Coast to Coast along the Wall of Hadrian: Weekend #2

A picture says a thousand words. I will convey this weekend through the medium of contemporary art.

That's enough. Let's use photos.

House for the weekend: The Secret Garden

Fuelled up on Friday night with lovely homemade lasagne made by my Mum, which she found time to do even though has been away all week looking after my Granny and Great Aunty. Quite amazing.

Saturday: from Harlow Hill to Housesteads Roman Fort, 21.3 miles
The weather was misty, so nothing to report until we found a tea room. It's the last weekend that it's open before winter, and if that's not a sign that you should stop and partake in some light refreshment, then I don't know what is.

During the tea break the mist cleared and we soon saw the first part of the proper Roman Wall, hurrah! 

Saw a lot of cows and sheep. Some of them quite confrontational. Also saw my parents after about 14 miles, who were not confrontational, but who were walking in the opposite direction (this is planned, they're not lost).

Hip is sore on and off. But lots of scenery to distract.

Getting quite hilly towards the end of the day. Happy to (finally) see Housteads Fort come into view

Although if think about the hills in the background we will have to do tomorrow, my face feels like this

No matter. Back to the house for beef goulash al la Mum, apple crumble, vino tinto and a tense game of cards. 

My Dad has fallen down a stile and now has his finger in a splint. Exercise seems to be dangerous.

Sunday: Housesteads Roman Fort to Roman Army Museum at Greenhead, 9.4 miles
Hip hurts and I have a hole in my shoe

But going to do it. Start

So so beautiful up on the wall! Worth sacrificing Sunday morning lie in, for sure.

 

 

 

Nice and hilly all the way. Proud moment of the day - some American tourists called us brave for running! Fed up of hip pain. Stupid hip. Looking like will have to replan next part and take an extra weekend to get to the end of the wall. Going to get there though! Oh well, suppose it just means an extra weekend away. Not such a bad thing then.

Thanks to all for fab weekend :-)

Thames Meander Marathon....just one of those days

This is a diary of one of those runs, where just everything goes wrong.......

Not 100% sure should be doing it. Hip been hurting (following falling over at this marathon in August). Had physio in week. Hurt even more. But given go ahead to try the race and see how it goes. So...

Traveled down from Newcastle on Friday night. Went to bed late and got up at 6.  Not hungry, so made small bowl of porridge. Realised used out of date milk, so started again. Began again by using the same out of date milk. Started again. Third time lucky.

Traveled by a train, a tube, and a train to the start. Unusually for a bad day, or any day for that matter, public transport went according to plan. Flat white coffee - rocket fuel might help the tiredness! 

Walked to start. Started to rain. Checked in. Rain stopped. Went outside and ate a banana. Don't like very hard non-bananary bananas, nor very soft too-bananary bananas. This one too non-bananary. Didn't eat it all. 

I chose the wrong queue for the loo and made it to the start with 2 minutes to spare. Bagpipes playing Chariots of Fire. Yeah! "I'll show you universe" I thought! Nothing can stop me! 

Started off running other way to the last time I did the race. Realised haven't checked course map. At least it's essentially a straight line, although in which direction the straight line goes is uncertain at this point. Felt good (i.e: nothing) for 2 miles, then the feeling in my hip returned, as usual, and stayed, alternating at random between not very much, and pretty downright painful for the next 24 miles. 

I was hungry (as usual) almost straight away. Therefore, logically, I didn't get any food at the first aid station, for no other reason I can explain except that I don't usually have anything at the first stop. Made it to the second aid station at about 8 miles and ate two jelly babies and grabbed a vanilla bean energy gel for the road.

Attempted to eat vanilla bean energy gel while running. There are many, all of them good, reasons why I hate gels, and all of them illustrated by the next few minutes, which in summary were spent battling to open the packet, gel explosion over face/ top/ both hands/ water bottle, small amount of gel left to actually eat, horrid taste, internal (mostly) swearing, and the realisation that after all that I had consumed approx 25 calories, which would get me through approx 1/4 of a mile. Arrived at next station with energy levels hovering somewhere just beneath the floor. Ate a brownie bite too fast, which made me feel sick.

