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Went out for a run yesterday. For fun! What the hell's wrong with me? I think it's the stimulation of the Evening Standard supplement and seeing my name listed along with all the other heroes and heroines that finished. And the official photos are out online and available for purchase. All the ones of me are towards the end where I can barely lift my feet off the gorund and am basically going backwards, but there's a great on of just me, just after I turned onto the Mall for the final 400 metres. I really think I might buy a copy - I'm using the one Colin took of me at mile 22 to promote my donation site at the moment, and everyone keeps commenting on how fresh I look. Well, for evidence that I really was in a terrible mess by the end, just go here:www.marathonfoto.comand search for colgate 10910 under London Marathon 2008. Truly scary.The upshot is, I think I might try to keep getting out for regular runs. Nothing silly, maybe 30 minute sessions, and I'm not going to be bothering to measure how far I get each time. If nothing else, it will help maintain the reduced waistline I've developed (I lost 3 inches altogether over the six months' training).And at some point, I'll get back on here and work out my total mileage over the full duration of my blogged experiences.
I can't quite believe it's all over, you know. I was really apprehensive when I got up yesterday morning to head to the start, but mainly because we were caught in a hailstorm that just appeared out of nowhere on Saturday afternoon.
I was a lot less nervous and a lot more excited after going to the Expo on Saturday. This is where everyone has to go and register, to collect their running numbers for their vests, and their 'Champion Chip' to attach to their laces and make sure their personal race time is recorded. Otherwise you're stuck with the time on the race clock, and it can take ages to get across the start line, which can depress you a bit when you think you've done a decent time.
I did all the admin stuff and then Colin and I spent a happy couple of hours wandering round all the charity and sportswear stands, meeting very nice and very nervous people and generally soaking up the atmosphere. I bought myself a watch with some money I got for my birthday. Then we went for a wander around Oxford Street and couple of drinks, before heading back to Tom and Marjorie's house in West London. They are great friends and have a fantastic family, and put us up for the weekend.
Sunday dawned quite bright and lovely and I got up at 6 to make sure I was on the tube for 7 to head to the start. It was a great journey, despite my utter loathing of the underground system (I suffer with claustrophobia and just heading down the escalator can set me shaking like a leaf). From Perivale, there was only one other runner (we were easily identifiable by the huge 'FLM 2008' kit bags. This gradually increased as I headed into central London, until by the time I got to London Bridge, there was just a sea of running people giving off nervous and excited vibes in equal measure. We were crammed in like sardines, but everyone was just so nice and good humoured about it. The people who came to support me said exactly the same thing. Normally, London transport is totally silent - people ignoring each other and just praying for a seat. But the crowds on marathon day are stupendous when the line the course and friendly, happy and chatty when travelling. My cheering squad had a thoroughly lovely time. Colin was up, obviously. My mum and dad flew back from Spain to come and cheer me on. My sister joined them. Hayley's mum Sharon and her partner John were there. (Hayley was unfortunately not able to come - she's not diabetes-related ill, thank god, but has been suffering with University stress for a couple of weeks and been sufficiently poorly as a result to make the additional stress a bad idea.) And Tom travelled in with Colin, accompanied by the eldest of their 4 children, while Marjorie took the youngest two to a party.
Anyhoo, I suppose I'd better get on and tell you how it went. It was freezing to start with, except when the sun found a break in the clouds, when it was glorious. The 3 mile point where the blue and green courses merge (I was at the blue start this time, having been at the green one last time) was utterly hysterical again and eased some tension - the people from each start shouting 'cheat' and other such witticisms at the people from the other. Not particularly clever or funny, I know, but believe me, it was enough to amuse those of us doing the run!!!
I had been really concerned that I hadn't done a long enough long run during training, having not got further than 15 miles. But things were great to 15 miles and beyond. A torrential downpour that only lasted about 10 minutes managed to cool me down rather nicely, but made things slightly uncomfortable until the kit dried out. I passed the 15 mile mark...16...17...18...19. It felt really smooth, although there was obviously some pain and fatigue setting in. (I didn't see my cheering crew, who should have been at the 13 mile mark, which would also be the 22 mile mark when I passed it in the opposite direction on the way to the finish. They were, apparently, about an hour behind their schedule and I was ahead of mine.)
