Well I definitely think me and London are cursed, instead of the rather too perfect sounding 9 degrees and cloudy, no we got another scorching 20 degrees, great for the spectators but hideous for us.
Have borrowed this paragraph from Wotsit, one of the RW super six who was aiming for under 4 hours 30: "I've got slightly mixed feelings about yesterday, because, in truth, I'm gutted about not making 4:30. I'm even more gutted about not making it because I know I lost it in the crowds and the dodging and not because *I* can't run a 4:30 marathon. Maybe I just can't run a 4:30 London marathon? I'm not rough or pushy enough to barge people out of the way who are obviously struggling. I had a phase at between Tower Bridge and mile 16 of really going for it - shouting at stupid people walking 3 abreast in the middle of the road, pushing people who just stopped dead in front of me, elbowing people who were plodding and whom I couldn't get round and trying desperately to keep my pace consistent. I felt like every time I got into a nice rhythm either a drinks station appeared or someone stopped dead or blocked me and I lost the rhythm again. The stopping and starting was wrecking my legs."
My first five miles were fine, got to 5 miles in 50 mins and 2 seconds only then we merged and it got far too congested and it was a battle for space the rest of the way. Although the starts merge around 3 miles the next 2 miles they are running down separate carriageways so still not too bad but just before Cutty Sark was a complete nightmare which just continued.
Just been watching a bit of the marathon coverage that we recorded whilst having tea which confirmed what I dedcided yesterday, London is like the GNR: great for the elite and super fit or those just looking to enjoy the occasion but not so good for those aiming for a time. From the coverage those running up to about 3.30-3.45 pace had space to run but anyone 4 hours+ had none of it.
I may be disappointed but it did go a long way to repairing the demons from 2007, I enjoyed it much more and didn't walk a step, even though the last 8 miles or so were becoming much more of a shuffle. Speaking to Tom afterwards he said when they saw me at around 22.5 miles I looked like I was working very hard, but what I think he was trying to say politely is that I was Bl***y knackered but still putting one foot in front of the other.
I started with the pace maker but quickly decided that it was too dangerous trying to stay with him as people were constantly cutting in front of you particularly when we started arriving at the water stations. The wheels began to fall off around 16-18 miles I think, will download watch but won't pay too much attention as it started going backwards just after 16 miles. I looked and had run 16.17 miles and then a good few hundred metres down the road looked again and it said the same and then watched as it was going backwards to 16 and then forwards again (positive I was not hallucinating by then) so after that, together with the two long underpasses when you lose signal, I was completely unable to gauge where I was between the mile markers. I started feeling really sick which I don't understand as I'd had the gels I used in training exactly where I had them in training and nothing different other than the hotel made the porridge not me, with the result I took one less than planned in the end.
The heat by the time we got into the Isle of Dogs (15-19) was immense and there was little breeze as it is just full of skyscrapers. I arrived at the Heart Foundation cheer point and there was no sign of Andy and my heart promtly sank but was being kicked loudly by my brain. And then lo and behold 2 corners later there he was outside the DLR station (where the charity instructions said the cheer point was meant to be) I got a huge hug which was very much appreciated. 4 miles later Tom and H spotted me and 2.5 ish miles after that Andy was there again for a high five (all I could manage as by then there was no way my legs could stop if they were to stand a chance of getting going again). In the last mile and a half I got cramps in the right leg and then the left joined in for good measure but my mind overruled the body and scraped itself over the finish line.
Sorry this is coming out a little garbled, it was much better at 2am this morning when I couldn't sleep! So all in all a very enjoyable day, albeit mixed with frustration after months of more positive training but none of the training runs or races I have done have been as congested by a long way, but no-one can take away my medal, memories or my sub 2 half which I achieved in the build up, and although it's another tent I got the T-shirt (which will probably become a nightie not kiddin could get me and Andy in it - one of London' drawbacks where everyone gets XL regardless of their size - wonder if next year different when a new sponsor?)
Thanks to all those at VARR who have supported me but several particular thanks needed:
1) To Andy who not only put up with my moods, agonies, tiredness and hermit like social life this year, also ran round London himself yesterday seeing him at 0.5 miles, 12.5 miles, 18 and 24.5 miles (which for those who have never supported before is no easy task as the underground and DLR are heaving)
2) To Khara, Tom and H who have received plenty of texts and emails from me over the last 16 weeks also, always responding with very sound advice and support, and particularly to Khara who along with Andy managed to pick me up when I was feeling quite low and despondent last night at not having achieved my dream.
3) to Rob Bane who picked me out of the draw back in November.
Thanks again and good night.
