All I can say is a big Thankyou to the club as I got the London Marathon place this year.
And Another thankyou for a most amazing experience.
When the President texted me to say I’d won the ballot - my heart practically stopped! Looking back it has been a crazy few months: Unfortunately I fell off my bike in early December and fractured my shoulder so that put paid to the first 6 weeks of training... however I made sure I got out walking every day and clocked up 92 miles. Then the training started - and gosh that one long run in the week was hard. Thanks to everyone at the club for either offering to run with me or giving encouragement. Every single one of you were positive and I Thankyou from the bottom of my heart.
Forward to the races I enjoyed to get me to the big day - first of all in early Feb there was the Stonehenge Stomp. I did the 20K for £5, but there was also a 10, 30 or 40 K too. As it was my first run back we took it fairly easily but was very happy to complete it. I would seriously recommend this race as it’s not too far, well marshalled, laid back, low cost and very inclusive- we took Zara. There was also the Yeovil Half - a special thanks to Tina for showing me the route, I think I’ve made a good friend there - and Adam M who gave me the ticket at a much reduced price !! There was also the Larmer 20 (actually 21 XC miles). I’m so glad I did this as it was just before the snow which cancelled many races including the Big Grizzly which I had planned to do. It was however hard and an experience for me running that mileage WITHOUT my beloved Zara. I’m going to mention Wendy and Tim here - who look after Zara so well. I would certainly recommend the Larmer race, beautiful scenery, medal, real food at the end - a proper hot lunch and spot prizes - i actually won a pair of runderwear which I can also recommend too!!
After Larmer slight niggles saw me attending Adrian’s Sports Massage clinic - I would have no hesitation in recommending Adrian and he does a deal for CRC members. Thankyou Adrian x
The Big weekend started with a train journey to the expo to get my number and look around. Roger managed to get himself the latest Garmin watch so perhaps you’ll see him running more consistently in the near future!! Then we took the cable car to Greenwich and the O2 and walked to our hotel which was situated near London Bridge. I can really recommend the Novotel City South. Slept really well the night before and headed to the station - 5 mins walk - as per the forecast the weather was hot, even at 745 am. I followed people going to Blackheath. All very easy and smooth so far. It was only a few stops and the cameraderai of the runners was so positive.
My route started about 1019. I felt good. The scenery was pleasant and welcoming. I kept to the left as had been told it was more shady. I only changed this when I saw the faster runners heading the other direction a little later as it was off putting! I had wanted to reach mine 13 in close to 2 hours, but for a variety of reasons this wasn’t to be and I was about 19 mins behind. The spectators were amazing and I tried to high five as many kids as possible. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see Roger and the girls during the race however I think they saw me with a third to go. I also never spoke to anyone - something you will all find very strange as you know that chatting is how I get round!!
I finally came in and met the family and my Charity the Samaritans provided a free massage and hot shower - bliss xxx
All in all a great weekend and fabulous marathon.
