It's all over! or is it?!

It's Monday 26th April 2010. My legs ache, my right knee is sending constant shooting pains up to my lower back, I am grabbing onto anything within reach every time I need to stand, and thank goodness my flat has a lift!!! I'm also ecstatic! Yesterday I completed the 30th London Marathon! I did say completed! This is important, as there was quite a few periods during the run when I was uncertain of the end.

I got up at 615 yesterday morning, slowly and methodically got ready, ate my porridge and fruit (normally delicious, I felt like it was food being shoved down before an interview), and grabbed my kit bag. There was a quick stop for an encouraging hug from my cousin - definitely needed - before I headed off for the bus start the trek to the start line.

I met the other Rainforest Foundation charity runners at our official photographer's house for last minute reassurance from the charity organiser's and the other runners. I had met a few of the other runners at premarathon events, but it was great for us all to be together the morning of the big day. We were all smiles and appeared relaxed together. They were like instant friends. We all had different aims, but I think we were all equally nervous about heading into the unknown. I don't think we were even aware of what we were about to do. I wasn't.

I have been training properly since last August. I've gradually increased my weekend distances as suggested, and have been consistant with my midweek runs. I even cross trained, which is recommended. About 2 months ago I injured my knee, and had to take a little time off to heal... this hit me hard as it happened during the peak of my training. It was frustrating after all that training to find that I'd been held back. I took it easy, but then when I ran again my knee was aggravated, so I decided the best thing to do was to switch to swimming and not run much at all until the big day. So I haven't had any real niggles in my knee for a while and being super optimistic I assumed all was well. I hadn't really thought about what I would do if my knee went on the day, I was more concerned about hitting the wall.

Of course the weather forecasted a blazer, and therefore we were hit by torrential rains for about 15 minutes as we were checked out kits bags, peed for the final time, and headed to the start line. There were masses of people huddling under the few trees around, the face paint from the eccentric costumed runners was streaming down their faces, but everyone remained in high spirits. On the whole, rain would've been a lot better than the scorcher expected. The storm passed, and by the time the buzzer started we were dry again, if a little cooler.

Actually I seemed to miss the buzzer. I was in pen 5 (with the aim of finishing in 3.45), and the 'masses', as they keep referring to us normal runner, started moving forward. I followed and the next thing I knew I was running and we'd crossed the startline. What?! I tried to smile for the cameras and wave and listen to the commentary... it's all a blur now... I think Boris Johnson was there... possibly... :S

The pace was nice and slow, perfect, just as I'd planned. We started to meet the crowds immediately, they were lined along the road cheering us on. There were lots of children holding out their hands for high fives. Runners around me were chatting, and it was generally a cheerful, easygoing atmosphere. We ran past houses and pubs that had been fully decorated in theme to show support. I remember one pub that had been made up like a ship, full of pirated cheering staff. There were big bands, djs, little quartets, random squarks, all sorts to keep our ears busy. I felt fine for the first 6 miles I think. Then suddenly I felt the knee twinge. I was still doing slow 9 minute miles, so I don't think it would've helped to slow down... and I didn't. It was from there onwards that the pain gradually got worse, starting in my knee, and gradually working up my thigh. I knew I had 'fans', waiting to cheer me on around mile 14 and I wanted to be running then. I think around mile 12 it started to get quite painful, but there were too many other things to think about, and to preoccupy me. As I ran over Tower Bridge at around mile 13 I looked around and took it all in. It was such a view and such a symbolic marathon landmark. Apparently I reached the halfway mark at about 2hrs2min, so I had been running fairly well until that point. From then on I was looking around to see my friends in the crowds... but talk about needle in a haystack, there were so many people and the roar of cheers so was immense, it was impossible. I did see one friend, but only realised after I had passed, and I didn't stop. The Rainforest Foundation had a cheering group around 17 miles. At that point my knee was truly hurting, and I had to walk/run quite a lot. Luckily I was plodding along in semi-run when I suddenly heard cheers for me. Energy came from nowhere, I ran up to them, waving, and cheering, yelled "I'm dying!!!!" and continued. It made me smile, and then laugh... after being so exhausted I had no idea where that burst had come from. The same thing happened around mile 19... somewhere in Canary Wharf... when I suddenly heard "go, Aksinia!" from voices that I recognised... I turned and like an eagle found my friends. I had been walking, but went careening towards them, gave them massive hugs (I think I bonked a few other spectators out of the way to get to them), and went on my way again. Each time I was personally cheered I suddenly had energy to try a little bit harder. Somewhere around there I also came to the realisation that all the people walking (including me) weren't just in need of a rest, I think we were all in pain. It wasn't physically possible to keep on running. It would take a lot of energy to start running again; I focussed, slowed down, and then changed my stride. I don't know that it made me much faster. Actually energy is not the right word, as I wasn't particularly tired. I felt hydrated, energized, but in pain. I couldn't fight the knee pain. I felt it getting weaker, and more like I was dragging my leg along, I almost tripped a few times, and thought it might completely give way a couple times. I had to stop to get the pain to subside, before trudging on again. I missed the last few mile markers, but from the 24 mile mark I had started running, nothing was going to stop me, I knew I was going to finish. I limp/ran from there to the end. Every marker I came to I expected to be closer to the end, but instead was hit by how little ground I'd covered! It really was the longest mile. I think the crowds could see our pain, but between their cheers, and other runners support I made it down to Buckingham Palace and turned the corner to head to the finish line. There was no sprint finish. Not by me, not by anyone around. I had to hold back the flood of tears! I got my medal and met the charity again for lots of hugs, cheers, and champagne!

