The London Marathon - Countdown

Time to reflect on what was an amazing day. After Blogger has lost my work three times it obviously doesn't like the size of my photos. The photographs and reactions used to tell the story of my first (and only) Marathon, for my favourite charity Help Harry Help Others, were taken by myself, my amazing supporters or the official photographers. I has also put in a few of the good wishes as well. 

Lead up to the big day

In the days leading up to the Marathon, the feeling of excitement was winning the battle with my anxiety. After listening to the experts at the Expo and realising I had put the training in and that I was eating amd drinking correctly, I felt less anxious. Having anxiety increases the lovely Imposter Syndrome. My lower back was no longer hurting (thanks to Emily at EMB, Orpington) and although I had niggles, everyone was expressing the same view. 

It took several attempts for me to be happy with this photo - poor Tommy

Night before 

The night before I got everything ready:

Completed the Emergency Information on the back of the bib

Put the bib on my HHHO running vest

Decided to wear my old HHHO running top underneath my new vest

Gels in bum bag (Honey)

Water bottle out ready to fill in the morning 

Compression leggings

Running shoes

Faithful Nike running trainers

Compeeds

Suncream

Soducreme

Tissues

Running Jacket (with hood)

HHHO cap

Pain gels

Ibuprofen (I don't usually take tablets but would need to if my lower back started to hurt).

Croc Slippers for after the race

My new London Marathon hoodie 

London Marathon teddy to take a photo with at the end (which I forgot about!)

I fell asleep imagining the Marathon and how good I would feel whilst running, trying to think of positive thoughts. I also told myself not to worry if I couldn't sleep.

The morning

I had to force myself to eat my Fuel Porridge as I was so nervous.

Although there were extra trains put on, I knew they would be busy so we left in plenty of time. Train to Lewisham, Lewisham to Blackheath on the new Elizabeth Line. I was really anxious on the train from Lewisham to Blackheath. The train was packed and I could feel the anxiety starting to rise. Due to the volume of commuters, we had to wait for the platform to clear before we could pull in. I was so glad Tommy was with me as the train was packed and we had to wait outside Blackheath station for 10 minutes and then it took the same to get out of the station. Free travel for participants getting to the race (not the way back though). 

Tommy said to show the number in a Superman style, but they decided it wasn't quite the look we were going for! 🤣

As soon as we got out of the station it started to rain as we walked the 10 minutes to the start area. I had wanted clouds and gentle breeze (as heat seems to completely drain me) but whilst waiting on Blackheath Common it was raining gently and then harder.  The Common was full of runners, all shapes and sizes, warming up or waiting with their supporters. 

For safety, supporters couldn't wait inside the assembly point so we waited on the common in the rain. Although I was anxious and wanted Tommy to stay with me for longer, I was desperate for the toilet. Tommy left to head to the Cutty Sark where his family were waiting to cheer me on.

I was getting so much support I started to not look at the messages; WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. One to save my phone battery and two, I didn't want to get too emotional and make my nervous wait build to anxiety. Although my tablets usually stop this now, this was no ordinary day and I had left my additional tablets at home. I didn't want to see photographs of ugly snot crying! 

Whilst waiting in the very long toilet queue, I met Ruby. It was her first marathon too and she was nervous as well. We decided to stay with each other until her wave was called. It was really raining as we put our kit bags in the assigned wave allocated lorries. The organisation is immense. As Ruby went off before me, she was aiming for a much quicker time than me (she finished in an amazing time of 4:49:51).

I was in Blue section, wave 17 which opened at 10:58-11:08 with the 5:30 pacers. If I remain uninjured, I should have been able to do that but I had already decided that I wanted to follow Harry's example and smile my way through and enjoy the experience.  I was feeling okay at this point. It had stopped raining and I felt quite calm. We were due to start between 11:11-11:14 but started a little later and then we were off. Countdown had begun!