Hi All

As promised an insight into my marathon journey…

I completed the 26.2 miles, on a very hot and sunny day, in a very respectable time coming 21,615th out of the 35,747 who started the marathon. Many struggled with the heat and the humid conditions with over 6,000 runners and 120 hundred spectators receiving medical treatment during the day. I am very glad to say that my training saw me through.

The day could be summed up by many words but the ones that sum it up for me are bizarre, emotional and hot. I thought I was going to just run a marathon but there is so much more to be experienced at the London Marathon than I imagined. What makes it so great are the volunteers, the high quality organisation, the spectators and the runners themselves. It is more than a race, it is truly an event but above all the London Marathon is about people.Even as I made my way to Greenwich to get ready for the race start I passed 2 Smurfs and a man with a tree on his back. Shortly after the race start I realised how bizarre this day would be when ahead of me I could see Mr Happy, Scooby Doo, The Queen and a team of 3 bananas and this was while running alongside a Dalek! During the 26 miles various characters appeared and disappeared. Amongst all this was our SMASH Big Pink Fairy. I’m still amazed by the impact a 6′5″ 17 stone guy wearing a pink tutu, false boobs, a pink wig and stockings can have. A big thank you to Linda Butler who was responsible for making the costume. 

When walking around the start area, about 1 hour before the off, I had many requests from fellow competitors to have their photo taken with me (well not exactly me, the Pink Fairy, if you see what I mean). Many of these were from outside the UK and included Germans, Americans, French and Italians. I also had a few proposals of marriage and the race hadn’t even started. I then made my final trip to the loo before then heading for the start line. It is a challenge in itself getting in and out of a Portaloo with wings on.

It was a relief to get going mainly as it meant not having to stand around in the sun anymore although the down side to that was that I would have to run in it instead. From the off I kept to my strategy of making sure not to carried away by going off too fast making sure to conserve energy. I made the most of the first 10 miles by interacting as much as possible with fellow runners and the crowd. If there was a record for no. of high fives in an hour I don’t think I could have been far off… it is now a tradition that spectators along the route, mainly children, love to hold their hands out to get high fives from the runners and high five from someone in fancy dress seemed to bring with it some extra kudos for the children. However, surprisingly the most pleasing aspect of the high fiving was the mothers, fathers and other spectators who would comment on how good you look and would ask for a high five as a way to say well done.

It was a voyage of discovery…you can get away with a bit more than on an average day even corny jokes. For example, I was complimented on my outfit by Batman and couldn’t resist responding “You’re my hero”. Yes, the surrounding runners did find that funny!

Reaching Tower Bridge at 12 miles was a special landmark as it is so iconic for many reasons not least it is the one I associate most with the London Marathon other than the finish at the Mall. After crossing Tower Bridge I interacted less and less with the spectators so I could put more effort into just keep going. By the time I reached 20 miles my eyes were focused more and more on the backs of fellow runners backs and the road than anything else that was going on around me. However, I continued to glance at the sea of faces along the way and listen for the shouts of inspiration. It was now time to concentrate on keeping my stride pattern consistent, relaxing and staying positive rather than waving too much and talking to spectators - this was a race of two halves!

At 21 miles I got cramp in my calf muscles. Although I had been pouring cold water on my head on a regular basis and I was drinking according to my strategy I was dehydrating and overheating. There was little else I could have done extra to prevent this other than remove my wig. I had seen many runners in fancy dress such as Scooby Doo, a bear and various superheroes reveal their true selves but I had decided I was going to make it across the finish line from start to finish as the Big Pink Fairy - revealing my true identity and taking my wig off was not an option. I am proud to say I achieved that objective! Stubborn or stupid, I am not sure.

Right up until crossing the finishing line the spectators shouts of encouragement and support never stopped. Throughout the 26 miles the noise was relentless and at times overwhelming. I like to think that people made the effort because we made the effort. It was like a tidal wave of support carrying you along with it to the finish line. There was only one moment that I wished I was on a training run which was during mile 23 when I was sure I was going to be sick, as a result of the effects of the sun, and I was hoping someone could turn the volume down but thankfully that moment passed as I re-grouped to make sure I got across the finishing line. Words of encouragement ranged from ”Go SMASH” to ”Keep going, Pink Fairy“. Not all printable, others are available on request! Acknowledging the spectators always received additional surges of cheers and words of support. Even during those last few miles which were painful and concentration was key being told by several people (both men and ladies) “You are sexy“ made me smile and having come so far was a great spur to keep going.

Crossing the finish line was an emotional moment. You stay so focused on the job in hand that it’s only when the job is done you start to think about, and truly appreciate, all the effort that has gone in and the support you have received. This is all started at a Fun Run in May with my family and I never thought I could or would ever run a half marathon. Now having completed 2 marathons, 3 half marathons and numerous training runs (several over 3 hours) I can happily say my marathon career is now over :-).

Money raised for SMASH from the run will exceed £3,700. Thank you to sponsors, spectators, family, friends and colleagues for all your support. You helped keep me going.

Cheers

Norman