No Sleep til London by REAO69

Ok so where did we leave off...

Yes. Mile 14. This was, as the title suggests, were it all slipped away. My calf kicked in big time to the point were I was running with a limp. If you can run with a limp??? and my brother was struggling with his knee.

We then passed the point were you could see runners coming in the opposite direction. I think this was mile 15 - 16 for us and it was 22 for them. this didn't make us feel much better knowing that they were well ahead of us but what made it worse was at this point we started to see the first signs of a string of casualties!

I hadn't noticed any before this point but from here until the end there was a constant string of people sitting or lying by the roadside and lots being attended to by the ambulance/ st johns crews (big thanks to them but thankfully I didn't need them!). This sight again played with the mind and I think made us slow our pace again. The thought of running with the possibility of no water was a scary thought!!

Then at mile 17 ish (this is where the title comes from) my wheels came off big time. Not a mental thing, not a lack of training and maybe but not sure not a lack of water...but cramp took hold of both my thighs. AT THE SAME TIME!

It felt like somebody had just rugby tackled me.

I was stopped dead in my tracks.

I had to shout my brother because he carried on running and I couldn't. I stopped and spent the next 5 minutes stretching. It was probably the worst pain I have ever felt.

The one thing I have never experienced and certainly had not planned for was cramp and I didn't know what to do.

At this point I was absolutely certain that I wasn't going to make it to the finish. I jogled (cross between a jog and a hobble) for the next mile or so and had to take the painkillers I had brought as a result of my calf. Took four nurofen in about an hour and a half (don't try this at home).

Anyway, not a lot to tell after this apart from the fact that we jogged a bit and walked most of the rest of the way and I had to practically push my brother the last two miles.

Finished in 6 hours (was aiming for under 5).

Gutted about the time, the injury and the heat but it is these 3 things that will make me do it again next year...

BIG THANKS TO:

1. All the supporters (unbelieveable)

2. All the people at the water stations  (water or not) and organisers.

3. Two very nice young ladies who gave me a "Come on Kidney" when I was struggling. They were also running for Kidney Research.

I'll definitely be back next year in better condition and hoping for kinder weather.

Things I've learnt:

1. you can never over prepare

2. Physiotherapy is a must for injuries

3. Leave well early on the day of the race

4. Don't do any physical activity the day before

5. Most of it is mind over matter

6. Good support can get you through almost anything!

Thanks to everyone involved and all the support. Thanks to the family who came with me and especially to the mrs for putting up with everything from when I started. See u all next time. x