Background - Where
to begin? I grew up on the very outskirts of LondonWell the London
Marathon got me interested in distance running from an early age. I used
to watch it every year on the BBC, and promised myself that one day I'd do it.
I entered the ballot/lottery a couple of times in the early 2000s, but
without success. Then it became apparent that I'd be moving to the US to
I registered to run for a charity in the 2006 race. I did the same thing
in 2007. At this point I was
hooked, so when I moved to Austin I signed up for the distance challenge, in
the process met Caroline and Ian who both encouraged me to join the Gazelles,
and the rest as they say is history!
Training - I have
to admit that I hadn't been as diligent as I could have been on the training
front. Sure there were mitigating factors, and I certainly felt the
effect of the missed workouts in the closing miles!
Race Day - Walked
to London Bridge station and just managed to get on the jam packed train to the
"blue start" near Blackheath (park). After a 5-10 minute walk
we crested a hill, and then you could see the start area. I have to admit
that this brought back memories from 5 and 6 years ago, and in the process a
few tears to my eyes. The weather was close to perfect as it was around
50 degrees, bright, clear and maybe a slight breeze. I felt that maybe I
could run a great time despite the training hick ups!
The race itself -
The start area was well organized, but very crowded. The first few miles
were very congested. However, I felt relaxed and smooth running at a 7:30
pace or thereabouts. I saw Melissa (my better half) at around mile 9,
which was a big boost. At around mile 12, I started to feel a little
warm, but still relaxed. Shortly afterwards you run over Tower Bridge,
which is a great experience. You then turn right towards Docklands, which
as the name suggests is home to the area where the London docks were housed. I
passed halfway still feeling good. The race also doubles back here so I
saw the elite runners at around mile 13 1/2 for me when they were they were at
about 21 1/2 miles. It was running through Docklands that I started to
feel my legs getting tired. My form was suffering, and my stride getting
shorter. I knew my hopes of my goal time were dashed, but had to find a
way to stay motivated and focused. I tried to think of a those who have
helped me in my 4 years with the Gazelles, and that I'd soon see Melissa and a
couple if friends. I was relieved to leave the Docklands area, and head
West towards Westminster (Parliament, Big Ben etc). There was a very slight
headwind. However, the crowd support was amazing, which kept me going.
It was also starting to warm up, and I could feel the sunburn on my
shoulders and neck (although I appreciate that it was nothing compared to Boston).
The London Eye (large Ferris wheel) came into view and I decided to focus
on reaching that. It became harder and harder to stay focused, and keep
moving. However, the crowds are very thick coming down the Victoria
Embankment (road), and it was almost deafening at times. About a mile
from the finish I heard someone shout "a Gazelle wow". It was a
runner from Rogue. I tried to respond and uphold Gazelle pride, but the
tank was empty. Finally I turned right towards Parliament Square, and
then left onto Birdcage Walk and I could see Buckingham Palace, and the 800
meters to go sign. I was able to pull off a mini kick and come home in 3:27 +
change. Not what I'd hoped for, but 15 minutes quicker than my previous
best in London. The good news is that next up is likely to be Austin
2013, and last time I ran Austin (2008) after London (2007), I improved my time
by 22 minutes, which is roughly what I need to BQ.
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