I've done it now..... by simonedumergue

Well it has been a week of reflection all round.

The high was sustained at extreme levels for several days after the event. I had such a positive first marathon experience that I still fail to capture in words how special it was. But I know that at least fellow runners know what I mean.....

A few days later I have time to digest the whole experience and to take a more 'holistic' view of my current situation.

In a nutshell, I'm bowing out of Blog Land for a while. I'm going to miss it. A lot. BUT I'm an all or nothing kind of gal, and I know that the amount of time I will want to spend on here is too much, all things considered.

I think the turning point for me was my son saying "Mummy why are you always working or always on the computer".

My husband was looking forward to "having me back" after the marathon. After long days at work, I was either training or on Real Buzz. He was enormously proud of my achievement and even shed more tears than I did when I crossed the finish line. But now - it's time to  reconnect.

I'm also grappling with some big life decisions. With a husband out of work and still trying to find something (and his self esteem knocked as a result), the weight of supporting the family falls on me as I am caught up with making the decision of taking the full time role where I am currently filling in as the 'Interim' which means: financial security, a challenging role, a great team to work with BUT hardly seeing my children (out the door at 7.30am, home just before 7pm) and revisiting the stress levels of two years ago before I left my senior management post to pursue freelance consulting OR considering the other option of being taken on as an Associate with the National Social Marketing Centre to work on health promotion projects around the country (as a nutritionist turned marketer this is my DREAM job). The latter option will give me more flexibility with the family but will provide variable income which is not ideal at the moment. I feel exhausted just thinking about the decisions that may need to be made.

So - I am committed to running. For the first time in my life I feel like I can now call myself a 'runner' and I want to keep running with a purpose rather than bimbling out the door to counteract the piece of cake recently consumed

So, I figure, I can fit the running in, but I can't manage the blogging as well, so I'm bowing out for a while until life gets a little more centered.

Yes, I have entered the VLM Ballot, so I will no doubt put a blog up on there at some point.

I would like to say that this community has been amazing and I feel a bit of a flake by not sticking with it now, after the big event and  before the next big one, but something has to give.

A big virtual hug to those of you out there who have been amazing in your support, online friendship and for just 'getting it'.

I will be back.....

I don’t know when I will come down off Cloud Seven but I really like sitting up here, feeling fantastic, basking in the glory of being a ‘marathon runner’ and having had the most incredible, positive and enjoyable time of it all. I simply can’t stop thinking about the most spectactular experience of my life (up there  with the birth of my children) and think I have a good week ahead of me boring the pants off anyone that I can corner.

So, where to begin.... at the beginning I guess!

I started the day on about three hours of sleep. I had gone to bed around 11pm. Should have gone earlier but too keyed up. Took ages to get to sleep and then was awoken by other guests staying in the next door apartment who decided to have an impromptu party between 1am and 3am. Aargh. My darling husband kept telling them to shut up, which would work for 10 minutes and then they were off again. Dropped off at 3am for two hours of sleep before the kids woke early at 5am. Well, that was sleep then. Decided to not let it affect me and to take a positive approach and get on with the day.

Had a ten minute walk to the London Bridge station and I felt like I did on the morning of my wedding. The same blue skies, quiet, that amazing feeling of excitement and anticipation. I really enjoyed that 10 minute walk. It gave me a chance to reflect, centre myself and focus on what was going to be the biggest physical challenge of my life. I’m no athlete – just an ordinary person and I was about to undertake a significant event.

The train was packed. I was standing next to Spiderman and chatted to him and his girlfriend on the way there. There was a definite atmosphere of nervousness and anticipation in the carriage.

The walk up to the Red Start from the station was lovely too.  In a way though, it was like being part of a large group, yet also feeling quite isolated, so it was wonderful to meet up with some real buzz bloggers: Shazzer, Helen Carley,  Ant Coleman, Maxine Slade,  Gazzer1971, Jon Simmonds.  We had some pics together and stood around feeling nervous in a joint effort. Shazzer, Helen and I did the girly, queuing for the toilets together thing and then Helen and I went to the pen  as we were in the same area for that.  Brilliant to have finally met some of the wonderful bloggers! It was lovely to have the company and we stayed together for the first mile before I carried on as we were running at slightly different paces.