I wish that I hadn't injured my knee, and had been able to do the marathon in full health. It was a bit defeating. But then there were so many things that made me smile, and cry (generally from happiness) on the run. Runners were so supportive of eachother even when they were suffering from their on fair share of pain. People were running for important charities, in memory of loved ones, just for their own personal goals. Most of the people I ran with had raised at least as much money as I had. I was overwhelmed a number of times by realisation of being part of the London Marathon. I completed 26.2 miles. It's not just double a half marathon. It might have taken me just over 5 hours (just under if you take away the toilet break), but I completed it, and I have a medal to prove it! I will one day do another one... but first I'm going to give my knee some TLC.

Well done to everyone who took part in the London Marathon! Congrats!

What?! Only four days to go?!!!!!

I can't believe that the marathon is almost here. Almost all the training is over, and we're counting down through carb-loading meals, drinking lots (water my dears), and hopefully lots of sleep (the hardest one to control I think). I'm going to the expo tomorrow which is really exciting. I'm so happy that despite a knee injury I am at the point where I am quite confident that I will at least complete the marathon. I heard this morning that there are quite a few people who will be unable to do the marathon due to the flight chaos! Can you believe it? After all the training, it's not an injury, or dehydration that takes you down, but the bloody transport!? I would be so upset. I think even if they were able to get their flights today, jetlag would still affect them for too long for them to do as well as expected. This is the hardest thing to face with marathon I think. You can train all you want, and take the best care of yourself and your diet, but at the end of your year of training ( or couple months if that's all it's been) you don't know what might try to get in the way. Bring on that wall, if you make it to the start line I'm sure you can get through the rest. Sorry to all those who won't be able to make it this year - I can't imagine the anguish!

Another swim tomorrow :) And off to the expo! Woooo! xx

another generous donation!

As the big day closes in I am facing a mixture of feelings. I am excited and positive one minute, followed by anxious (failure, injury, not being able to finish, pee questions!), followed by fear that I might end up crying (it's overwhelming that I'm taking part in such a massive event, physically running the 26.2 miles, but also to be one of many who are raising lots of money for charity). I cried once while running, and then proceeded to start having the first asthma attack of my life. So it won't help. I think I will be overwhelmed and will want to hug lots of people. It has taken a lot of time and effort to train, and it will be such an accomplishment to finish. I am aiming for 3hours 45 minutes, but I have realised that I will be just as overjoyed at the end if I take 5 hours. Whoever finishes with me will need to be prepared for an attack of hugs and tears.

I received a large donation today from a great friend. Don't worry I am not judging the strength of my friendships based on who donates what! It took me solidly over the 1000 pounds mark. It's a good place to be. I plan on hosting another event after the marathon to raise the rest of the money. So that's why I was also very happy when I received a random email today from someone who manages two bars in London. She was wondering if I would like to organise another Great London Switch at one of her bars! Now I have not started to plan at all. I have not been looking for a venue. She found out about my event, and 'headhunted' (hehe... okay maybe that's overdoing it) me! Anyway it was such a boost to hear that someone thought my event was cool and wants me to repeat it. So we will see... will have to start planning again! :)

Alright. Off for a swim tomorrow. :)

Ciao! xx

last run???

Today walking hurt. My knee niggled all day... nothing too irritating. It didn't stop me walking or make me hobble on the stairs. But it was a constant dull ache. I had plans to go visit a friend this evening, but she got called into work, so instead I decided it was time for my final run. Well i didn't know it was my final run until it was over. I planned my 5 miler and set out with my trusty oyster card - just in case I hit any hurdles (ha... that would've been a funny obstacle to come across!). I ran fast. Suprisingly fast actually. It felt great aswell. Again the dull ache was there in my knee, but at about 2 miles it suddenly disappeared. I almost whooped for joy... that would've been the best result (Headline: Running cures knee problems!). Too bad, about 10 minutes later it was back again - short lived jubilation. I ran fast, I ran up hills, I ran down hills, I even ran on bloody cobbled pavements (my nemesis!!!!). Got home feeling pretty bloody good :)

It is now 10 days until D-Day. I think I've finished on a high note. Training will now consist of a hell of a lot of swimming... but no more impact sports! I think I can handle 10 days of swimming - any more than that and I would DIE of boredom! And 10 days of carbo-loading (tho I am also trying not to eat my usual intake of cadbury cream eggs - the seven I put away the other day are only making my blood run a bit thicker, but there are still five sitting on the top cupboard shelf shining their little foily wrappers at me, little teasers).

