The day after....

Well folks, I DID IT!! 26.2 miles in 5h20m12s.  I am absolutely delighted, elated chuffed etc. etc.  And what a day!

Started off at 7.30 with my porridge.  Left the house at 8.30 for the 10 min walk to the start.  It was amazing seeing all these people and knowing that I was part of it all.  Met up with Rob, Rachel and Nicola outside the red start area for some last minute words of wisdom then I met Carly and it was time to enter pen 9 for the start.  Everyone was really excited and nervous at the same time.  It was buzzing.  Then at 9.45, it started.  It took me about 20 minutes to reach the start line and then we were off!


It was great passing home (and running in with Carly for a quick toilet stop!) and seeing Les, Ray, Jacky and Carly standing there with their banners and their British Heart Foundation supporter t-shrts.  Ray came down from Scotland and Carly from Hornchurch so thanks for coming to support me guys!  Then it was off again.  Carly and I parted company at around the 1st mile and then it was just me - and 35000 odd other people!


The run through Charlton was great and then it was down through Woolwich.  There were so many people and they were all cheering and shouting our names out.  What a feeling!  Running along to Greenwich was heaving.  I kept looking out for people but couldn't see anyone I knew - there were just too many of them!  Some people were walking a bit but I felt so full of energy that I just motored on.  There was some people from the London Fire Brigade there with one of their hoses spraying everyone.  That was a great feeling as it was really warm.  All the pubs were blaring music and there were singers, drummers and all sorts of people.  The crowd were handing out sweets and chocolate so I availed myself of a few of them!!


I don't remember too much about Greenwich to Surrey Quays but I kept looking out for my crowd.  Crossing the bridge at Surrey Quays was where I came to the 1st cheer point for BHF.  They were going bonkers and shouting out my name and it was such a trip.  Just made you want to run and run and run!  Just after mile 10, I say Les, Ray, Jacky, Carly, Daren and Terry.  It really gives you a lift when you see friends and family.  I stopped briefly to say hello and Daren gave me a cap and then I was off again.  As I ran down Jamaica Road I was looking out for Karen but didn't see her.


It was amazing when I turned the corner and saw Tower Bridge.  That was the portion of the race I was most looking forward to.  Both, because I was looking forward to running over and also as it was the near 1/2 way mark.  Got over the bridge and then ran along the Highway.  Nearly got a fright when I saw the 22 mile marker and then realised that that was for the runners on the other side who had already done the Isle of Dogs.  I had about another 9 miles before I got to that....


I had my first walking bit after mile 14.  I had broken the race down in my head into 5 miles segments so I was nearly 3/5 of the way.  I was also starting to feel depleted of energy but luckily came to a Lucozade gel station so I stocked up on the gels and was on my way again.


The Isle of Dogs was something else!  I think it may have had something to do with the pubs being open but the crowd were amazing.  Thee were a few quiet bits but on the whole it was like a big party.  Everyone was shouting words of encouragement.  I remember one girl shouting at me "You've done 17 miles! You're amazing!".  I think I had a huge smile plastered on my face for most of the day!  Got to mile 18 and saw Linda and Colin.  That was great and I stopped for a quick hug and picture and Linda gave me some cola cubes to fuel me on. Another mile or so and I saw Georgina so another stop for a hug and on my way. 


The next mile I remembered was the 22 mile point that I saw on the way in the other direction!  I was so pleased that I got there - I knew that I was on the home stretch.  Again, the crowd were amazing and they were shouting "Come on Steven mate, you can do it!".  Brilliant!  Running along the Embankment was fantastic as you know that you don't have too far to go.  Lots of people were walking at this point but I kept running!  I remember seeing Houses of Parliament in the distance and it got bigger and bigger the closer I got.  Everyone was shouting "Not long to go! Just round the corner!".  When I turned the corner I then saw the sign saying 800 metres to go - what an amazing feeling!!  Then 600, then 400 and then you see Buckingham Palace and you know you've done it.  I started welling up then but kept going and ran across the finish line with my arms in the air and a huge grin!  I'm really glad I did that as my Mum, sister Lindsay and Auntie Ann were watching the telly and saw my finish!  Result!


Then it was a quick walk to have my timing chip removed and get the all important medal.  Had my finishers photo taken and got my goody bag and then off to get my kit bag.  All very smooth running and well organised.  I came out of the finishers area to find the crowd, with Linda and Colin waiting for me.  Brian was hoping to be there but he has been ill and couldn't get there but I know he was with me in spirit so thanks love!  Kisses, hugs and congratulations all round and then off to the pub for a well deserved large vodka!  Oh how I've missed you....!  We only stayed for one and then off to the train to head home.  The bath was a real treat for my legs, I can tell you!


All in all, it really was one of the best experiences of my life.  When people asked me before the marathon if it was my first, I told them that it was my last also!  I have to say here and now that I will be applying for next year!  It was such an amazing experience and one I'd want to repeat.  What I found really mad was that the 20 mile training run I did wrecked me and I had to walk for the last couple of miles but yet I was fine for the whole marathon with just a couple of walks to gather myself.  I really think it was the crowds that spurred me on so thank you to you thousands of people!


