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good luck babes and men!
Morning all,
Just popping in to wish everyone good luck tomorrow. It looks as if the temperature should be OK (touch wood) for us (fingers crossed).
I hope you all get the times you dream of and please say "hi" if you go past me - the balls of wool across my back will give me away
Fenn, thanks for the link. Hope your foot holds up OK xxx
Welcome back Jim. I'll look out for you
my little banner... it's about 4ft x 4ft so you should see it!
Been brilliant sharing this with you, see you on the other side xxxx
Hope everyone is safe and well?
I've had an "awesome" day which I will have to write about tomorrow as I'm too full of wine now
Suffice to say that I now have a shiny new Guinness World for the longest scarf knitted whilst running a marathon - 2.05 metres. Happy
Well done Fenn!
got up at 3.45am, drove 150 or so miles, parked, tube, train, walked round blue then green starts, got a photo of me with my flag as the Kenyans warmed up running past me, then walked to stand right next to the 6 mile mark. Awesome atmosphere! Once all our club had run past we then went to 15 and then about 20 miles, then to the finish. Club highlights were PBs from nearly everyone, including a 2:54 (20th in age group!), a 2:58, 3:01 (my best mate who's been trying for a 3:15 GFA place for 3 years!) and four or five sub 4 efforts.
It was flipping AMAZING watching and supporting, and now I'm more tired than after yesterday's 16 mile LSR!!!!!
WELL DONE EVERYONE! xxxx
Denise woohoo...your a super star 4:17 will you both do a full race report?
Red i am looking forward ro hearing your race report? are you really going to run 5.5miles today? I can bearly walk...also I have a time correction 4:42 (4:46 was the time on finish clock not my chip time)
Morning all,
All still on a high I hope?
Andrew, wow, that is going some. You must be over the moon!
Denise, another wow and a super performance.
Fenn, I always like it when my chip time is faster than my watch - yep, I'll be out for a very slow 5.5 mile plod later. It seemed like a good challenge at the time.........
Jim, well done to all your teammates.
It's going to take me forever to write up the events of the last few days. The whole experience has been awesome this year (I can't stop saying "awesome" at the moment!!!!!)
Hello everyone,
i had a great day yesterday finished in 4.39.58 so a good PB for down from 5.08.
I was going well untill the final 10k about 22 miles then the wheels feel of just a little bit and i new the 4.30 was slipping away. by far my best and most enjoyable London so far. first time I have finished and not said never again. Alll that hard work in the rain, snow and wind then to do the times we did in that heat pat on the back to us all.
Take care all and here's to next year.
Andrew
My race report:
So the Saturday morning there was serious doubts whether I should run, not only did I have my foot niggles but I had a stiff back and neck, so had a long lie in and then went to Boots to pick up some heat patches to use on neck (which worked) and came home and rested, my folks came round and had a good laugh, joking that I looked like I had already run a marathon, because I looked in soo much pain. Anyway had made the decison I was going to give it ago and would pull out mile 6 (where my parents and bf were supporting) if needed too.
I really enjoyed the race build up, getting to the blue start by 8:30 and having plenty of time to experience the female urinals.. chatted to lots of random people...it was a great atmosphere, even just travelling to the start.
My race started in pen 5 with some discomfort (as predicted by foot pain) but was able to maintain a steady 4:15 pace and felt the crowd was sweeping me round, felt good, considering my foot. this was up untill about half way, In fact my race was of two half's, the first half my 5k splits were consistent at circa 6:05mins per Km.and then second half times dropped to a consistent circa 7:10 mins per Km.
I really felt like I struggled 13-17miles...really wanted to stop as was in a lot of pain.. lower back and hip..(interestingly my foot stopped hurting at mile 13 and seems completely fine now! whether the other pains took priority in my mind or disappeared altogether time will tell). I think if I had seen my family at this point I would of cried and dropped out. I saw them at mile 18 and I think it was at this point I knew I was going to finish and not give up!
I adopted a run walk strategy from mile 13 and used people as markers... I would walk until they caught up and then would run on again for as long as I could. Celebs saw on route were.. Matt Johnson (ITV presenter) Javine Hylton (the one that didn't make it into Girls Aloud) and Karl from Coronation Street.
Considering how rubbish I felt the day before...(with stiff back ache) and how stressed I was about my foot and whether it would hold up.., I am soo pleased with my achievements, the crowd were amazing!
Things I wish I had done or changed: Moved back a pen, to start slower; included some half marathon races in training, obviously wished I didn't have my foot problems... but soo glad I gave it ago and what's more finished...4.42.29!!!
Highlights: The crowd support, deciding I wasn't going to not drop out and that I was going to finish!
Hi everyone,
Glad you guys had good races. This was my first marathon and I've gotta say it was easily one of the best experiences of my life.
It was by no means easy and from 18/19 it was an out and out mental challenge to keep going and get to the end, but I managed to run the whole way, finishing with a time of 4:41.
My target was 4:30 and had I been in a higher pen (I was in 8) I feel I could have got closer to that target. In the tighter sections around Isle of Dogs I had major traffic issues and in places I was near enough ground to a halt, but I don't begrudge anything or anyone, I'm still massively happy I managed to carry on and finish strong.