I overtook a man. Less than one minute later he re-overtook me. OK, fine. We're about 11 miles in. In my head, I know, I should ignore what other people are doing and run my own race. Also, far too early to start doing fast bits. But seriously? He has now slowed down again, and I'm having to slow down to stay behind him. So, I decide to overtake again. THEN! One minute later he's back in front! And then slows down again! What is his point?! Two can play at this. This happens FIVE times! Before finally he must get bored.

Next few miles approaching Putney interesting. Boat race on today. Hundreds, no, thousands of people rowing, and their teams on the banks shouting and doing boaty stuff, which mostly seems to involve shouting and waving arms a lot. Got to Putney. Chaos. Rowers carrying boats from the boat houses to the river and back, people carrying oars over their shoulders and taking people out with them as they walk around, cars backing up with boats on the back, dogs, bikes..... And the race went slap bang right through the middle of it all. AND THEN, after the half way point had to turn straight round and come back through it again. A rowing team taking their boat out of the water looked right at me as I was about to nip across in front of them, and then continued to walk right in my path. Thanks guys, thanks a lot. Ran around the back of them and their boat, put my foot without thinking on the slippery slope down to the river and ended up on the floor. Again. This race is cursed. I suppose it's the other leg and I landed on my bum, so it was a soft landing at least. And a runner stopped to check I was OK, which was nice of him and cheered me up a bit. 

Felt very angry for a few miles. Not enjoying it. Dodgy hip hurts, now other leg hurts too. Both quads starting to cramp up. Feeling lightheaded from being hungry. Sat on sunglasses and getting headache from the sun. Have blisters. Know am slowing down. I had 3 aims today 1) not make hip worse 2) not fall over 3) run an OK time. Have failed in first two and the only one left to achieve is the last one, and if I can't do that might as well give up now. Get anxious when I think of times and targets when running races, and feel breathless/ tight chest when get stressed about things. 

I spent the second half mostly in this state. At least running by self mostly so no one else has to experience my most negative aspects. Constantly checking my watch for times, pace, distance left. 13 miles is a looooong way when checking every 0.01 miles.....

Eventually a man wearing a medal who had already finished called out there was only 150 m to the end. Then I heard the bagpipes. Then I saw Andrew. Taking photos. Seriously?! In this state? NO ONE is seeing this! Got overtaken in the last few minutes which completely demoralised me, as that's usually what I like to do to other people. What goes around comes around I guess.

Stumbled over finish line in a pile of blood sweat and tears. All parts of body hurt. Which I suppose confirms that nothing has fallen off during the course of the race, which is something.

Andrew sends to have sports massage. Not open to considering this at this point, but too weak to protest. It hurts, but then everything hurts, so what's a bit more. The physio said I had a very high pain threshold, which I'm quite proud of.  

Tried to have shower. Unisex showers. Hmmm. Tentatively open door. Fortunately no naked men around. Fashion bikini out of sports underwear in case said men should enter. All going well until water stops while hair conditioning and body is shower gelled. 

I think it will be best to give up for today right here. 

Let's look for positives. I finished in 3:50:15 which is less than 2 minutes slower than the August run, when I had a good run (apart from the falling over part), and on reflection, I think shows a greater mental achievement. I finished 17th in the ladies - exactly the same position as August. It was my 21st marathon. Andrew did his first half marathon since his injury in 1:55 and is back running! So not all bad :-)

I will end by passing on the wisdom that I have learnt (in theory, although clearly not in practice) from doing 21 marathons: rest well, eat properly beforehand, eat what you know works during, run your own race, enjoy the fact that you are out there doing it, don't obsess about times, make sure you have all the right kit with you, get new trainers before blisters encourage you to do this, try to stay upright. 

And my hair was well conditioned by the time I got home. 

Start at the start.....

I few days ago, I became anxious that I had become something of an ex-blogger. Weeks had passed with no update, despite some notable running moments, good and bad:
1) Another part of the 100 mile recce done
2) My 21st marathon
3) A hip injury. My first experience of sports massage. And a foam roller. All grouped together in my head as one big painful memory. Which isn't even a memory yet. But I am clinging to the hope that one day that's all it will be.

