The London Marathon- Miles 1 -15

Being in the blue wave, we joined the green wave and then to Woolwich. I know this area well and knew it was mostly flat and not to get carried away. Just before 3 miles the red wave joins but we were told to expect this. 

John Wilson Street is where I have stood with my sister Nina cheering people on and thinking one day I will run the Marathon, not really believing it. My feet start their usual numbness around 3-4 miles and I am running along comfortably.

At Cutty Sark I start looking out for Tommy and his family. I spot Tommy first (his  proud smile) and told him that I'm okay. I asked him if he had a photo of me, he said as I just appeared in front of him! 

Around the corner, I see his family and say hello. Lovely to see Anne, Chris and Amy but also Jack, who I didn't know was coming.  Tom's aunt and uncle were close by but because of the crowds and the rain, their dog Barney was not happy as he was getting squished. Likewise Gemma didn't come because of the dogs, they would have loved London too much 😁

I left Greenwich with lots of love and support heading to Deptford.

In Deptford, a Headteacher friend Ali and my bestest School Business Manager friend Lorraine were drinking, sorry waiting for me! It was so lovely to see them. 

After such lovely support, I head off to Rotherhithe thinking I can see why runners want to do this running again. I got to Mile 10 (thinking over a third of the way there) before I knew it and although there is support along there, I changed my mind at mile 11!  My left thigh and knee started to niggle. 

Mile 12 - Tower Bridge

Amazing support going over the bridge, it is rare to be able to be in the middle of the road and get a photograph from that angle.  So much encouragement with my name being called with such enthusiasm, I had to keep checking that I didn't know them!  

Once across the bridge, it is the section where you can see the faster runners on their 22 miles section.  I saw one runner already struggling with another guy holding onto him, he looked as though he was leaning to one side.  A reminder of how pushing yourself too much can ruin your race.  Most of the support is on the faster side of the road and I was looking forward to seeing family at mile 15 which was past The Highway, into Canary Wharf area.  Somewhere along this area, I had to use a portaloo. Let me tell you that pulling up wet compressed leggings (due to the rain!) is hard work, uncomfortable and unflattering! I went the next few minutes running checking they were on okay.

Mile 15

Tommy was now with his family and I stop for gel and several jelly beans!  The gel has to be on over my leggings, left thigh, quad and knee!  I will see them next at 18.5 miles.