At 20 this sodding right knee of mine began to twinge. Now, this is the reason the marathon took me over 6 hours to complete last time. My pelvis and spine were twisted, causing the ITB in my right leg to be under tension even when at rest. Doing the marathon highlighted this and after last time, I had 6 months of physio and 18 months off running. I've had no such trouble during training this time, though and I was REALLY fucked off when the pain kicked in - it was exactly the same pain, in exactly the same place. It was not, however, as bad as last time - I could take weight properly on the leg, and if I had to walk for a bit (which I did periodically for the last 5 miles or so), it did ease and allow me to put in another burst of 'running'.
I was desperate not to walk at all this time round. Apart from anything else, I've found during training that I'm much better off not stopping for any reason (including comfort breaks - I managed the entire distance without one of those, at least), as starting again, especially when I'm tired, is really difficult and I never quite get back to the pace I was at before I stopped. But I had no choice, the knee was having none of it.
Once again, the crowds carried me through. I simply can't express the atmosphere, the support, the amazing goodwill that surrounds you at this event. The spectators must have been cold, they were certainly soaked twice (as was I), but they just want everyone to succeed. Having my name on my shirt proved a massive bonus again, as people were shouting for me (and at me, but in a nice way) by name. The adrenaline rush you get when someone calls your name and gives you encouragement is without comparison. On a number of occasions, I really felt like quitting, limping along at a snail's pace with tears streaming down my face. I saw Sharon and John at 22 miles (and Colin, on the other side of the road with Tom, Laurel and Karalo), which was just after the pain started. With 4 more miles to go on that knee, I really couldn't picture myself crossing the finish line. But how can you drop out with thousands and thousands of people encouraging you, driving you on, supporting you?
Those last 4 miles were agony. I took on a lot of calories (thanks to everyone who brought jelly babies!!!!) and fluid (I'd been taking a drink at every station, but just taking a few sips and mostly discarding the rest) and that did seem to help a bit. The pain didn't go away, obviously, but it gave me the strength to get my posture sorted and lift my knees properly in front of me, which reduced the impact with each stride.
I think I must have been the slowest person on the entire course for the last mile and a bit. Everyone passed me and I passed nobody. But I did it. I bloody did it.
I crossed the line in 4 hours 30-something minutes. I have to be honest, I wasn't looking at the race clock and while my pedometer said 4h30mxxseconds, I had looked down at one point on the course to find it had switched itself off or gone into standby or something, so I'm not taking that as gospel.
The full results will be in the Evening Standard on Tuesday. I've ordered a copy to be delivered to my home out here in the provinces, but I'm not that fussed. I was and hour and a half quicker than last time. So there.
I don't think I will ever do a marathon again. It's been proved twice now that my knees can't take it. Also, my nipples are unbelievably sore. Just thought I'd share. But I'll do half marathons (and would like to try a triathlon). And I'll definitely be joining the crowds and cheering on those people brave enough to take on this mammoth challenge. I'm incredibly proud of myself (filling up again now as I type this, god I'm such a girl).
I hope those of you who have been following my progress have enjoyed the experience. If this is your first visit, go back and read it from the beginning. It's funny!!!
Farewell.
Woke up this morning as a 37 year old. Eeek. Last half hour session polished off, now it's all eat, sleep, don't panic.Whether you're lining the streets this Sunday (which is in itself a great experience, I've heard) or watching on telly, keep an eye out for me and cheer me on. I'm the skinhead in the Diabetes UK top (pink and black), with my name on the front and the back. My running number is 10910.The next post will be the last, after I've done the thing. Woo hoo!!!!Friday 11 April. Easy 30 minute run. 3.4 miles covered.
Okay. Trying to stay positive. I mean, I KNOW I can finish the distance, I'd just really set my heart on running the whole thing this time. This evening felt fluid and easy. And if the weather's like this on Sunday, it'll be perfect. Bloody glorious evening. Now, THIS is what Spring should be like.
Tuesday 8 April. 30 minute easy run. 3.42 miles covered.
Four sessions in the book this week, but today's was a 30 minute 'cross training' session. I could probably have managed a few hours' 'slightly irritated gardening', but given the forecast for tomorrow, I thought I'd be better off doing the run instead.
Saturday 5 April. Run 5 miles. 42 minutes 33 seconds.
