David Weir's Blog by David_Weir

• So near and yet so far at the VLM.......

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  Apr30201312:49 p.m.

  Hi guys, a week or so has now passed since the Virgin London Marathon, and I have to admit I was a bit disappointed with fifth place, although I gave it my best shot. It was a tough race, but I knew it was going to be a massive challenge after four months out. I just had to do my best and that’s what I did, you can’t win all the time. Of course everyone in the race wants to win, that’s the mindset you have. I have just got to focus on the next race and put this race behind me. I have to keep reminding myself I cannot win every single race I enter, and for 2012 I had to peak for that one week, and get everything right and plan it well.

  

                        Image courtesy of David Wearn/London Marathon

  My preparations ahead of the Virgin London Marathon went as well as could be expected with only four months training. Post London 2012 I had four months off, so going back to training at the beginning of January 2013 was very hard, especially as the weather has been so terrible. I have never seen weather like it before. Two weeks before the marathon I was training in the snow in Richmond Park. It was such a tough challenge, both physically and mentally, to get back into the sort of shape I was in for London 2012, but look, these things happen. It is impossible to win every race. There are guys out there who are very strong in the marathon. I can only give it my best shot.

  Turning to the atmosphere on the day, another home crowd in London, and you guys were loud, one of the best atmospheres I have ever experienced for the Marathon! Seeing people lining the streets from start to finish really gets you motivated. The British public really got behind me, especially when they saw see me coming with my new werewolf logo helmet which was kindly given to me by the Virgin London Marathon. The howling as I went around the course was incredible!

  I cannot finish my blog without making reference to the Boston Marathon attacks. In London the public were out in force and they were not scared because of what happened in Boston. To me that just shows you the true spirit of the British public. They are not frightened of terrorists and people trying to upset certain days, and I think it shows that they were paying respect to the victims of what happened in Boston.

  To conclude I have had time to reflect on what I achieved. I came across the finish line in an unofficial time of 1 hour 31 minutes 31 seconds. That was two seconds adrift of Fearnley, okay it wasn’t winning, but it was only seconds behind the winner. So rest assured, I will be back next year, stronger and fitter than ever and more determined to win the Virgin London Marathon for a seventh time! 

  Comments (3)

  • hollywooddave 'To only lose by 2 seconds after only training for a short time is nothing short of remarkable pal! The year you had last year was incredible and you've inspired millions of people throughout the world. Keep fighting as we know you will and I fear for your opponents in the next race! All the very best' added 30th Apr 2013

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  • hfry 'I watch the Marathon on TV with my kids and they think you are fantastic and I think the comments you made after the event were a very good example to them of a true sportsman.' added 30th Apr 2013

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  • JenPkn 'It's only natural that you felt a bit disappointed, Dave. BUT, my goodness, don't I admire your indomitable spirit, having put yourself through those 4 months of hard training in such gruelling conditions. You were so gracious in defeat, and your humble but wise words will have won you even more respect around the world. All testament to the consummate professional athlete that you are. Only 2 secs of Kurt Fearnley's time. Wow, They had better all watch out next year. All the very best for the future, Dave, and enjoy your holiday time with Emily and family.' added 30th Apr 2013

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