Due to the last point, I've been slightly out of action running wise since point 2, which on reflection perhaps wasn't a good idea to do, given point 3. As an openly admitted running addict, I also don't mind admitting that I have been feeling pretty low these last couple of weeks because I can't run much at all. And, I had no idea how emotionally exhausting training to be a dietitian was going to be either. Also also, it's November, so the annual winter SAD has rocked up again uninvited. Therefore, in conclusion, I am feeling emotionally fragile, lacking writing inspiration, and in actual time to find it. And I've run out of biscuits.

Don't panic. This outpouring of emotion is controlled, and there is a reason for it! Yesterday I became a godmother! To my dear friends Caroline and Malcolm's daughter Josie. At the christening I was catching up with Malcolm who mentioned my blog. I said I didn't know how to start writing again, and he said, so what - just write a sentence of explanation, and then carry on with it. 

Therefore, although slightly longer than the advised sentence, the above is my attempt at explaining.

So, I will start where I left off. At the last 100 mile recce, from Bolton-by-Bowland to Tosside to Slaidburn. 

A thoroughly cracking idea. Except, it was now over two weeks ago, and I can't remember it. All looking promising for the race then.

OK, let's try to get it together....at least I took some pictures to jog my memory.

It seems sensible to assume that we started where we left off last time. At the public toilet block in Bolton-by-Bowland. The glamour. If I will say one thing about this run, there are an unusual amount of toilets given that it's all around the back end of beyond Lancashire's countryside. 

Then it was....ahem.....ummm......errmm....through some fields, over some stiles...errrr.....across a stream....up a hill? No, don't worry, I've found the instructions! And it's all come back! 

If there's one thing I've learnt from the four stages we've recce'ed, it's this - if in doubt, look for Pendle Hill. If you can't see it, anywhere, you're lost.

Highlight alert! Both of my parents tried jogging during this walk! My Dad has been muttering about this for some time. The only obstacle that now seems to be between him and a run is a suitable pair of running shorts. I am unsure if this is a genuine fashion concern, or an excuse. There is one way to find out. Guess what will be in your Christmas stocking! Lack of proper attire aside, they both did really well! Certainly better at running in hiking boots than me. Like running with rocks tied to both ankles. 

Lunch stop at Tosside, which is where a real life checkpoint will be. There is also a pub, should all go wrong. 

Right on the Yorkshire border. Dangerous lands!  

Sweet - Lancashire's so welcoming. Interpretation of sign: "Come in, come in! It's so nice you're visiting! But you can stop with all your dangerous driving and thieving now you're here. Or you can turn right back round and go back to Yorkshire (North). As you will see from their sign, they have no such objections there." 

Careful to give the impression of being law abiding, and walking on the correct side of the road, we headed back into Lancashire. 

The next stage of the route goes from Tosside to Slaidburn, through Gisburn Forest, which was the best part so far! Was a bit worried about this stage, as the paths in the forest aren't well marked on the map, and let's face it, even if they were, it would still be a struggle. But the instructions and the ground matched up perfectly and there were lots of pointers (that I have now remembered) to use to keep to track. My favourite instruction: "Cyclists abound in these parts and they may emerge on to your path from all sorts of odd angles. Beware." 

Having bewared of cyclists we navigated through the forest to Stokes Reservoir.

The weather finally perked up, and came out all sunny for the last part over the reservoir, past Dalehead Church, and then through some fields alongside the reservoir, back to Slaidburn.

Cream tea time, obviously.

And a nice poem to bear in mind during the night time section of the route. Which looks like it might be over Pendle Hill.

 Oooh err.

I have checked the event website and so far there are 417 people on the pre-registration list and still 2 weeks to go before entries close, so looks like it might not be definite will get a place on it anyway. Sad times.

But at least won't be chased by the devil's dog at daybreak, which is a plus I suppose, although would be guaranteed a PB, in that situation.

Anyway, back to the foam roller. Won't be running anywhere, even if chased by the devil's dog, unless can get this hip sorted. 

Oww. 

Coast to Coast along the Wall of Hadrian: Weekend #1

I have found myself in the North East for a few months. Just down the road is where Emperor Hadrian decided to begin building his Wall (or rather, where he instructed lots of other people to start building his wall, at the imaginably named 'Wallsend') which stretches all the way across to the other side of the country. There is a path to follow. Opportunities like this should not be passed by.

