100,000 Faces - Running For Meningitis Research Foundation by Nigeyboy

Well its over!! 26.2 miles of London’s famed streets, two bleeding nipples (again!!) and two legs that feel like they have taken a beating from Mike Tyson and I can say I have now run TWO London Marathon’s!!

My weekend started earlier on Saturday, when I caught the coach from Derby bus station at 7.30am. I bed farewell to my other half, Charlotte, and got on to the coach. Thought it may be late getting into London due to that fire under the M1 motorway. However, the famed Formula-1 driving skills of the driver got us in to Victoria Coach Station bang on time!! From there I had to get to Excel to register and meet my mate Josh, who sadly had to defer this his place this year. Found my way to Tower Gateway and got on the DLR and arrived at Excel about 1pm.

Registration was quicker than I expected – straight in and nobody in front of me!! Nice!! Had a quick look around the Expo, but hunger pulled Josh and I into a bar next door to the Excel centre for a late lunch. Josh had a beer that looked sooooo sweet!!! After a leisurely lunch and a good chat, we made our way back over to Clapham, where we would be staying with a friend for the night. Settled in and started drinking lots of squash to hydrate before the next day! Had a nice carb dinner of rice and chilli (mild I have to add!!), and then hit the sack at 9.30pm. Perhaps it was nerves, or the that I seemed to be coming down with a cold, that I woke up at 3.00am sweating and shivering. Not a good omen I thought!!

Was up at about 6.00am to get ready. Dosed myself up with paracetamol, had a big breakfast of fruit and fibre and we left the house at 7.00am to make our way to Greenwich. Joined a packed train at London Bridge, and arrived at Blackheath station about 8.15 ish. Nice slow walk across the Common and we got to the red start with plenty of time to spare. Got changed, packed up my stuff and had a big bottle of Lucozade sport. It was then time to find my starting pen, so bade goodbye to Josh, and found pen 7.

Before I knew it, 09.45 arrived and a massive cheer went up!! It had started. The masses slowly stated to move forward, and I crossed the start line at just under 6 mins from the gun going off – better than the 18 it took last year from pen 9!! It was a good, clean start and I found my pace almost immediately. The first 6 miles flew by, with all the supporters cheering and shouting along both sides of the road. I was hitting my 10min/mile pace almost to the second – without any help from those fancy Garmins that people rave about! I felt really good, although it was starting to warm up at that point.

Josh was waiting for me at Tower Bridge, and I stopped very briefly to have a chat before heading off again for the 13.1 mile half way marker just the other side of the bridge. I hit 13.1 miles at 2hrs 14 mins – only a minute or so off my pace, so was well pleased with myself!! Just after Tower Bridge, we turn right toward the Isle of Dogs, and  Canary Wharf. For about a mile, the outgoing part of the course runs parallel with the homeward leg (mile 20). The elite club runners where streaming past, at that point 9 miles ahead of us!! But I pressed on towards Docklands, and the crowds continued the cheering and shouting! It was really hot by this point, and the legs started to feel heavy. Mile 18 arrived and I literally ran into a problem. At one of the drinking stations, I moved to the middle of the road, as still had plenty of water in my bottle. I kept my eyes on the ground a few metres in front to make sure I didn’t hit a stray bottle. But a full one came flying out of nowhere, and I stepped on it with my right foot. Turned my ankle and was lucky not to hit the deck. Running suddenly became impossible – thought I had torn something, but kept on walking at a fast pace. Walked for about a mile or so and then tried to run again. I could, but only a t a slower pace. Was gutted. My 4.30 / 4.45 finish time looked out of reach now.

I pressed on back toward the City and the crowds grew larger. Must have been over 20c at this point and the ankle hurt like hell – along with my arms, neck and legs. I think someone was moving the mile markers further apart!! 21 . . . .22 . . . .23 . . . .24 – there was the London Eye!! Nearly there now!! 25 – there was Big Ben in front, and the right turn onto Birdcage walk. 600m . . . .  400m . . . . I can do this . . . . . 200m and I broke into a sprint. I don’t know how but I did!! As I crossed the line, I jumped up and hit the timing clock with my hand!! I had made it!! I moved forward to get my timing chip cut off my shoe, and then moved down the ramp, got my medal - and collapsed. I think the emotion of it all, and the fact that I was as tired as I have ever been – I cried. Some nice officials where straight over to me to help me back on to my feet and check I was ok. I managed to find my way to the lorry with my kit bag on, and made my way over to Horse Guards to meet with my mates, and with the Charity. That bit took nearly 40 mins!! Was warmly welcomed by Laura and some of the others from MRF. Had an apple and banana, and nice sit down!! I tried to get changed – but could barely reach my feet to get my trainers off!! Getting back up off the floor raised a cheer from those around me, so it must have been evident it was not easy!!

I now have two Marathons under my belt – both different experiences, but both amazing in their own right. The crowds make the London Marathon an event that will stay with you forever. From start to finish people cheer you on, and encourage you onward. Bands play, people sing and dance – its like a carnival.

Now to thank a few people:

My fiancé Charlotte, and my family for supporting me every step of the way in my journey.

MRF (Laura, Ian etc), for giving me another opportunity to run for them.

All the supporters on the 100,000 Faces Facebook page for their support, encouragement and donations.

Everyone who has taken the time to pledge a donation

Everyone else who has given me support!!!

This year’s run is dedicated to Leo, Eve, and the other 3500 that lose the battle with Meningitis.