Just 2 sessions next week. It's my birthday on Friday and Colin's on Saturday, but there will be no fun-having. So we're out to dinner Thursday night with my mum and dad, who are coming back from Spain to join the happy throng cheering us all on on Sunday. Then I've got Friday off to travel to London, Saturday to try to carb up (and keep them down!) and the big day.
OH MY GOD!!!!!!!
Can't believe it's almost here.
Thursday 3 April. Run 30 minutes. Piece of piss. Well, you'd hope so by now, wouldn't you? 3.46 miles covered.
Way too late now to really build up the stamina I'm sure I'm lacking. But I plan to do every run in the last two weeks of the programme in exactly the order and form prescribed. Additional distance not really the aim at this stage, but I'll keep recording them as I'm sure at some point I'll get round to totting up my total mileage.
Tuesday 1 April. (And no, I'm not lying. Did anyone see the BBC's flying penguins? GENIUS.) Interval run for 20 minutes. 2.47 miles covered.
Yeah, right. E-mails coming in from all over the place - the marathon site, Diabetes UK, the online store I bought my trainers from. Everywhere. 'You must cut down your distances now'. 'Don't run more than 4 miles in a weekday session.' 'Don't attempt more than 10 miles in this weekend's long run.' If I'd managed to keep on track throughout my training, I'd be over the moon and happy to cut down. But I've had a few dodgy weeks since Christmas and not really done a genuinely long run yet. So I set myself a target today of at least getting past 15 miles, which has proved to be something of a mental barrier so far. I ran to Worthing pier from home, which turned out to be 8.25 miles exactly, then turned round and tried to get all the way home. I didn't hit the wall as I have done in the past, but 15 miles was my limit. And not in the best time ever. Hey ho. I'll just have to hope the crowds, the atmosphere, and people to compete with bring something out of me on the day.
Sunday 30 March. 15 miles covered in 2 hour 27 minutes 36 seconds.
Weather earlier was kind of OK, so I decided to attempt a proper long run. I should be in the 20 mile range by now, as these next couple of weeks should be a major 'taper' time. I'm so far off 20mile capability it's not even funny, but I wanted to do at least 2 hours today and I managed that, without stopping once, and also covered the longest distance I've managed in a single session, non stop.
Monday 24 March. Run. 14 miles covered in 2 hours 8 mins 37.
I wanted to work today and Monday - I have loads to do and this was a chance to get ahead on some things and keep up with others. I went in at 7 this morning and there turned out to be 2 locks on the office door - my key only opens one of them. Not best pleased and now dreading going back on Tuesday, instead of getting up to date and going in all relaxed. Sod it.
Swirly, wintry wind this morning, but by the time I got back from the office after kicking the door for a bit, the rain had at least stopped. Went out for a moderately challenging run - I had kind of given up hope of doing the 20 mile/3 hour session this weekend what with work plans, but may now do another longer session tomorrow and give that a go on Monday. It's not like I made plans for any fun, after all.
Friday 21 March. Run 1 hour. In spite of the wind, which seemed to be in my face the whole time - impossible, I know, I'd need my own microclimate and while I'm admittedly not in the best shape ever, it's not like you can look me up on Google Earth or anything - I covered 7.22 miles.
I had to go to our London office today, which is never my favourite journey. And it's sodding freezing. So just a short session today to keep my...um...hand in. That doesn't sound right, but it's a stock phrase and you know what I mean.
Wednesday 19 March. Run 30 minutes. 3.56 miles covered.
Erring on the side of caution, given all the health issues I've had recently, I decided not to go out in the pouring rain yesterday morning. I've decided that the only way I can really do these long, long runs properly is to make them the first thing I do that day. After slogging round Tesco, etc., I always find I'm not really interested, which is not the best frame of mind in which to try something you've never done before. So even though it stopped raining later on, I didn't run yesterday. On the majorly plus side, this is the first time I've done a 90 minute session (Saturday) and had no aches and pains, no trouble moving about, at all afterwards. So I think I'm approaching the stage where this training is doing more good than harm. Hopefully, just in time!!!
Quite a nice day, not too warm and not too cold with a decent breeze (in the face for the first half, on my back on the way home). Felt much better over the distance than I have for quite a while. Usually I start to struggle with the muscles right at the top of the front of my legs, level with my wotsits - I'm sure there's a name for them, but I can't be bothered to find out - anyway, they're the ones that lift my knees up in front of me properly, after about 8 miles. But today, no problems at all.
