Hi,
I've had a couple of days to recover, compose my thoughts, commit memories and upload photos since I completed the London Marathon. The experience in summary - AWESOME! The crowds were incredible, the support was fantastic and the weather was HOT!
I committed before hand to giving 100% to the marathon. I said 'I want to cross the line feeling 100% spent - I do not want anything left in the tank'. I did not let you down. The last 6 miles were the loudest, longest, hardest and most fulfilling miles I have ever done. I find it hard to put into words the the range and intensity of emotions you feel as you go round. During my five and a half hours on the course I had ups and downs. The biggest high was seeing my support team at mile 19 - James, you were the loudest for sure, good on yer! The whole team was fantastic - it was so great seeing you all and I will never forget your support. The low point was around miles 23-25 - I missed seeing Sue and Nigel which makes me feel bad - sorry guys. If I missed anyone else on my way round - I'm truly sorry but the last 6 miles took everything I had. My ignorance wasn't intentional.
The question most people are asking right now is - 'will you do it again?' Maybe....but not right now! I would say to anyone contemplating doing a marathon - 'Do London - it's great. Some say it's the best but I don't have anything to compare it to. Also, train like you have never trained before....then train some more - it'll be harder than you think but also better than you could imagine'.
Photos - here
I couldn't have done this without the support and advice from all my friends and especially Marie - it was a major team effort.
Thanks!
D
Tuesday 28 April 2009
Thursday 23 April 2009
A big weekend
480 miles, 2880 minutes in the gym, 3 pairs of running shoes constant support and advice from Marie and my friends and 23 wonderful, generous and wise sponsors are all essential ingredients required to complete the Flora London Marathon this Sunday. That's great 'cos thats what I have and that's what I'm going to do.
Here are some useful facts for the day if you still want the sweaty hug:
I am number 37779. Text the word 'run' to 83040 to keep track of my progress every 5k.
I'll be aiming for 5.5mph or 11-12 minute miles. You can trace the following points on the Interactive FLM Map
The 'real' start time is about 10:00. So I expect to be just past the Cutty Sark by 11-11:30.
I'll be halfway - TowerBridge - at about lunch time, say 12:30-13:00.
I'll be around Canary Wharf near the famous traffic light sculpture twice - it's the best place to catch me then - at 15 miles and 19 miles - so that's about 3 hours in and 4 hours in - 13:00 - 14:00.
So, then I'll be in relatively uncharted territory going beyond 20 miles down The Embankment for the next hour or so. You won't get on the Mall unless you have tickets and my two tickets have already been snapped up by my Mum I'm afraid so the next best place to catch me is when I'll appear emotionally and physically wrecked in Horse Guards parade about 30 mins after crossing the line. Let's say I manage 5 - 5:30, that'll be 15:30 - 16:00 by the letter 'D'.
A good idea would be to keep an eye out for the flag.
If you come on the day, I really hope I can catch you on the way - your support means a *huge* amount to me (Sweaty hug is optional of course). If you don't make it on the day - no problem, if you sponsored me - THANK YOU! Every donation makes a huge difference - I appreciate your support as does everyone who is affected by Diabetes - the numbers are still growing. If you haven't had chance to dig deep yet - no worries, there is still time! Just head over to my Just Giving page and hammer the plastic ;-)
Thanks again for all your support over the last 6 months - Sunday is going to be a great day!
Doug
Here are some useful facts for the day if you still want the sweaty hug:
I am number 37779. Text the word 'run' to 83040 to keep track of my progress every 5k.
I'll be aiming for 5.5mph or 11-12 minute miles. You can trace the following points on the Interactive FLM Map
The 'real' start time is about 10:00. So I expect to be just past the Cutty Sark by 11-11:30.
I'll be halfway - TowerBridge - at about lunch time, say 12:30-13:00.
I'll be around Canary Wharf near the famous traffic light sculpture twice - it's the best place to catch me then - at 15 miles and 19 miles - so that's about 3 hours in and 4 hours in - 13:00 - 14:00.
So, then I'll be in relatively uncharted territory going beyond 20 miles down The Embankment for the next hour or so. You won't get on the Mall unless you have tickets and my two tickets have already been snapped up by my Mum I'm afraid so the next best place to catch me is when I'll appear emotionally and physically wrecked in Horse Guards parade about 30 mins after crossing the line. Let's say I manage 5 - 5:30, that'll be 15:30 - 16:00 by the letter 'D'.
A good idea would be to keep an eye out for the flag.
If you come on the day, I really hope I can catch you on the way - your support means a *huge* amount to me (Sweaty hug is optional of course). If you don't make it on the day - no problem, if you sponsored me - THANK YOU! Every donation makes a huge difference - I appreciate your support as does everyone who is affected by Diabetes - the numbers are still growing. If you haven't had chance to dig deep yet - no worries, there is still time! Just head over to my Just Giving page and hammer the plastic ;-)
Thanks again for all your support over the last 6 months - Sunday is going to be a great day!