In order to complete a coast to coast crossing of the country, we decided to start 7 miles further east, at the beach at Tynemouth. An opportunity for a mini break should also never be passed by, and although Tynemouth is a mere 2.5 miles for my glamorous hospital accommodation, a B&B sounded a more desirable option for Friday night digs. Tapas, pink fizzy wine (which always reminds me of my Auntie Earrinks*, who I credit with getting me started on multiple marathons/ ultras) and a good view are always a good set-up to a weekend (B&B: No 61 Guesthouse, and restaurant: Lui's = recommend!):

I awoke in the night to stormy sounding weather. My mood darkened darker than the night. When dawn broke, it was raining. At the same time a dilemma was encountered: would a big B&B breakfast interfere with running? After a careful, although swift, deliberation, scrambled eggs and smoked salmon won. Then it was off, and in a rare, but appreciated, reversal of Sod's Law, the rain stopped just as we stepped out the door: 

Preparations for The Start began. The North Sea was touched:

The start line drawn:

And it was off:

No wait, no, stop! Running, not swimming! But check out the man on the left HE IS IN THE SEA! The NORTH SEA IN OCTOBER in only a SMALL PAIR OF PANTS!!!!

Set off quickly, then slowed, as we wet up the cliff. Ran for a couple of miles, from Tynemouth, past the castle and pier, and then down the River Tyne along past the promenade and the Fish Quay (fishy) and to the Shields Ferry, where we made a quick detour to South Shields and back, because why not?

Back on the right side of the river, we carried on. It was quite easy to work out where to go, even though the Hadrian's Wall walking path hasn't started yet, if you cycle it, apparently you have to go further, as there is a cycle path out this way. Clearly marked. Can't take credit for not getting lost!

Interesting running along this part of the route - such big contrasts between areas which are very deprived, and other parts where a lot of investment has taken place. Soon enough we made it to Wallsend and the Segedunum, where Rome's Great Frontier begins, with some interesting 60s-esque architecture:

And some reassuringly Roman looking bits:

 

Apart from this sign, which says this is the eastern end of the Hadrian's Trail, there isn't much fanfare. So we had demure snack of half a scone by a derelict warehouse, and continued on the way.

Soon though we made it to Newcastle! And some more exciting looking signage!

 

The next part along the river was FULL of fishermen, starting shortly after a signpost that said "do not enter the water, it is polluted by the local tar-works". Fish and chips anyone? Soon made it to the city center - quite a sight coming around the curve of the river to see all of the bridges come into view:

Then it was past the city and through a few miles of business park, which wasn't that exciting to be honest, but for distraction I read a lot of information signs, and it turns out that pretty much tonnes of important people in the engineering/ naval world came from Newcastle - George Stephenson, Robert Stephenson, Lord Armstrong, Lord Collingwood. And Byker Grove was from here.

Things started to get a bit more countrified after that. Although, there was a LOT of dog poo. Cleaning up after your dog is not fashionable here.  On the plus side I suppose, there were some very cute dogs. And some which clearly had ASBOs stamped all over them. Bet it was their poo everywhere. 

Anyway. We had run out of water, despite running through a city. Survival in the wilderness would be brief for us. Happily, we happened upon a Sri Lankan restaurant, which despite not selling lemonade in bottles, or in glasses, eventually turned out to sell it in cans. Hurrah, we will survive! Three boys rocked up and had a similar conversation. Turned out they were walking the wall too! To raise money for Buddhist monks in China. Bamboozled as to how they were going to get along the whole wall as they only had one small rucksack, which looked suspiciously empty, and apparently no money, between them. 

After a couple more miles we reached a rowing club on the river, and all of a sudden, we were in the countryside:

 

And just one more hop, skip and a jump to the stop-over for the night - a BREWERY!!!!

After 19.35 miles on the road, beer was called for:

I do not like beer. But I like the Big Lamp Brewers Prince Bishop Ale! http://biglampbrewers.co.uk/ 

Cake followed (there had been a lack of it all day):

The next day was a shorter run, I estimated about 8.5 miles, which turned out to be 10.5, but hey, what's a couple of miles in the grand scheme of things. The route got much prettier. There was only one navigational mishap. And after that things pretty much carried on in a straight line so it was quite easy, although already much hillier! The weather was kind again (bit concerned, like it's saving all the bad stuff up for some thing REALLY bad for the next weekends), only a few drops of rain, which could have been much worse, given that a hurricane is forecast after all.

