Where to start? I'm sure by now you all the general gist of this race, in that it was very hot. So, there being not that much left to say, I'll keep it shortish. I was bloody terrified beforehand. Very jittery, all fedup, very nervous about my nerver-ending cold and the prospect of a long run in a heat which always floors me. But somehow I relaxed a little once I'd picked up my number at the expo on Saturday, and although I was on the verge of tears with nerves before the start on race day, once we'd got running - so during the second mile - I was loving it, wondering what I'd worried about. Despite the 10-minute first mile I was flying, and felt the 9-minute mile pacers were going to slowly, so I left them, and run happily on, especially relishing The Gossip on my I-Pod as we went over Tower Bridge. I was astounded at the crowds all the way along.... and so it continued, I saw my husband watching at Canary Wharf and I gawped at the big buildings, then mile 16, and I realised I was failing to cool down at all, despite drinking at every station, and felt a bit crappy, really. I'd done halfway, in 1:53, fine.... but at 18 miles the 4 hour pacers passed me and I realised I was incapable to running faster to catch them... I was desperate to get to the Fetch station, just for an excuse to stop, and didn't want to leave once there. Despite Greg's great encouragement, I was unconvinced I was doing OK at alll... so stumbled on, and even walked a bit at 23 (saw Gordon Ramsay at the water station, though, that was quite exciting) and then in that tunnel. Then after 24 I started to get cramp, and just before 25 it got so bad I fell onto my back, and actually spent 5 minutes lying screaming and crying in the middle of The Enbankment, with some nice policemen helping. This happened again with 600 bloody metres to go. But hey, these lie downs left me with bags of energy for the sprint finish past my mates at the end. No sub 4, but lots of happiness and pride! Well done to the rest of yer, too, and thanks to Fetch. Now off to read your reports. Jo. x
v warm