So close, yet so far.........
Apr26201010:50 p.m.
The weekend got off to a shaky start when another one of my marathon nightmares looked to be coming true. We arrived at New Street Station in bham to get the train only to be told the station was closed and all trains were cancelled! OH MY GOD! (this will be the nightmare about not getting to london as ALL trains are cancelled!) So after a quick conflab we hopped back in a taxi to the next station along and within the our we were safely on the train!
Fast forward to sunday, much like everyone else- up at the crack of dawn down to breakfast at 6.30. Nikmas and I then hopped on the DLR to Greenwich and took a slow ridiculously excited walk to the start! We hung around together between blue and red start until finally going our separate ways to respective starts. After thinking I'd got loads of time it then flew by and before I knew it I was in the start pen.
I am still overwhelmed by the immense level of support from spectators- truly amazing. Being part of such an event does give you a little faith in mankind. I found the first 3 miles frustrating- couldn't run at my desired pace and then started panicking about how I would make the time up. Eventually gave up on that! Did find myself spending most of my time focussing on the feet in front of me to avoid either tripping up or falling over a discarded bottle. Saw Mr P at 6 miles which was a real boost- never smiled so much- proper ear to ear!
Then didn't see anyone else I knew the whole way around- despite having friends at 14, 19 and 22 miles! Passed the 1/2 marathon mark at 1.59 so knew I was going to be hard pushed to break my goal of 4 hrs. 2nd half was ok- found 18-22 miles TOUGH! Legs felt good but had some weird 'spasm' in my shoulder which was hurting like hell (Action For Children sports massage sorted that right out afterwards!). Snyway finally crossed the line in 4.02! SO CLOSE BUT SO FAR! Obviously delighted- but in true Mrs P style am also disappointed to come so close to sub 4. Anyway there is always next year, and Mr P wants to sign up too- so looks like I will have to do it all over again!!!
Legs feel like 2 planks of wood today and am now dreading tomorrows presentation!
What an amazing experience, and what a fantastic treat it was to have a g&t last night after 9 weeks on the wagon!!!
Well done everyone and thanks for all the support 
PS I am a MARATHON RUNNER
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Comments (9)
Clare350 'Your run and feelings sound a carbon copy of mine! 3.59 sounds soooo much better than 4.0 somehing! Never mind, we tried!' added 26th Apr 2010
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glen_b 'That is a superb second half, I was 3 minutes behind you at half way, and 26 minutes behind you at the finish! So be very very proud, you have been amazing. Thanks for your support, and I hope to read of your future adventures. I am beginning to wonder tonight, after hitting half way so well at 2:02 and feeling very strong, if I have a sub 4 hidden away in me somewhere deep down that I should spend more time trying to get out. Just need more work on longer distances maybe! Be proud, YOU ARE A MARATHON RUNNER. Well done.' added 26th Apr 2010
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Suziewee 'I knew you would run a fantastic time, but I completely understand your frustration at not getting under the 4 hours. Be proud though, that is an amazing time and you thoroughly deserve your medal. I dream that one day I might have a sub 4 in me ....! Congratulations again, you should be very proud of yourself, and who knows what might happen next year!' added 26th Apr 2010
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crooxi '4:02 is still a great time - congratulations! Did you wear your Lucky Pants?! (as mentioned sometime in connexion with a race last autumn.)' added 26th Apr 2010
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blondiekels 'Be very proud, that is an amazing time - Congratulations!' added 27th Apr 2010
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simonedumergue '4:02 - wow what a fantastic result!! Funny how we make up these 'barriers' we have to get under to feel more legitimate. A 4:02 marathon (and for a first marathon too!) is blimmen fantastic. I agree with not being able to run as you want to, particularly at the start. Just part of being in a really big event I guess. Treacherous watching out for those bottles for 26 miles though - it was exhausting dodging those! Bet that G&T tasted might fine after 9 weeks off the booze. I imagine it went right to your head! Enjoy the wonderful feeling, and here's to future challenges!!' added 27th Apr 2010
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Ruth22 'ha ha! Yes, you ARE a marathon runner! very well done & a great time. I can promise you'll end up doing it again...' added 27th Apr 2010
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idhorne 'What a fantastic achievement - well done!' added 28th Apr 2010
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Firefly123 'That is a fantastic time. Well done on a great marathon.' added 28th Apr 2010
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