Lack of wall today. Only some signs where it used to be. Looking forward to seeing some proper wall next time! Got excited when thought saw a sign for a vindaloo in the middle of a field, but closer reading showed this was a defense device, not a spice! 

We made it to Harrow Hill, and from there turned south off the wall path and a couple of miles to Horsley, Sunday lunch at the Lion and Lamb pub, and then the bus back to Newcastle. Almost 30 miles of the route done. Top weekend! Back in a few weeks for the next bit......


*for those not familiar: Auntie Earrinks is an unusual name, it's true. She was my Auntie who passed away a couple of years ago, and who was the reason that I decided to do '13 in 2013' in memory of, and to raise money for charities she supported. She was a crazy lady, and had crazy earrings to match (think neon parrots kind of thing). Apparently, when I was very small I wasn't able to pronounce 'earrings' properly, and I used to shouts 'earrinks!' whenever I saw her, and it stuck!

Recce #1: Mist Over Pendle

Right. 

After being inducted into ultra marathons this year, and still having full use of all body parts, I have decided now is the time to entertain the idea of a 100 mile race.

I am going to enter the Red Rose 100, an event next May that is organised by the LDWA (long Distance Walkers Association). It starts and finishes in Rivington which is near my home, and goes around and about the area for, well, 100 miles I suppose. There is no guarantee that I'll get a place on it, it's a bit like the London Marathon, you throw your name into a hat, and hopefully someone pulls it out. 

So, in the absence of the option of bribing someone in authority to give me a place, I am pinning my hopes on influencing Fate, so I am hoping really really really hard, so hard that it hurts, that I get a place, and am demonstrating to Fate my commitment to the idea by practicing on the course already. 

So, this Saturday I went on a recconaisance of 3 of the stages with my Mum and Dad, who have been really kind and totally taken the idea on board, sacrificing a leisurely Saturday morning, and printing out instructions, packing picnics and organising complicated transport details so that we don't walk 17 miles in one direction and then realize we don't have a car/ the right keys for the right car/ any keys/ other misfortunes. 

We started at Spring Woods Picnic Site in Whalley, and began the first mile uphill through a golf course through the early morning dew and flying golf balls. The next couple of miles I successfully navigated, aided greatly by them being in a straight line, then we headed up onto the Nick of Pendle, where the first navigational mishap befell us. As a poor workman blames his tools, I will blame my instructions, which mysteriously stated there were several paths all going in the same direction, so take whichever you like the look of, and then after the second pile of stones on your right, take the path on the right. Piece of cake. Thus instructed, we contentedly trekked on our way in search of stones. On and on, and on a bit more, until we did find some stones and turned right down a path. But no! These stones had been on our left! And we were now heading way off route! Sigh. To cut a long detour short, using my Dad's GPS and some resourcefulness we found the proper path, took it, and stopped for cake at the 2 hour point, and all was well with the world again.

 

Revived by fruit cake we started the next bit, which said 'head across the moor'. In the absence of any further help, such as a direction, I followed a runner, who has waved at us and looked like he knew where he was going. He did, and we were headed the right way. Ah ha - always trust a runner!

Rather bizarrely, we then ran into a big group of walkers who my parents started shouting 'Hello! Fancy seeing you here!' at. Honestly, in the middle of a field in the middle of nowhere they still know everyone. It was actually a group of LDWA people, so I suppose given that, it wasn't all that surprising they should all know each other given they are in their natural habitat, but still.

Then it was on, downhill (hurrah!) to Newchurch in Pendle, where the famous Witches Galore Shop is to be found. For those of you not au fait in the tale of Pendle and it's witches, think back to 1612, and look at this: http://www.visitlancashire.com/inspire-me/pendle-witches/the-story-of-the-lancashire-witches

All this discussion of witchcraft, and having made it to the end of the first stage of instructions signaled lunch time, and we pitched up at a handy bench in Barley for sandwiches and crisps. The LDWA group reappeared and shouted some witty banter at us on seeing us sat down and having refreshment. I always had an idea that walkers were a polite and well mannered bunch. Apparently not. 

