Not exactly a newbie now but I still find a massive thrill running the capital in a skimpy Tarzan outfit. I honestly cannot describe the feeling when working the crowd and being rewarded with a collective, powerful, roaring cheer. It also helps to take away the constant thought of the pain of running and the distance remaining.
This was my 5th run and still I never know where I am, to me the race is about the crowd and not the sights. The forcast promised a very warm, humid day but fortunately it didn't seem to materialise that way. Still too warm for me but at least some occasional rain and semi-cooling wind. In anticipation I added a sachet of Dioralyte to my pre-race drink to attempt to stave off sweat induced cramp.
It was never going to be a PB attempt so my first few miles at 6.50 pace was considered a little fast. A slight adjustment added a few seconds per mile and all felt great. I found myself integrating with the crowd, plenty of hand slapping and waving. Hard work but rewarding. Still feeling good at halfway at about 1.32. With my target at quicker than 3.15 I was pretty happy at 13.1miles. I managed to keep an even pace and by about 20 miles I could feel my natural enthusiasm waining somewhat. My 'crowd smile' was becoming more and more forced but I tried ever harder to wave and thank the crowds. At about 22 I could feel my calfs twinging a little, not being a cramp sufferer I took a moment to play safe and dissolve another Dioralyte sachet into some water. Up and going again, 20 seconds worth of insurance! Re-inspired, I regained form and I found I was overtaking many other runners. Were they injured, cramping or had they hit the wall or perhaps I was going too quickly? I carried on regardless. Some DJ fella running amongst the runners thrust a microphone between us and muttered something about home straight. He guided the mic towards me for a response, without a great deal of ability to think I told him (and the other few hundred in the crowd) that I didn't consider 4 miles to go as the home straight. Humour is hard to come by at that stage!
The crowds increased and the finish line became closer, by now I'm running on 50% body fuel, 50% crowd fuel, it was really that significant.
Embankment is soooo loooong! I don't think there is a mile 24 marker so that 25 marker is a killer. Time to pull out the stops, dig deep, realise it's not far and keep up the pace. Despite the pain I knew I felt good and I'd finish OK. I was still pacing faster than most and that helps.
One foot in front of the other for another mile, that's all I need to do. We've all been there, so near yet so far but in the main we manage to do it. A final sprint to the line in order to secure a sub 3.10. Done.
I had to giggle when the photo is taken because they had to take 2 photos of me, one normal and one of my backside. That's where my number was!
This year was different, normally my post race walk to meet my family is agony, but now I felt good. Dioralyte, the magical marathon ingredient.
Well done to all other Harriers who ran and a special thanks to all who supported.