Saturday 15 March. Run 1.5 hours. 10.08 miles covered.
Abandoned programme now, as there's no way it will get me to where I want to be. I'm just doing time-based runs this week to build up. Will try 1.5 hours tomorrow and 2 hours Sunday, then try some 'proper', prescribed sessions during the week next week and either 20 miles or 3 hours next Sunday, whichever comes up sooner.
Friday 14 March. Run 1 hour. 7.06 miles covered.
Well, it's been a bit of a break, but totally guilt-free as I was legitimately ill. I am a bit worried about getting to the required mileage over the next couple of weeks, after which I'm supposed to start tapering. My longest run so far is 15 miles and I hit the wall after 11, although I think that was down to the onset of the chest infection that's kept me out of action.
I'm hoping to retry the 15 miles this weekend and then aim for 20 next weekend to get back in line with the schedule. I really don't want to have to do a super long run any closer to the big day.
Anyway, went out this evening for the first time in over 2 weeks.
Wednesday 12 March. Run 45 minutes. I made it hilly. Distance covered 5.20 miles.
Yes, finally I have a proper illness that can be treated. I visited the doctor yesterday and was told I have a throat and chest infection, probably also an ear infection although I'm too waxed up (blech) for them to see properly. I had already started to feel a lot better, but am much happier now I have antibiotics to mop up the rest of the germs and am confident that when I start running again - I'm not quite there yet - I'll be able to do it all properly, with no further interruptions. The big day's starting to loom quite large inthe near future, so this is a real relief. It's unlikely I'll get out this week before Friday at the earliest. I fly to Dublin on business tomorrow evening and get back late on Thursday. But by then I hope to be pretty much 100% recovered. I plan to give myself a break from the truly killer long runs again this weekend, but will try to do a proper two weeks' worth of weekday training, including getting out this weekend for shorter runs if possible, and hit the big miles again next Sunday - probably with a 17 miler. Please keep coming back even if there's no new news on the blog, and send me your messages of encouragement. I need all the help I can get!!!
You may have gathered I didn't go out on Tuesday evening. I feel rotten. Most of the aches and pains have now left me, but my throat is incredibly sore still and my chest is very tight. Am hacking away in a manner that appears to frighten quite a lot of my colleagues. I'm on the mend, though - I can think straight and walk properly, at least. I'm hopeful I'll be shot of this bloody infection in the very near future and am resolved not to panic about falling behing schedule. I'll definitely not be doing a long run this weekend, but come Saturday I may start combining this week's shorter runs with next week's, so I can attempt next week's long run at the end of next week. I'm worried whether that makes sense. Reading it back, I see that it does. More drugs, please! Ciao.
Had a horrible time running on Sunday (as you will have seenin the entry for that day). When I got home, I started violently shivering, but just thought that was because of all the energy I'd burnt up. That's why they give you those lovely foil capes after marathons, after all. But then I lost all sensation in my fingertips and it took hours to come back. I had a nap after stretching and eating dinner and woke up feeling OK - no soreness, or stiffness. But since yesterday morning I've been feeling dreadful. Every muscle in my body hurts, I'm getting shooting pains in my bones (feels a bit like when you break a bone), I have a dry, sore throat and a cough and I feel all weak and shaky. And my stomach is in a mess. A couple of other people at work have the same thing and so does my aunt. I'll be trying a 30 minute run this evening, but am not convinced I'll get very far. But for the weekend runs to go properly, I need to spread out the shorter ones better through the week.Hayley's still doing really well, by the way. I'm probably suffering more than she is lately!!!
I was stunned and thrilled, as you know, with how well last weekend's race went. Back to normal for today's long run, unfortunately. The last 4 miles were agony. And I have my doubts again about the reliability of the pedometer I'm using. At half way, it was showing about 1 hour 11. I wasn't expecting anything great, as I felt quite flatfooted and was making a lot of noise with each footfall, in contrast to last week. But this would mean I ran a negative split and, trust me, that is simply not the case.
I don't know what it is about running with an audience that lifts my performance. Perhaps my ingrained fear of embarrassment.
Sunday 24 February. Run 15 miles. Time taken 2 hours 19 minutes 34 seconds.
2 dry days and nights in a row. 1 day at a time.
Saturday 23 February. 50 minute hill run. 5.71 miles covered. Damn those hills.