I was concerned with a hip injury I had pick up a few weeks back that had been present through my last 3 weeks of training, but thankfully it didn't flair up too badly on the day, and after 18 miles it was my muscles that took centre stage in my head.
Only saw two celebrities. Amy Childs was walking at miles 13 and I gave her a "COME ON AMY!" haha. And just before turning right into parliament I got a high five from Colin Jackson! Well chuffed
I said before the day that I'm not sure I would do another purely because of the massive commitment and how much it takes over your life, but already I'm starting to think I might apply for next year.
Today I'm feeling pretty good. I was very conscious of what I ate and drank after the race to recover, and that coupled with a cheeky massage from my masseuse aunt means my muscles are feeling pretty good today.
Gotta say thanks to you guys here, you gave me comfort on the run up to the race and meant I went into it with a cool head.
As said, crowds were amazing. Nothing but amazing, and really helped push you through. Helped having many friendly faces around the course too, they always gave me a massive boost.
I dare say it won't be my last maraton.
great stories folks, keep them coming!
my spectator recovery was a mere 20.1 miles today, but I cheated and did it on the bike. Still hurt!
first of all massive well done everyone,fantastic reading all your experiences and the great times achieved. enjoy that medal.
although i didnt manage sub 4h30 i got round in 4.35.29 which i,m absolutely delighted with. i had the perfect run upto 21 miles and then it was a struggle after that just because of the sun and warmth. my splits were very consistent until then and then i slowed and it became a mental battle but there was never any danger of not finishing.
afterwards i went back to the charity after party and had a well earned massage and some food and drinks. so proud to have completed it and raise a good amount for a fantastic charity.
finally got home today and my 2 beautiful daughters had made a big poster saying "well done dad" and put it in our front window for me to see on my return, to have my children so proud of me makes all the pain so worthwhile.
thanks also to all you guys for the wonderful support xx
seen my wife just after 12 miles and then again on birdcage walk which gave me a lift and the support points from breast cancer care where tremendous and again lifted me especially at 24.5 miles.
fantastic day,fantastic support and yes im going into the ballot next week!
Still that's over 30mins off my previous time of 4:32:47 and gives me a much smaller amount to shave off next time!
There will definitely be several next times!
Oh and Fenn, the ankle felt pretty good, the calf and Achilles were pulling for a while but as I'd hoped they didn't get any worse and although sore this morning, feels pretty good right now. Hoping the legs will calm down a little over night too to allow me to go for a short 'cool down' run tomorrow
Thank you all for your kind and supportive words throughout xxx
I had an interesting race, I set off well, felt good, felt strong. I picked up a 4.30 & 4.20 pace band at the expo as I knew I could probably get below 4.30, but I had no idea by how much.
In the early miles I was running quicker than 4.20 and was on course for a 4.15, at one point I was 7 minutes up on th 4.20 pace!
It was around 18/19 when I started to slow down and I was at 20 when I wanted to stop!
I had pain in my feet & ankles, just the same as last time. I stopped to walk at around 21 but walking was even more awkward than running, my legs were stuck in running mode!
Between 22 & 23 a 4.15 pacer came past me. I didn't up know where he'd started but decided I was going to push on and stick with him....which I managed for about half a mile and I had to let him go.
Shortly after I stopped to walk again but I had family by Big Ben and there was no way I was letting them see me walk and I heard people calling my name which almost shamed me into running again!
At this point my mentality was that I can stop as soon as I cross the finish, so the sooner I get there, the sooner I can stop.
I was delighted to cross the finish, I wanted to sprint the last few yards but my legs were turning at one pace only! So cross the line I did resembling lots wife, covered in salt from sweating so much in 4.17.54 frustrated that I found the last few miles so hard but really pleased overall.
Sooo, I would seem I fell victim to the setting off too fast mistake and I paid for it. I loved the day, but not the last 6 miles - maybe that was me hitting the wall?
I've also decided that I'm going to train beyond 20 miles in future.
My fave point was the drums under the bridge around 4/5 miles (I think?) they were incredible.
I didn't see any celebs but then we only see the back of people so its hard to know.
It was a brilliant brilliant day. I've only gone and entered Edinburgh!
Thanks everyone for this brilliant thread, I have loved sharing the journey with you all. Huge high fives all round xx
Yes high fives all round!
Great stories, thank you for spending the time to write them..
Bigeater congrats..lovely that your daughters made the poster for you!
Anniessophie, well done on your time... I imagine your next goal is all about your sons wedding? my next goal is to run to lose weight embrassingly I put on 8lbs during my training..(weighed myself at start of 16 week training programme and weighed myself yesterday morning!) its got to be muscle right:?????!!!!
!
Andrew know how you feel when you fail to spot someone, its so sad, I felt like I was getting the dizzy at points from scanning the crowds so hard to look for people.
Denise...Edinburgh Marathon next month??? surely not? wow I am impressed... I am still at the stage of never again, although was out for dinner last night and said 'next time I would do this...'
