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
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