THE LONDON MARATHON 2008This was my first London Marathon. I had run the Paris marathon 20 years earlier in a time of 3hrs and 52 minutes. Of course I'm 20 years older and 5 stone heavier now.
The training had gone well and I had run 4 good 19 mile training distances as well as alternate 7 and 3 mile runs within the weeks leading up to the day. I must admit I felt good.
The sun was shining on race day and as I cued with the 34,999 other runners I must admit that I had no pre race nerves just some quiet excitement and within no time at all
we were off. I past the start just 4 minutes after the hooter had marked the beginning of the race but was confident that the timing chip attached to my shoe would give me an accurate over all time.
The training had gone well and I had run 4 good 19 mile training distances as well as alternate 7 and 3 mile runs within the weeks leading up to the day. I must admit I felt good.
The sun was shining on race day and as I cued with the 34,999 other runners I must admit that I had no pre race nerves just some quiet excitement and within no time at all
we were off. I past the start just 4 minutes after the hooter had marked the beginning of the race but was confident that the timing chip attached to my shoe would give me an accurate over all time. Its hard to describe running with 35,000 people only to say that there always seemed to be someone in my way. It got worse when the people from the blue start merged with the people from the red start. You could hear a loud "booing" noise coming from both teams. It reminded me of the sound from the film Zulu when the tribe appears on the hill. Speaking of Zulu I passed the Masai tribe complete with shoes made out of tyres, sheathed spears and a British Commando escort at mile six.
I was surprised to note that I was running consistent 8 minute miles. I had not timed individual miles before and looked forward to seeing the green and yellow arches that marked every mile along the route. A glace at the pace guide strapped to my wrist indicated that I could possibly finish in 3hrs and 35 minutes! I took on some water from the many water stations around the route.
Mile twelve and Tower Bridge was in sight and so was an ominous black cloud. First two then three drops of rain splashed on my nose. Then the heavens opened. I soon became soaked and my feet splashed water up the inside of my legs. From having an enjoyable time I soon became cold and tetchy. There were still people in the way and I nearly lost my cool when accidentally nudging someone out of my way they pushed me in the back. A large BBC TV camera swung overhead so I just kept running. I could see the headlines now "Fight breaks out on Tower Bridge".
Just off Tower Bridge the course is such that the Elite runners could be seen on the other side of the road running back at me. The crowd burst into loud chants "LIZ LIZ LIZ" Liz Yelling the British Olympic hopeful passed me on the other side of the road!
The next few miles snaked around the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf. The sky scrappers seemed to funnel the wind and rain and I began to slow. A six foot bottle of Innocent Smoothly passed me. Just a pair of legs could be seen out of the bottom. I always said Id never be beaten by someone in silly fancy dress and I contemplated tripping them up.
Then another push in the back. "Right this time I'll ave ya. No cameras about this time"
"Oi Mundsy you git" It was my running / training partner Jeremy Hoskin. What were the odds at mile 19 amongst 35,000 people of us meeting. We ran together for a while. We were both feeling the pain now. Eventually I ran ahead and lost him in the crowd. The rain let up eventually and the sun re emerged. I seemed to find some more energy and picked up the pace. It was count down mile 21, 22, 23 ,24, 25 BIG BEN! " big ben. big ben. Big Ben Big Ben Big Ben" oh that's "Big Bob" (see Al Murray if you think Ive lost it here)
600 mtrs to go......200 mtrs to go. There is the Mall and the finish line. I catch a lady dressed as Wonder Woman and pass her. I will not be beaten by someone in a costume!! Finished 3hrs 45mins and 3 seconds. Jeremy is close behind 3hrs 52mins
The tag is snipped off my shoe and I'm handed my medal. I must admit I had a little cry. I must say that the organisation was brilliant and my kit bag was waiting for me amoungst all the others. The London Crowds were also fantastic throwing street parties and cheering every one on.
Although I enjoyed the day. I don't think I'll do it again but ...never say never.
Oh yeah and if you ever have the urge.... do it ...but dont do it in fancy dress!!!
MM
