The last time I ran the London Marathon was back in 2013. Even back then, I found it pretty overwhelming, it was so big, so many people and so noisy for every single step along the way. Back then, there were 34,202 finishers. This year, there were 56,646 finishers; a new world record for most number of finishers in a marathon!
I felt quite good physically, but for me it was pretty difficult mentally. The crowd support is absolutely incredible, and the energy is intense, and it's such an amazing experience to be part of; it's just I found it all quite overwhelming! My brain struggled a bit to keep things calm inside, and I had a few panicky points from half way where everything felt a bit too colossal and a bit much. But, I was very lucky to get a place, and I appreciate this gift from the universe very much. I did the best I could on the day, and that's all that we should ask ourselves to try to do.
The above little difficulties aside, it was the absolute best weekend! Thank you so much Danielle for having me to stay, amazing hospitality (even my own sign and slippers!!), fun, food, drinks.... everything! And to Danielle and Chris for travelling all around the course to support Sarah and I - it was absolutely brilliant to see you 3/3 times along the way!
Pre race prep report: Picked up my number from a very busy Expo on Saturday, and saw some lovely friends there. Then met up with the fabulous Danielle, and relaxed with sunny walks, delicious food, and watching Jurrassic Park III, which inspired us to do a "dinosaurs running" painting session.
Travel report: The journey to the start was nice and easy, and very quiet coming from the east direction! Hopped off the train at Blackheath and bumped into Paul, and then Pete, and then found Sarah and Chrissy by the baggage trucks at the Blue Start.
Top tip report: top and unusual tips collected this marathon include "don't get run over" (from my Dad) and "don't get pee'ed on (from a lady at the start - in reference to running under a bridge at the New York marathon, but I think also applies to everyday life). Every day is a school day!
Fancy dress report: no report could possibly do justice to the scale and variety of fancy dress on display at the London Marathon. But my favourites spotted included hero Chris the Rhino, a giant rainbow, an enormous chicken, Big Ben, an emu, a tray of test tubes, a zebra, a brain, two bones with blue hair.....
Favourite sign report: Danielle's masterpiece!!! (plus Doris and Cameron, the Highland cows).
Runner up signs - "All toenails go to heaven" and "Whine now, wine later", and a wind sock.
Route report: it is an iconic route, you cannot deny it! It was so, so busy the entire way, and I found it difficult to get into a rhythm with all the stopping and starting and getting jostled around.
Checkpoint report: I think there were 18 showers on the way round (as it was a hot day), and they were nice and cool. Plus the two fire stations on the route both had firmen outside hosing water! Plenty of water stations, which were all slightly treacherous, as all the runners veered over to one side, and lots of pushing and collisions ensued. I took a bottle each 2 or 3 stations, and carried it until I'd finished it, to reduce the number I used and also reduce the number of times I had to try to get one!
Finish report: I enjoyed very much the last mile, running down Birdcage Walk and past Buckingham Palace and onto the Mall. It was great to see Matt at the end - thank you for the Freddo - and Oggy and Sunny!
Post race report: Annual picnic in Horsegaurds parade, catching some sunshine with good friends (thank you for all the lovely snacks and drinks) = good times!
