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i'v run a marathon!
Apr2820099:43 a.m.
Got to London early saturday morning and went straight to expo to register. Dropped our bags off at holiday inn and saw lots of wheel chair competitors - think it was their base for the race! Spent rest of saturday trotting around london and went to the bbc studios for a tour!
Saturday night we had an italian meal of pasta (surprise surprise) There was myself, hubby and 2 friends Andy and Claire. The meal wasnt great but with hindsight it set me up for the day on Sunday.
Hubby dropped me off at the tube station early sunday morning. That was a little scary in itself. I'm a bit of a country bumpkin and rarely go to London let alone go on the tubes BY MYSELF!! Anyway got to the start without any problems. Got there early but by the time i had stood in the toilet queue, dropped my bag off then stood in the toilet queue again it was time to get to the start. I did walk past the vittel area but didn't see anyone!
Was about 10 mins from the start line but was surprised how quick the crowds of runners moved. Left my garmin at home - really glad i did else i would have been checking it every 2 mins and i would have put myself under extra pressure - as a result i can honestly say i enjoyed the whole run from start to finish. My main aim was to a) get under 5 hrs and b)run all the way - not walk.
The crowds were amazing - everyone tells you that they are but you really dont realise what a great motivation they are til your in the thick of it. Music blaring from all the pubs was fantastic! Really loved going under a big bridge (think it was about mile 5ish) where big drums were beating really loud. Had my mobile phone with me and rang hubby about mile 10 to see where they were - had seen me run past at mile 9 but i had missed them! Plan was to try and catch me at mile 19 Crowds were so thick i rang him again between mile 19 and 20 - they couldn't get anywhere near so had decided to go to the end. Bit scary seeing all the people who had collapsed on the sides with o2 face masks and looking most unwell. St johns ambulance do a great job as do all the supporters and volunteers handing out drinks etc etc. I chomped through 2 gels 1 pack jelly beans sips of water at most stations and 3 x lucozade drinks. Obviously got the balance right as i never came across 'the wall' and never felt for 1 moment that i couldn't do it.
The crowds just got louder and louder for about the last 5 miles. Started counting down from about mile 22. Saw Mick and Denise about 800metres from the end - such a boost i felt like i was flying across the finish (ok so i know i wasnt but it did feel good!)
Got a bit overwhelmed once it was all over - bit tearful just thinking about family members that are no longer with us ... very shortlived once i got that medal round my neck!!!!
Time was 4 hrs 52 mins and 54 secs! and i ran all the way!
So pleased! So glad i didn't collapse as per my nightmare dreams x 2.
Met up with hubby and friends and headed straight to the pub for a pint of lager shandy!
Went back to the hotel for a couple of hours than back out on the town and had a really nice meal. Bed just after midnight - no headache no feeling sick just tired achy legs - bonus because i often feel quite unwell after long runs so this was great for me!!!
Spent the day in london yesterday - went to the natural history museum then got home around 4pm
Will have to change my blog name to Sally42 now! If i did run vlm next year id be sally43!
Hope everyones recovering from achy legs! As Hazel says the pain is shortlived. ...
The experience was great. Something i have wanted to do since my husband ran his first marathon in 1996! Shame it took me more than 10 years to get my arse into gear. I dont feel the burning desire to run another marathon (not at the moment anyway). I want to thank everyone who sponcered me. Friends who are probably sick to death of hearing about marathon training. Hubby for encouragement and coming with me on the long runs and real buzz bloggers that have helped me through the months of training with advice and encouragement all the way.
Previous Posts
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Apr2220099:26 p.m.
not long!
Yes I am cool calm and collected Yes I can wait til Sunday 1 work day left (tomorow) friday on holiday to get ready! Saturday expo and hopefully a nice... -
Apr1920098:40 p.m.
unco-ordinated but who cares!!
.. talking about the kit i'll be wearing next week! Did as suggested and did my run today wearing my kit next week - white brooks top with turqoise trim... -
Apr1520099:40 p.m.
can you overdo the tapering?????
I'm really enjoying the 'tapering' Absolutely no chance of me over training in the last 2 weeks! In fact I'm a little worried that I'm not doing enough!... -
Apr0720095:48 p.m.
Little to report!
Last week i didn't run that much - went to bed on the monday and woke up with a pain in my neck - must have slept on if funny - painful for a few days so... -
Mar2820095:29 p.m.
Another 20 miles done and dusted!
Just completed my second 20 miler! So glad its out the way. It was another one of those hanging around the house putting it off and making excuses...
Comments (15)
garyb 'Well done Sally, sounded like your marathon went exactly to plan. A great time, I reckon in a few days you will be back for next year.' added 28th Apr 2009
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kizzi10000 'Wow, fantastic! Sniff. What a wonderful experience for you first marathon, and sounds like you got everything spot on.' added 28th Apr 2009
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vickibombicki 'i think yours is the only one where everything went perfect!!! well done u should be proud! if ur entering for next year,dont forget to change your blog category to virgin london marathon x' added 28th Apr 2009
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peterb 'Brilliant Sally , well done , glad it went well for you , I want your tips on not hitting the wall....' added 28th Apr 2009
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hazyjay 'wow excellent time really well done and running all the way v impressed. Hx' added 28th Apr 2009
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daza_smiffy 'well done great time coming back next year?' added 28th Apr 2009
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janisbrown 'Well done - fantastic time - I'm sure you'll be back. I said in 2008 that my marathon was to be my one and only but it wasn't - did it again this year and have just entered the ballot for next year!!! Hope the legs recover soon' added 28th Apr 2009
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KeithRunLondon 'Well done Sally, brilliant time, I'm jealous you-never stopped running in the heat, superb!' added 28th Apr 2009
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crooxi 'Well done, you did it! Congratulations on achieving both your aims - and in a good time too. Even better that you did it with no particular problems, and felt good afterwards. I reckon you'll be back to do another! (My immediate reaction after my first marathon was 'Okay, I don't think I need to do that again...........'; but a few days later, I was already thinking about the next!) But bask in the glory of this one for a while, you've earned it.' added 28th Apr 2009
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crooxi 'PS You need to update your 'Wall of fame' medals now!' added 28th Apr 2009
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Johnf 'Sally well run, see you next year then?' added 28th Apr 2009
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edwards_pk 'Well done SALLY, a great time too plus you ran all the way, not many manage that, I had no probs with the wall this time around too, bet youve looking forward to 2010??' added 28th Apr 2009
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AndyG_1 'Cracking run and you were so fast you didnt even have time to throw us a smile as you passed! we'll have to shout louder next time (if thats possible)' added 28th Apr 2009
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nigelgreen 'Well done - fantastic run Sally!! What a day, eh?!' added 30th Apr 2009
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Vlad 'Well done Sally, sounds like a fantastic day. Great time too, better then my 4:56 ;) You should be proud of yourself, you had a fantastic race!!!' added 4th May 2009
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