I have enjoyed and needed the forum so much during the training.. so thank you so much for all your posts xxx
Denise I can totally relate to the walking thing. On my 20 mile run in training (my longest run too) when I got to 20 I felt like I simply could carry on, even being only 0.3 miles from home so started to walk.
When I started walking I actually felt more in pain, particularly in my hamstrings, so I tried to run again but it just wasn't happening. That's why during the marathon I had it in my head that there was no way I was going to stop, even though from mile 20 that's all I wanted to do.
With regards to spotting people, I used the power of Endomondo. I was using it to track my run and give me splits, but if others log onto the website you can actually send 'pep talks' to people during exercise. My supporters were sending me messages through that so I knew exactly where they were going to be. Worked a treat!
Well not so good for me. My prep as awful. Set off Saturday 10am from Halifax to get the train to London, I had about 3 hours sleep Friday night. Was shattered. Then we got to hotel and set off to get race number, got the tube and cable car across thames. We spent ages stood still queing and on foot and walking. We got back about 7 to hotel and my feet wee throbbing, legs aching, but more worryingly I had caught sun, I am bald/shaved head and my head was pounding. I had a wool hat on and thought this was ok as didn't feel hot but guess I cought it.
Then went to slug and lettuce and got the lasagne which had zero pasta in it, was awful just mush so no pasta more or less the night before. I got back to hotel at 8.30pm and started to get vest ready and bag, head was pounding and I was drinking like a fish. Finally turned tv off at 9.30pm and I was still awake at 2.30am, wide awake, drinking like a fish, head pounding and feet throbbing. I almost pulled out then as I knew it was going to be a struggle.
So Race day, 3 hours sleep, tried forcing breakfast down me, took an hour to eat some toast and porridge. I felt heavy legged and just off, headache wasn't as bad but still there.
I do 18 miles in 3 hours in training with no pressure and the plan was the same, maybe pinch a few minutes and then finish in around 4.30. 10 minute miles or less which I can maintain to 21 miles which is longest training run.
Anyhow by 3 hours 10 Id only covered 16 miles. I was feeling ok but tops of my feet were aching, a pain id had a few times and been to hospital with for x-rays. The soles of my feet were hurting too for some reason. I was drinking loads, not too much but more then I have in training due to weather. It was so hot, Im not a warm weather person, I sleep with a fan on even in winter and it was sapping everything had. I had a stitch from mile 3 and was worried it was what I had last year when my kidneys started bleeding badly. So I tried breathing in through nose and out the mouth, this seemed to help. I had it all way to mile 18 though. Then my lower back was hurting a lot, I was burning up a lot.
I struggled last 6 miles. Every carb gel made me feel really badly sick and the after intake didn't help. Ive used the gels before and been fine but they were warm and mushy due to heat and made me dry heave after each one.
I was carrying a stone more in weight then last year due to knee op and not getting enough weight off in time, did lose 2.5 stone though in 4 months. I felt all the weight didn't help, when combined with the heat.
I finished in 5.18, very disappointed. I did spend an hour running behind Amy Childs then Katherine Jenkins at the finish which was pleasant though.
I wasn't pushing myself or being unrealistic with time goal, all training runs included a 21, 2 x 20, 2 x 18, 2 x 17 and all times were under 10 minute miles, some 9 minutes, few 8 summat.
I'll be back next year, though im debating doing one in October, gives me a goal. I need to lose another 20 pounds and that will be a big difference, I don't carry weight well being short.
Also between London runs I balloon in weight, usually go up by 3 stone then lose 3 stone after xmas which didn't help, so trained and dieted at same time It would be nice to train and not have to lose buckets of weight or do it quickly. So I think a 2nd marathon will help, plus the York one is new and flat.
Raised almost £1500 for a childrens charity though which is a big big bonus.
I also don't think the Nike Pegasus 29 is as good as the 27 or 28 I had. Doesn't seem to be as much cushioning in these, so im going to test some new trainers for a neutral runner.
wow Mark, I'd give you a pat on the back for that sunburn!! ;-p
keep'em great stories coming, guys and girls!
Mark congratulations on your massive weight lose, your massive charity fundraising achievements and most importantly on another finishers medal at London 2013!! Brilliant achievements.
Yes it did sound like your training was so spot on, its such a shame about the last couple of days leading up to the race...(but you must remember these things are easily changeable...such as next year you know that you need to take the Friday off to travel down and get to the expo on the Friday.)
Mark did you have any fizzy/soda drinks the day before, I think I get a stitch if I drink too much fizzy drinks the night before? I love your fighting
Even as a hetrosexual I think I would of slowed my pace to run behine Amy childs and Katherine Jenkins!
But well done again on your achievements... I am still in the 'never again' camp!
btw: Nice chest Mark....
If we are sharing photos... this is what a couple of my toes look like...
That's a sweat rash on my chest lol.
On the plus side I was up until 1am after drinking and having a singalong with the family in the hotel bar. Congrats on your time Fenn great effort.
Im looking to rest this week, eat rubbish then Monday back at gym then start for my next marathon that will be October ish. This time the weight stays off and I lose even more, 13 stone is my ideal weight so aiming for that. Got a spot for the great north run too.
Tried faking injury too when collecting race number.
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