour (about 7 miles) because if i can run for an hour I could run for three. He also recommended that I don't do the really long run this weekend but wait till the following weekend. This buys me time to still get really better. So the plan is to run 2 in the morning just to get back out there, then 6/7 Thursday followed by 10 on Saturday. Then next week I will repeat that with a 20 (hopefully) on the Sat. Then I will have a two week taper. I feel so relieved to have a plan and to feel better. I know that doesn't mean to say that it will all go swimmingly but I am positive.

Feeling as poorly as I have, i have actually only had a virus, a nasty one, but just a virus. I have felt out of control, powerless and at times actually quite low (thanks Jane for listening to me!). But I work with individuals who are living with life threatening illnesses. It's a stark comparison and helps me to understand that my understanding has limitations. I have also reflected about what running this Marathon is about. Of course raising the money, supporting the people I work with and for. But could there be something about the notion of health - if I can run a marathon, I am healthy? This doesn't (clearly) follow and neither does it vaccinate against more serious illnesses, that's just fantasy. OK, thinking too much - need to run. Can't wait for the morning, although I think it's going to be quite chilly.

I wonder how Duncan is getting on, with Matilda but also with that injury?

Ruth, you are suspiciously quiet about your Sports Relief Run on Sunday?

Is there anybody reading this who hasn't yet sponsored me? There's still time - just look at my justgiving page to warm the cockles of your heart.

THANK YOU to Helen, Emily and Gordon - that means more than 'kerching'.

27 days, 11 hours and 13 seconds to go

... and I still feel really rough. This is some strange virus - one minute I think 'it's on the way out' and the next I feel as though I have been hit by a truck. But I am still thinking positively and was encouraged to hear about Amy's long run on Saturday with Kevin and Paul. She did really well - 13 miles with them and then 5 on her own. Well done Amy. 

I heard that Ruth did her 3 miles today - well done Ruth - so is running something you are going to continue with - hey I can vouch for the health benefits!

I miss running so much.

My aim is to go back to the GP on Tuesday, get the all clear, do a couple of short runs and then a long run on Saturday. I think Kevin and the boys are running back from Chelmsford on the A12 so if you see them, give them a supportive beep! 

It ain't over 'till the fat lady sings.

jo