So, today I have chilled out.  Watching crap day time telly and having a lovely fry up for breakfast!  Delicious!  I didn't get a great sleep last night as my legs were so sore but I am happy.  I set out a few months ago to complete this challenge and I did it.  Thanks to all your generosity, I managed to raise nearly £2500 along the way, so thanks to you all.  You are amazing!  A special thanks to to Carolyn and Bev for the lovely flowers with the lucky pussy willow - it did the trick wee Spos!!


Thanks for anyone for reading this - this will probably be my last post.  I hope you have been entertained or at least not fallen asleep!!


Until next time,


Steven xx

Friday - 2 days to go...

My Running Vest!

Hey people (or person, or just me if no-one ever reads this...)

I cannot wait to get started on Sunday.  As it draws closer I thought I would be getting more and more petrified but the opposite seems to be happening - I am almost too excited to sleep!  This is better than Disneyland!!  I think I am feeling like this now as I have no more training to do so I feel like I'm just waiting around for it all to start....

I keep going over to the real buzz forums to have a look to see what people are suggesting to make the most of the experience on the day.  Music or no music, energy gels or jelly beans, plasters or vaseline...!  There is so much to take in I think I might just stop reading it all.  I'll get my little belt thing packed tonight with a few gels, nurofen, plasters etc and then leave it all alone tomorrow.  I'm planning a nice pasta meal tomorrow night (have to stock up on the carbs) and sit and watch "Run Fat Boy, Run" again.  I have watched it already on my friend Bunty's advice, but I think that I will appreciate it more now that I have done the training and am waiting for the run.

I'm not really able to concentrate much in work today.  Everyone I speak to is wishing me well and I can't really get it all out of my head.  I drear to think what I'm going to be like tomorrow night...

Been watching the weather forecast and it looks as if it is going to be warm and sunny on Sunday.  A bit worried about that but it will be me and 36999 other people so we're all in the same boat.

The lastest amount on my sponsorship page now stands at a whopping £2370!  I am over the moon with that.  Thanks again to all of you who have made this possible.  I won't forget it.

Right, I suppose I'd better go and try to do some work today.  Last post tomorrow before the race.  Wonder how I'll be feeling then....

Laters!

Thursday - 3 days to go...

Hi folks!

Left it a little late tonight so I'll keep it brief.

Still looking forward to Sunday.  Really excited about it now.  I'm sure I'll be panicking again by the time Sunday comes...

I thought I was training with Rob this morning but I had forgotten to call him back to confirm the session, DOH!  I decided to come back home and dump the car off and take myself out for my last run.  I prefer running in the morning so that suited me.  I got in 4.3 miles at 9m50s per mile.  I knew it was a short run so I wanted to have one last blast.  I know that a lot of people wouldn't see that as a blast but it's on my fast side!  Legs don't feel sore or anything either so happy days.  All the training is now officially over.  I'm going to chillout, might have a couple of walks but no more running until Sunday.

I had a bit of a drama while trying to iron on my name to my vest.  I had to put some paper over them before putting the iron on them.  I hadn't realised that I had my runner number under the paper and as it is like a plasticy papery material - it melted a bit.  I, naturally, got a bit panicky but you can still see the number clearly and it is only the side that's missing so I should be fine.  Can you imagine that after all this they wouldn't let me run cos my number was defaced??  Nightmare..!

Right, sleep now.  Until tomorrow, goodnight.  Some muppet dialled the house number last night by mistake and woke me up about 11.15.  I couldn't get back to sleep for ages! Hopefully they won't do it again tonight...!

zzzzzzzzzz

S x

Wednesday - 4 days to go...

Hello again!

Well, just back from the Expo and have my running number for my shirt

Very excited now.  I met up with Carly got our numbers and timing tags and we had a walk around looking at the stalls.  Got a few t-shirts for supporters but I don't know if any of my friends will wear them!!  It feels totally real now I've been there and talked to other people who are just as apprehensive as I am.  We've all just got to bite the bullet and enjoy the day.

I am very lucky that I live so close to the start.  Some people I was talking to have to get trains into London and then make their way to Greenwich etc.  I can walk there in 10 minutes.  There is a risk that, when I get to my house, I'll run inside and hide under the bed!!  Not really....

I'm not so nervous now - I just can't wait for the day.  There was a real buzz at the Expo and everyone we spoke to was wishing us luck for the day.  I reckon there will be a real camaraderie on the day and that will help me through.

I'm having a training session with Rob tomorrow but that will probably be more of a coaching/stretching / pep talk session.  I will do a small run tomorrow night and then that's it.  Nothing more until Sunday.  My friend Ray is coming down from Scotland tomorrow for the weekend so he can keep me calm.

My brother phoned earlier to let me know that he has taken my sponsor form to work and has got a load more sponsors for me so I reckon it will probably get to about £2300.  You are all amazing!!