Doug
Monday 13 April 2009
Two weeks to go till FLM '09
6 months ago I bought a couple of sets of trainers, joined a gym and started building miles, running further and further. I worked on my core fitness. I designed a schedule to work to with the final aim of running 26.2 miles around central London on April 16 2009.
In less than two weeks I will achieve that goal. Many of you have sponsored me - for your support I am grateful. Many of you are about to sponsor me - for that you have my thanks and respect.
If you turn up on the day and are looking for a sweaty hug from me - I'll be keeping roughly to a 5 hour schedule so you know 'when' to find me. You should be able to spot me in the crowd but if you have trouble, my vest has my name on it...
It's one heck of a day for supporters and runners alike. For those watching I'm hoping for sunshine for you but cool temperatures for the runners. You'll have a great day - make sure you support everyone you see running - not just me.
So, having completed an easy 10 miles today - that's not me being arrogant or anything - seriously, the pace was easy and by now the distance is a no-brainer - I looking to carb load and maintain fitness over the next few days aiming to be fresh and ready. This means lots of stretching, light gym work and a 6 miler on Sunday to round off the training.
My new shoes a luverly. They feel like I have worn them forever. They'll be good. My kit choice is ready for the day. I have the ideal sorted with various options for less ideal conditions down to arctic with rain.
That'll be it for now then. Fitness - better than ever. Kit ready - loads of sponsors (more always needed). Timetable done.
Marathon time.
Next post - April 27th.
Wish me luck ;-)
In less than two weeks I will achieve that goal. Many of you have sponsored me - for your support I am grateful. Many of you are about to sponsor me - for that you have my thanks and respect.
If you turn up on the day and are looking for a sweaty hug from me - I'll be keeping roughly to a 5 hour schedule so you know 'when' to find me. You should be able to spot me in the crowd but if you have trouble, my vest has my name on it...
It's one heck of a day for supporters and runners alike. For those watching I'm hoping for sunshine for you but cool temperatures for the runners. You'll have a great day - make sure you support everyone you see running - not just me.
So, having completed an easy 10 miles today - that's not me being arrogant or anything - seriously, the pace was easy and by now the distance is a no-brainer - I looking to carb load and maintain fitness over the next few days aiming to be fresh and ready. This means lots of stretching, light gym work and a 6 miler on Sunday to round off the training.
My new shoes a luverly. They feel like I have worn them forever. They'll be good. My kit choice is ready for the day. I have the ideal sorted with various options for less ideal conditions down to arctic with rain.
That'll be it for now then. Fitness - better than ever. Kit ready - loads of sponsors (more always needed). Timetable done.
Marathon time.
Next post - April 27th.
Wish me luck ;-)
Sunday 5 April 2009
Taper? Next week...
17 miles today - easy pace. I left the run till the afternoon as the Malaysian GP held my attention pretty well (Go Brawn! The Brawn Supremacy- ha ha).
So, it was a pleasant spring day out there, semi cloudy/sunny. Not too warm. Starting out with a runners brekko of porridge with cinnamon and cried cranberries - yum! Early lunch was wholemeal pasta and salad. Not to heavy and good slow release carby stuff. I finished my eating prep with a Kellogs Cakey Bakey bar. Fluids - took large drinks bottle of weak squash and mini bottle of 'Go' carb juice (yuk!).
So energy gels are defenestrable. Looks like I don't need 'em. To be honest I would be surprised if anyone on the planet likes 'em. Sure, they work but yuk! There has to be an alternative...there is - a healthy carb heavy diet.
It was a lighter week last week - mill session on Monday after sports massage, 1 gym and 3.56 mi-week. This week I'd like to keep up the 2 x gym and 3 miles mid week with a recovery mill session tomorrow.
Get this though - 10 miles is all I need to do on the weekend! Go taper!
So, it was a pleasant spring day out there, semi cloudy/sunny. Not too warm. Starting out with a runners brekko of porridge with cinnamon and cried cranberries - yum! Early lunch was wholemeal pasta and salad. Not to heavy and good slow release carby stuff. I finished my eating prep with a Kellogs Cakey Bakey bar. Fluids - took large drinks bottle of weak squash and mini bottle of 'Go' carb juice (yuk!).
So energy gels are defenestrable. Looks like I don't need 'em. To be honest I would be surprised if anyone on the planet likes 'em. Sure, they work but yuk! There has to be an alternative...there is - a healthy carb heavy diet.
It was a lighter week last week - mill session on Monday after sports massage, 1 gym and 3.56 mi-week. This week I'd like to keep up the 2 x gym and 3 miles mid week with a recovery mill session tomorrow.
Get this though - 10 miles is all I need to do on the weekend! Go taper!
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