My marathon experience!
Apr2720107:56 p.m.
So the big day arrived.
We stayed overnight in a hotel in heathrow and got a transfer in to the start, have to say the organisation for this was second to none and I was so pleased we booked an overnight hotel and let someone else worry about getting us there on time as we would have fretted. However I didn't get much sleep due to the guy in the room next to us chatting on the phone at 2am for over 30 minutes.. so not really a rested night.
I felt good when I started if not a bit apprehensive and did a great time for the first half (a pb actually) which I was chuffed with. Not sure what happened from there thought the toilet facilities were a bit poor on route as every time I wanted to stop it was about 50 people deep waiting so decided to carry on and for each mile it seemed to get worse...
At around 16 miles everything hurt, felt sick, dizzy and just generally worn out, this felt very frustrating as I had trained for months and I know I can run alot longer distances and felt fine, here I was feeling done in at 16 miles! So I jogged, walked, jogged and walked ... I then proceeded to pull a muscle in my thigh and my foot started to hurt which I now can't rest any weight on ... what was that all about, I have never encountered this in my training?
I have to say the crowd were amazing and got me round - without them I seriously considered whether I could have made it to the end, there I was on the course giving myself a harsh talking to must have looked a sight LOL...
I managed to make it in at 5hrs 39 mins which I know is a fantastic achievement but I am disappointed - no matter how I dress it up I am.. I enjoyed the day overall and the crowd were great but I know I could have done better... Did I maybe train to hard, should I have had a complete rest through my taper as some people recommend this but I followed the plan... I know what am I like...
I will continue to run but probably do half marathons as I enjoy this distance and I have lost a lot of weight through training which is fantastic. I hope everyone had a great day on Sunday 
and I know I have met some great people along the way!
Smudger
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Comments (7)
nickeames 'Well done Smudger!!!!! It seems like we had a very similar run. I know exactly how you are feeling because I feel it myself - delighted to have achieved a marathon, but (as my school report use to always say) 'could do better' - and I bloody now I/we can do better after all that training! Always said I am not interested in another but now so tempted. Are you?' added 27th Apr 2010
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crooxi 'Please don't be disappointed! - it's a great thing to have achieved, whatever the time. Congratulations!' added 28th Apr 2010
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SmudgerSJA 'Thanks guys - I am not sure whether I would do it again next year but I should have an automatic place as I didn't get in through the ballot for 2009 and 2010, I know I can do better as you say Nick so I may think about it if I got a place.. I don't know. I much prefer half marathon distances and I would also like to try a marathon later in the year as I found the training throughout the winter months difficult but I am pleased with my achievement Crooxi I just think it gets all consuming after all the training you do but I need to take a step back and say I did a marathon...!!! Pat on the back to me and you Nick!! ' added 28th Apr 2010
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Nicebloke 'Well done Smudge - a major achievement! Sorry to hear you are a bit disappointed. I guess after such a long build up and all the training it's a lot of pressure on the day - and it is a very long way!! But you have that medal - something that a lot of people would love to achieve (including me) I'm sure once you are rested and recovered you will focus on a new goal. Talking of which there is a nice little event in New York in November that I'm sure you would love!!! ' added 28th Apr 2010
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SmudgerSJA 'Thanks Nicebloke...:-) Your right I shouldn't feel disappointed there are many people out there that would love to be a owner of this medal and I feel particularly privileged as it was the 30th anniversary. I would love to do the New York marathon truly as I love NY but I think this year would be too much, 2 marathons in one year who am I Eddie Izzard LOL... Maybe next year as it would be nice to train through the summer months and stay in NYC for a few days. Guess it all rests on your shoulders for this years event. How is your training going? Time for me to follow your progress, hope your well... Hang on did I just consider another marathon there LOL... Smudge ' added 28th Apr 2010
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kizzi10000 'Well done!!! I can relate to the disappointment. I started out in 2007 with dreams of Tower Bridge screaming at me with all the crowds cheering. In reality there was no-one there and it took me 8 hours and a very long time to get over and realise that I had actually done a marathon. Hope everything is back to normal soon' added 30th Apr 2010
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SmudgerSJA 'Thanks Kizzi almost back to normal - I can walk... :-) Can't believe almost a week ago I was running the marathon how time flies... Hope you are all good and have a great weekend planned.' added 1st May 2010
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