Until tomorrow...

xx

Tuesday - 5 days to go...

As promised, another little snippet in the life of someone who is doing something that they, or anyone close to them, ever thought they would even contemplate...

Well, I took myself out into Greenwich Park last night for my penultimate run.  I am a lot more positive today as I think it went well.  I ran 7 miles and the average time per mile was 11 minutes.  I had been worried that my leg might still be a bit painful but it held up fine.  Today, I have the normal pain which, in a way, I have become quite used to and fond of!  I think yesterday, when I wrote on here, I was a bit all over the place.  Mainly because I was worried that I might have done something than would hamper my performance on race day.  Now that I know I am fine, I am getting excited again. 

I read a post that someone wrote about what their experience was like last year and it was kind of emotional.  I think for anyone who undertakes a task such as this, it is a real milestone and achievement in their lives, whether they do 1 or 100.  That is the reason that I have been a bit wobbly in recent days.  Obviously, I don't want to let my sponsors or the British Heart Foundation down, but I really don't want to let myself down.  I have set myself this goal and I desperately want to reach it.  I haven't really ever failed at anything.  Not because I am great at everything I do, but because I have never really challenged my abilities or pushed myself to achieve.  This is a real test for me, both physically and mentally and I hope that I come out the other end and can pat myself on the back for a job well done.

Right - to financial matters now.  You will all (if anyone actually reads this blog!) be delighted to know that I have passed my £2000.00 target!  Woohoo!!  The fundraising page shows £1868 or something at the minute, but I have more money to come in from my forms and that totals around £300.  I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me.  I really, quite literally, couldn't have done it without you.  When I started this, it seemed like a huge amount to commit to but thanks to all you generous people, that is now one less worry for me!

I'm off to the Expo at Excel tomorrow to collect my runner number for my vest and have a look round to get a few last minute tips for Sunday.  Then I just need to iron my name onto my vest and off we go. 

Anyway, more tomorrow after the expo.

( . )( . )

xx

The last week

Well,  here we are.  No more weekends before the big one.  Now the self doubt is creeping in and every time I think of this (every hour of every day) or see something about it on the telly, my blood runs cold.  Is that normal??  A few weeks ago I was really looking forward to this, now I am terrified!  I have just been having a read of Carly's blog (really entertaining - have a look here) and she seems to be having similar thoughts / fears.  That goes someway to making me feel better as I'm not the only one.

Like Carly, I am starting to get worried in case I don't complete it cos my legs have decided to stop functioning and then thinking about how I would feel.  To be honest, I would be gutted.  All I have done over the past few months is go on about this like a new parent talking about their baby.  I have told friends, family, clients, suppliers and basically anyone who will listen about what I'm doing.  It's been all over Facebook, and my friend Brian has been hounding his contacts (thanks Brian!).  I don't know what I would do if I had to go back to everyone and say that I didn't do it. 

BUT STOP!  That's not going to happen.  I will complete it.  May not be the fastest but I'll do it.  That's what all this training is for isn't it??  I need to chill...

My thoughts are now turning to after the Marathon.  I will have my life back again!!  I know I shouldn't think about it like that but all this really does take over.  I don't know how people who do this regularly have time for relationships, work or a social life!  But it's all in a good cause.

I'm going to have my last longish run this evening.  I had hoped to do it yesterday but my leg was still a little bit sore so I figured the most important thing to do at this stage is to make sure that is better and not scupper my chances on Sunday.

I think I'll post something on here every day now until Saturday.  It will probably be more of the same but I want this as a record of how I was feeling in the lead up to the day.

See you tomorrow :-o)

Just over a week now....

Well, it's getting closer... Nerves are really starting to kick in now.  Training has been tapered and a few more runs before I have to complete this mammoth task!  I can't believe that it is so close now.  It doesn't seem that long ago that I started preparing for this (or sending begging emails / facebook messages out!). 

It feels weird to scale back the miles when so close to the event.  You almost feel that you should be keeping up the distances to better prepare yourself for the day but people who have been doing this have been doing it like this for years so I am sure that they are better placed to decide what is right than I am!  I had a small run (3.25 miles) last night and whilst running my leg was a bit painful.  I ran on through it but when I stopped I was limping a bit.  This is so not the time to be developing niggles.  Anyway, it felt ok this morning so I did the hill session in the park.  It's a bit uncomfortable at the minute but not like it was last night.  I'll rest it for the next couple of days and hopefully it won't interfere with my last long run on Sunday.

On the fundraising front, things are going great.  My page has £1686 on it at the minute and I know I have a load more to come so I think that the total will be reached no problem at all.  Thank you so much to all of you who have parted with your hard earned cash to sponsor me.  I really do appreciate it and next time I see you, I'll buy you a pint!

Got the London Marathon Expo next week to pick up my runner number etc.  Hoping to meet up with Carly there to compare notes on how nervous we are...!!

Right, better go and get some work done