I think I'm ready. Deep breath. Lamas again.

less than 2 weeks to go!

I think I might cry! I think the gun will fire to start the race and I'll be so overwhelmed that I will cry! And then i won't be able to breathe so I won't be able to run! Then I will have to calm myself down so that I can actually start running!

So between crying (which is a definite!) and not being sure if my knee will hold out for the whole race, I am a tad nervous. Practise the deep breathing... take me to lamas??? you know the having a baby breathing exercise classes.

So I ran about 3 miles yesterday very quickly and my knee didn't hurt. WOO! Today I cycled to and from work, and went for a speedy swim. Will try to run about 5 miles tomorrow, but no more than that! YAH! It's exciting, and scary~!!!! Will have to get into a trance like state and just run... ignore the pain, just run!

Ciao! xx

Back from the holiday... back to the chase!

No need to worry... even though I was on holiday I did keep up the training. Not quite as much as intensly as before the hols, but enough to be happy with.

Today signals the start of my last two weeks of training before this 26.2 miler that I've been training so hard for begins. It's terrifying, and exhilarating! I've had nightmares about race day, and I've been struggling with a knee injury, but I have trained well and should be able to finish it in decent time. I want to finish in what ever way possible, and then if I crash and need to be taken from the finish line in a stretcher then I'll accept that! :P

I'm lucky to have another week and a half off work from now. So my plan is to run very short distances every day from now. And then go swimming every afternoon. I think it's a good training plan considering I don't want to make my knee any worse before the 25th.

Also I need to pick up the fundraising again. I'm a little over halfway there, but that leaves me with about 800 pounds to raise in 2 weeks!! Arck! I have to thank all those who have supported me so far... whether it's been by coming out to the Great Shoreditch Switch or by donating straight out... it's been great to have that support. I was intimidated by the large amount that I was supposed to raise, and I'm pretty sure that I can complete it. I will be planning another fundraiser after the Marathon is over to bring up the total :) I want to focus on the training for the next couple weeks tho.

Alright off for a run! Ciao! xx

Okay so I haven't actually run since Sunday....

.... but lots of walking instead. And my knee is still bothering me. I'm trying to take the meds 3 times a day, and not push my knee too much.

I'm at the computer in my Palermo hostel not particularly because I have much to write about running, but because I'm trying to avoid the crazy man in my room who speaks no English and keeps talking to me in Italian. I was happy to practise at first, but when he kept me up until 2am last night chatting away (and me repeatedly telling him "sono stanco!!!") I am sick of him!!! I had to get up at 650 this morning and was not in the mood to deal with his chatting. Finally I had to just ignore his questions. Anyway I did have a great day... it was a little trip out to Agrigento, a fairly normal Italian city loaded with mafia, but set besides a massive amount of roman temple ruins. It was amazing to see. I took lots of pics and hope that they will demonstrate some of the immenseness. Ended up coming back fairly early to find my 'pal' in the room still.... bloody hell get a life and go outside!!!!

Alright hostel life prevails... there is a queue for the internet building behind me! Ciao for now!

xx

17 miles followed by a slightt hiatus :)

I have now run 17 miles twice! I think it's a solid start and I think although it's not over 20 distance that I wouldve like to achieve in training, it is enough for me to be confident that I will complete the 26er. Unfortunately I pulled my knee again while running, but I think I felt the pain at around 3 miles and was able to continue for another 14 before my body said 'that's enough!'. Also it shows that when running those distances you have to prepare properly. I wasn't sure until about 30 minutes prior to going out that I was actually going to be joining 'the men' (the 3 men at work who are also running the marathon). Finally they said, somewhat chiavanistically, that I was allowed to go with them, as long as I didn't slow them down.... so having not drunk enough water in the morning, and having only eaten a bowl of porridge I left with them (lunchtime). My tummy was growling within about 10 minutes, and I had to eat my 'gel' before we reached the 6 mile mark. So really it might not have just been my knee. I know you might laugh... but not wanting to push it too much I stopped and got the bus at the 17 mile mark. Satisfied!

So since then I've been following doctors orders with ibuprofen 3 times a day, and running gently... only difference is I am now in Italy!!! It's quite hard to squeeze in a run into a nice relaxing holiday, especially when all the streets are cobbled! But Tuesday was my first run... turns out I went for 9 miles around Roma. It was gorgeous! I took 2 hours... which is ages, but I needed to be careful of my knee, and also I had to make some time to stop and take in the views (the river, a little sloped street with stairs leading to I don't know where, the colosseum, the vatican!!!!). It was actually a lovely way to see the city. I didn't get bored, but more awed by each corner I turned. I went for a very short 2 miler yesterday, and even around a rather less touristy central station locale I found myself stumbling across arches, and roman walls, and delicious smells.

It's been less than a week, and I am now in Naples. I hope that I will find somewhere to go for a third long run, but I don't want to end up in uncharted, pickpocket central. Somewhere between trips to Herculaneum, Capri, and possibly Sorrento I will bring myself to break a sweat. Ahh the life of marathon training while in vaca... sweet really!

PS. Apparently there's been snow in UK. HUH?

xx