I didn't really enjoy this marathon, I haven't felt great for weeks, though I have been improving I was much fitter a month ago.
Green start was great, very relaxed and a bit of celebrity spotting. I was in Pen 4 of 8 and crossed the start line in 50 seconds - only to lose my chip as we exited the park and went back to find it among runners going past tying back on with fingers that wouldn't do as I wanted them to!
Got going again and really enjoyed the atmosphere of the first 12 miles, feeling ok and moving into shade wherever possible. I started to get a stitch as I approached Tower Bridge, walked it out and all seems to have gone downhill from there. Pace slowed as the heat began to take its toll and breathing started to become a bit ragged.
Great support from Fetchpoint at mile 13/22.
Mike passed me 15-16 miles and looked very strong, he was out of sight in no time. I stopped to walk at 16 miles and 24 miles to try and get breathing under control, and drinking water just made me feel sick. Didnt see my family who were screaming at me at 25 miles - just focusing on getting one foot in front of the other to reach the finish. Spirits lifted as I turned off the Embankment to Big Ben and was totally in awe of the last mile - running past Buckingham Palace and turning into the Mall was amazing - Got my medal but I felt so sick in my stomach that I just wanted to sit down and cry!
Kept moving though, conscious that I didn't want legs to seize up - met Ian C near baggage lorries and we had a pic taken together.
Not sure if I would do this one again - I didn't get the 'high' at finishing that I have had in the other 3 marathons I have done.
marathonfoto.com Stats:
Overall: 5696/35293 (16.1%)
34646 Finishers 647 DNF
Female: 899 /12257 (7.3%)
F45 - 49: 117 /1386 (8.4%)
BTW - my cousin finished in 2:52:24 on 561th place! Amazing
It felt a LOT hotter:-(
Well done, don't beat yourself up. I think London is hard because of all the people,and the crowds.I thought Dublin was you're first.Don't expect a pb every time.
The Green start is great I started their a couple of times.