I don’t know what to say about the race other than to say that I genuinely enjoyed every fabulous minute of it. I was aiming to do under 4:30 but came in at 4.38:58. I could definitely have done under 4:30 if I hadn’t spent most of the race tripping over slower people in front of me, dodging around walkers that just stopped in the middle of the road etc but hey – I’m not stressing about it. I was in it for the experience and if my pace was forced down in time due to the inability  to get a good clear run at it, then so be it. The main thing is that I felt so strong throughout that I maintained a very even pace, didn’t feel any urge to stop (even managed to consume those gels on the move in the end!) didn’t have any moments when I felt like it was horrible (OK – from 25 miles on I had to dig deep as my legs were so achey) and had no hint of a ‘wall’ anywhere along the way. So I’m bloody chuffed with that!

So, why did I have such a positive experience?

I put it down to three things:

1.       Following my training plan to the letter

2.       Committing myself fully to the three days of carb loading and forcing another bagel, pikelet, bowl of pasta etc down when I didn’t feel like it to meet my carb targets.

3.       Being really well hydrated when I started and then taking the fluids and gels on at the exact points that the sports scientist has recommended that I do so.

What were the highlights of the race?

Not using my MP3 and instead, soaking up the atmosphere

The music around the course (mixed genres of music to please all tastes), with a highlight of all the runners clapping their hands above their heads as we ran past a band playing “we will rock you”

The friendly crowds outside the pubs, with some of them looking like they couldn’t run to the corner, but cheering you on as if their lives depended on it

High fiving some of the children along the course

Accepting jelly babies from people

Hearing strangers call out my name (an awesome feeling)

Running around Docklands and really enjoying it rather than the horrid experience I thought it was going to be

Feeling the change in tempo of the crowds as we got closer to the finish

Running along the embankment knowing I was close, hearing the crowds going wild

Rounding the corner for the last bit down the Mall and grinning like a loon at the thought of what I was doing

Spotting my family in the grandstand seats by the finish and my husband throwing me a kiss

Me throwing my arms in the air in exhilaration

Having that medal put around my neck

Feeling like a superstar

Having a massage at the post race reception

Proudly wearing my medal on the train on the way home

Feeling good rather than completely wrecked

Reflecting on the fact that little old me, has run a MARATHON!!!!!

 My only request would be a new pair of legs. I spent the morning in bed as my legs are so damn sore I didn’t see the point of getting out until I had to. Have just got back from a complimentary sports massage from my physio friend.  Ouch – that had me screaming out at a couple of points but at least my legs now only feel 8 out of 10 on the pain scale rather than 10 out of 10 as per last night when I couldn’t sleep as every time I turned over, I woke up from the pain.

Another marathon runner turned up for his appointment just as I was leaving and we swapped notes on the best way to get up and down stairs and agreed that the sideways ‘crab shuffle’ was most effective.... don’t  even feel like going back to work tomorrow but have to, so will be hobbling around the office seeking out maximum sympathy I think.

And after saying it will be a once in a lifetime thing to do, I am now trying to get on the site to enter for a ballot place for next year. Yep – bitten by the bug big time.......

Can’t wait to hear how everyone else did, so will be trawling around the site doing so.

 I could not have done this without the fabulous community here on Real Buzz.  A huge thank you to you all. xx

Hi folks,

quick post from me. Only got back at 9.30pm from my trip to London and I feel whacked after my big 'day out' and need to hit the hay for an attempt at an early night..... (well early for me anyway!)

There were no crowds today (there around 2pmish) - fab being able to walk right up to the registration desk with no queue. Older bloke working behind the booth next to the one I was registering at was so excited for me that it was my first marathon (he's run four of them) and he was full of advice and encouragement.

In fact, that seemed to be the theme of my visit. I was sort of 'adopted' by everyone I ran into and people were just so darn nice, friendly and enthusiastic.

Had a chat to one of the Real Buzz staff but no other bloggers around at the time. Real Buzz suggested we try and get a group photo on Sunday morning at the start with those of us meeting up and they'll look at posting it on the site.

