It’s been almost two weeks now since the London Landmarks Half Marathon and I have been busy with an assignment so I haven’t had a chance to write up my report. But I have been thinking about it ever since.
It was a fantastic event, no doubt about it. The city, the route, the weather, the crowds, the support, the organisation: all were amazing. I was very excited about the whole thing and it was warranted. It was one of the best events I ever participated in.
I felt great for most of it. The pace was quite slow really, due to the number of people and the nature of some of the narrow streets of London. There was a good bit of running around bollards and over kerbs so I had to be careful. Therefore a slow pace was fine for me and allowed me soak up the atmosphere. It was a clear sunny day in London, cool in the shade, but great for running.
We started around Trafalgar Square where we moved smoothly through to the start-line with no delays. There were warnings in advance about delays at the toilets and bag drop but it was fine for me, nothing too long. We started pretty much on time, waved over the start line by bowler-hatted volunteers.
Lord Nelson in Trafalgar Square
Peter was in the crowd at Trafalgar Square and I just spotted him when this picture was taken. Sums up my feelings about the day really!
We ran around the streets of Central London – the Strand, Fleet Street, Shaftsbury Avenue. It was like the Monopoly board.
We crossed over and back Waterloo Bridge, serenaded by drummers on either side. Check out the amazing views of the city.
At around mile 5 we turned onto the Embankment, along the river Thames. We were met by all the various charity groups who had set up along the side of the road who were shouting support, clapping and playing music. It was an unbelievable wall of noise and support that would have brought a tear to a glass eye. It was fantastic. The support was incredible all the way around.
New and old London side by side
Random dragon statue
The Tower of London
Around 10 miles my back started to hurt – how is it I can run 10 miles in training with no back issues, but come race day it acts up? It’s my own fault anyway – as Radiohead say, you do it to yourself and that’s why it really hurts. I neglected my strength exercises as I am lazy about it. I could feel everything tighten up but kept going. I walked for about a minute but had a word with myself. I had been looking forward to this for so long and trained so much, plus I knew Peter would appear somewhere along the route and I didn’t want to be walking when I met him. So I pushed on. I met Peter alright, running, (me that is) and confessed to being knackered. The London Eye was on my left and the Houses of Parliament were ahead so I knew we were nearly there. I did not have the energy to take a picture at that stage. I thought of my dad and the charity I was running for – Alzheimer’s Research UK. My discomfort was nothing compared to what people with dementia, and the people who look after them, like my mother, go through so I dug deep and didn’t stop and walk though I really wanted to.
As I crossed the finish line I was wrecked and so glad to finish but also sad it was over. We got water, a bar, a wrist sweat band with a key pocket which is really handy and a really cool medal in the shape of St Paul’s Cathedral, presented by Chelsea pensioners and these lovely Pearly Queens.
In the end I did it in 2 hours 30 minutes and 13 seconds. Not my best time and not my worst but I really don’t care about time. Running is more profound than times for me. It’s life-affirming. It’s about perseverance, community, achievement. It’s appreciating the ability we have, living in the moment, and taking nothing for granted. We never know the day or the hour that our lives could change. And it’s a great excuse to travel.
All in all it was a super experience and I would recommend it to anyone. London is an amazing city. Still not tired of it. Carpe diem.