Roused by this interruption to a pleasant lunch, we hit the road for stage 2 of the walk. Then it was up onto Pendle Hill for the second time, but this time all the way to the top. Perhaps there is something about the place - it's true that whenever my Mum and I go up Pendle Hill it it is always awful weather! Sure enough, after a sunny morning, as we arrive at the bottom of the hill, the mist rolls in and it starts to rain....

 

And then it's back down the other side, and immediately it stops raining. Just as well because the view coming down is cracking! Still not sure what the view from the top is actually like, but this is what it looks like from the bottom in the sunshine.

 

Conversation turned to tea and scones, and if we would be back at the car in time to make it to the village tea room next to the car park. There were some doubters among us. The mood dipped. We walked a little further. Into my Mum's mind sprang a memory of a tea room in Downham; the end of this stage of the walk. The mood lifted. A field or two was even jogged! And we were rewarded by tea, a scone and the confidently claimed 'best apple pie in the world'.

Now everything seemed mighty fine, as we started the last stage, which looked the easiest - short and flat. Shortly after leaving Downham, we crossed a field that was home to hundreds of cows, who all abandoned their grass chewing, and headed straight for us, at a relaxed, yet sinister, pace. Each time we turned to look behind, they would be another few meters closer.... eyes still fixed on us in a beady stare. Like they were under a spell. How disconcerting. The instructions stated to 'head for the gate in the fence 200 yards away.' It was unclear if we would make it. At the gate we all tried to be polite and let the others through first, while hopping up and down and glancing nervously at advancing cows and resisting the urge to panic and scream and flatten each other in our eagerness to jump over the fence. We made it to the other side. As to the cows, I couldn't say, I paid them not another thought once I was through that gate. I hope they've gone by next time. 

Then it was up and down another hill and here we were - Sawley Abbey no less, where Katie and Seb got married less than 2 months ago!

Then it was over the River Ribble and the last couple of miles were lovely, and easy and flat along the fields by the side of the river. We made it back to the car park, and picked up a brew from the village shop and finished up the chocolate brownies. 17 miles in 7 and a bit hours. Champion!

Poppies

Yesterday I went for a last run in London before I have to migrate north for the winter today (yes, that is the wrong way).

It was very warm and very sunny, and I will miss it tons and more. But I will not dwell on this point, as the summer has been the best. In the wise words of Dr Suess, who I consult in moments such as these "Do not cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." And so, let us smile from ear to ear, and remember "Today was good. Today was Fun. Tomorrow is another one". 

My watch, I think anticipating the colder weather, has given up with the whole idea of working. And so, as with many things, if you want it doing properly, you might as well do it yourself, so I have returned to measuring my runs by hand (/computer).

I ran down to the River Thames, which I have enjoyed running alongside a lot recently, and over London Bridge to the south side, and then east to Tower Bridge, to return to the north side and back home. Imagine my surprise on seeing this!

The bridge! It's open! I am stuck in the south! How do I return to the other side!!! Filled with doubt, I grasped the break in proceedings to rest against the wall and take some snaps and gather my thoughts. 

The moment passed (as all tight spots do) along with the ship, and the bridge lowered, creating an opportunity to visit The Tower of London on the other side. There is an installation there at the moment, called "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red". From 5th August to 11th November this year the artist /designers Paul Cummins and Tom Piper are installing 888,246 red ceramic poppies (one for each British military fatality in the First World War) around the moat of the Tower to commemorate the 100th anniversary year. The last one will be planted on the 11th November. So I supposed it's about a third of it's way to being completed. Already it is jerking to see visually how many there are already. 

A beautiful and haunting sight at the same time.

They are going to sell the poppies afterwards, to raise millions of pounds for six service charities: http://poppies.hrp.org.uk/about-the-installation

First proper injury! - at the Thames Meander Marathon 2014 ....

...more on that later....

Since the Lyke Wake 40 miles 6 weeks ago in July, I have been struggling a bit with things - feeling like there was way too much going on and going by so fast, everything was getting on top of me, and I hadn't managed to fit in any long runs. Done plenty of short runs, but to be honest I hadn't really been trying that hard with them, was just doing them as a way to help me feel in control of other things, which I find running always helps with. The longest run I have done since the Lyke Wake was 12.5 miles while on holiday in Devon, which included a cream tea break half way round (a training approach which I recommend highly).