Could have gone mad spending money today but I was restrained.

Best 'find of the day' for me personally was having a one on one chat with one of the Lucozade Sports Scientists. There were about 6 of them sitting in the middle of their display, available to meet with runners who had questions. I have been training with the Lucozade Sports drink and the gels but wanted to get a professional view on the best possible combination throughout the race. I'd been experimenting myself but wanted another view. I'm sure you veterans out there don't have the need for this, but for newbies like myself it's like having a security blanket!. So, I had the lovely Gavin help me out. Cool system where they ask your anticipated finish time, print you out your own personalised pace guide (to wear around your wrist) and add a customised 'key' to it that outlines at which point (elapsed running time) you should take on the Lucozade drink and the gels. Worked out that I was one gel short (of what I already had at home) so the lovely Gavinthrew one in for free for me and also a recovery bar. Probably helped that I smiled a lot and said nice things to him

Stopped at Asthma UK (my charity) for a chat and had a polaroid photo taken of me that is now up on the wall at their stand with all their other runners who have stopped by so far. Really nice to see the rest of the 'team' as such..

Jumped back on the DLR to head back into the centre and there was quite a feeling of camaraderie between all of us clutching out FLM bags. In fact, we ended up having a carriage conversation about the weather (heavy rain showers, 16 degrees being the verdict) and I had an indepth conversation with one runner who had recently been made redundant from his HR job and had sunk half his redundancy into a top of the range glasshouse. Gleaned all of this between two stops!

So, for those of you yet to get down there - hope the queues don't build up too much when you are there, and make sure you don't stumble into the wrong exhibition hall. Your other options are a HR exhibition and a 'Premier Pest Control' exhibition. Hold me back.....

Don't think I will have time to post again before heading to London on Saturday morning, so a final cheer of good luck and wonderful wishes to you all.

This site has been an amazing source of inspiration, encouragement, sharing and 'virtual bonding' and I have loved every minute of the build up with you all.

Look forward to meeting those of you at Red Start on Sunday morning, and of course reading all those race reports!!!!

Run well, run wisely and run hard for whatever your motivation may be.

Take care x

Okey dokey.

Mind is all over the place. This will be reflected by all over the place post. Tendency towards general exploding excitement means I am going to list developments of last couple of days in a random list below:

Physio on Tuesday went well. Foot issue appeared to be mainly in my head as my physio said my plantar fascia was looking the best she had seen it in ages. Rounded off that treatment with a nice bit of leg massage from her. Have still decided to forgo any running to be safe.

Attempted to iron on 'name letters' onto my vest. Spent first 20 minutes modelling vest in front of husband asking "should I put the letters up the top above Asthma UK where it is all scrunched up near my neck but looks more 'decent' on a generously endowed woman" or should I put it down lower where it is easier to read but sits right on my boobs? (Being a man, which one do you think he opted for?) Still trying to cope with thought that my chest has it's own identity now.

Ironed letters on. Tried vest on. Letter S fell off. Didn't think I would be motivated by the crowd calling out "Come on imone". Imagined other letters falling off during race. "Come on ...one". Must find another way to make them stick on before Sunday.

Woke up two nights ago with what I thought was a raging toothache. Realised that I had been grinding my teeth. Classic anxiety symptom. Followed this with identical dream to Nigel Green where I forgot to take my trainers to London with me.

Carb loading starts tomorrow morning. Stopped at Sainsburys on way home from work and prowled the aisles with a rather demented and overly focused look on my face. Determined to find low fat carb options to avoid gaining 10 pounds before Sunday. Bagels, scotch pancakes, crumpets, cereal bars, gummy bears (to add to the usual carb suspects already in the pantry). I'll be the one grinding my way through it all on the train to London and back tomorrow.

Said goodbye to my team at work this afternoon (not working next two days) and had a lovely heart warming cheer of goodluck from them all.

Feel like an excited kid having my wee outing to London tomorrow on my own. Visit to expo and then a sly bit of shopping before getting home about 9pm.

Ooooh - how exciting

Now I have moved from total freak out mode to excited mode (to be replaced again no doubt on Sunday morning by freak out mode.....)

Hope everyone is surviving!!!