Philip's dream by philip_owen

Ok let’s get the facts over with first before I bore you with then details.

 Time 5 hrs 18 mins 28 Secs

Position 20175

Age position (40-44) 3456

My goal was 4:30 and I still think if everything had gone to plan that it was possible. However in the cool light of day (or should I say the baking heat of Sunday) I now know that it was not really on.

I should have known it was not my day when I got a stitch at 2 miles. I never get stitches in training but I ran though it and it disappeared.

Although I was doing OK (if not on schedule) at half way things then took a turn for the worse when at just past 14 miles I developed stomach cramps. Was that last banana I had 90 mins before the start too much or had I taken on too much water fearing dehydration I don’t. However I had to stop for a moment to be sick. I apologised to the poor spectators who witnessed such a site (even though I did find a drain to use so fellow runners did not have to run through my vomit)

Managed to keep going through the stomach cramps to about 20 miles but at a much reduced pace. (Though was sick again at 19 miles, or at least I would have been if their had been anything in my stomach to bring up) Can I say at this point that I owe the people of London a massive debt of gratitude for keeping me going.

With still 6 miles to go and the stomach getting worse I started to run/walk. I knew well before then that my target was out of reach and getting to the finish line was now the only priority. At 25 miles I seen my wife, children and other supporters for the third time on the route, they say I looked ashen at this point and had genuine fears for my welfare. These fears got worse when we failed to meet at the allotted point after the finish. We were in fact only 20 yards away from each other but neither could see the other. We did meat back at the hotel much to her relief.

I made to the finish with the help of the crowds and fellow runners.

It is hard not to be disappointed with the time and even though I have spoken to many runners who missed their goal by as much or more I still feel if the weather/stomach cramps sabotaged my marathon.

As for another marathon (London or another) I would like to do one. I want to put into practice some of the lessons I learnt on Sunday. I will, however, have to persuade my good lady who has been very supportive over the last 6 months or so and was put through hell on Sunday, that it is a good idea.

Looking forward I have entered the Windsor half marathon in September and the Great South Run in October. Done both before and hope for PBs.

On a final and very sad note I heard today that a 22 year old man who collapsed when he crossed the finish line died in hospital. My heart goes out to his family who I am sure are devastated. I never knew him but will think of him every time I look at my medal.

Well done everybody