So, going in to this marathon I wasn't expecting much of myself. But, hey, I love this marathon, so who cares, it'll be a nice day anyway.

I did this marathon last year as part of 13 in 2013 and it was one of my favourites! Love running along the south of the Thames, sounds silly but I always feel at ease there and at one with the world, and I couldn't wait to get back there. The start this year was different to last year, and wasn't so great I didn't think, more busy and as the route went straight out onto the Thames Path which is quite narrow, everyone seemed quite on top of each other for the first few miles. Today was my 22nd marathon, but I still struggle in the first few miles to get into my own pace especially with lots of other people around me doing their own thing, and I always go off to fast. Can't help it! See other people running and want to run as fast as them!

Anyway, after a few miles it settled down and I felt comfortable in my own pace. The route goes straight from Kingston to Richmond and along the Thames Path to Putney Bridge, then back to Kingston and along a bit more for an extra loop at the end. There is a half marathon that starts at the same time, and this goes half way to Putney and then back, so after this point it's a little bit strange as suddenly a lot of people disappear  (including several I was trying to keep pace with, which serves me right for trying to keep up with others who I don't know anything about!). Lots of water stops with nice snacks - coconut flapjack squares a highlight (more sugary than a pure sugar cube)!

Everything was going well until 19 miles, when I tripped over a rock and headed superman style straight into the ground covered in grit and soil. I wanted nothing more than to burst into tears, but restrained - too many people to see, too embarrassing. The man who was running just behind me was really kind, and stopped to help me up and made sure I was alright. Didn't really feel it, mud and blood everywhere! But no reason to stop - everything was really stingy and my hips and foot felt a bit funny but didn't feel like I had hurt anything inside. Got some funny looks in the last few miles- one side covered in dirt and cuts and ripped leggings! A few miles before I fell, a lady a bit ahead of me had done the same and eventually I caught her up and asked if she was OK and said I had just done it too. She told me she had broken 3 bones from falling over when running! And also that she had only started running 4 years ago when she was 58, and since then had done 60-odd marathons! Wow. I want to be like her.

Weird, but falling actually made me feel better, firstly I wanted just to finish as everything was hurting and I wanted  to get it over with which was a good incentive, and also having a real pain distracted me from the less-bad aches that always start after a couple of hours running.

Running past the start to do the extra couple of miles loop at the end was pretty good actually, I hadn't been looking forward to seeing the end so close, and then having to go off and do 2 more miles! But there were loads of people watching and cheering, and as it was a loop you could see the runners a bit ahead of you coming back the other way, and everyone was smiling and encouraging each other as we passed each other, and I high-fived a couple of the runners I had been talking to earlier in the race! So that was a moral booster. Had a bit of a sprint finish at the end with a bloke who I had overtaken and was just behind me, then he came back and overtook, but I held on for the last 50 meters, and everyone was shouting at us! He just beat me (but only a tiny bit), but it felt wicked to be able to sprint (relatively) at the end!

Went to the St John's Ambulance tent at the end as was worried about my cuts which had a load of mud and grit in them and looked a bit nasty. The man was great, it's such a nice thing these guys do, giving up their time to make sure everyone is looked after at so many different events, and they are so cheerful! He cleaned them all up and put a dressing on my knee which was the worst cut, and I got an accident report, which I guess makes this my first proper running accident. Official.

Stats: finish time 3:48:39, 17/104 in women and 91/326 overall.

The end was quite eventful. The runners were only allowed to use the showers round the back of the leisure center, but there was only one shower room, which was full of naked men. After a mostly peaceful protest, the leisure center let some of us girls use the proper showers inside, but warned us there was only cold water. Which turned out to be no water. I had a minor (major) panic. I had to meet Andrew and Norma for lunch at Jamie Oliver's Italian in Kingston in an hour, and currently was covered in dirt, sweat and the odd tear. But one of the other runners saved the day and had some baby wipes with her and was kind to give me some too, so ended up having a festival-style-baby-wipe shower, which did a good enough job.

Re-fuelled with spaghetti carbonara and ice cream.

Today's recovery plan: biscuits.