London Marathon

Chairman Richard · Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 88 Location: Rayleigh, Essex

No going back now - good luck everyone - hope to see you there Ian
_________________
Richard

debbiethomson · Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Posts: 1

Good luck to all EET members running tomorrow.

Cathy and Debbie Thomson

IanGeorge · Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 73

I have decided to withdrawal from tomorrow’s race. The fever I had yesterday is no better and I felt it would be foolish to run. Fortunately I will still be able to carry my entry over to next year. Good luck to all of you who are running tomorrow - it is a fantastic race.

John · Joined: 02 Apr 2007 Posts: 65

Well done to everyone for competing the 2007 Marathon..........

In this heat, it must of been a nightmare.............

Chairman Richard · Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 88 Location: Rayleigh, Essex

That was definitely the hardest London Marathon I've done. I guess the heat played a part but I don't think I should use that as an excuse.

At 19.5 miles I was in good shape but then just started to feel a little rough. I was 2:17 at 20 miles which gave me a choice; go for sub 3 or not. I decided it wasn't going to happen today so went for sub 3:15. I just had no idea how little I had left and was up to 8:30 miles in no time. Hit the embankment and the cramps started; every part of my legs were seizing and I ended up looking like the architypal guy staggering to the finish; I had to favour one leg because that was the only way I could run and control the cramp.

At the finish I spent five minutes hanging over a rail and then another 40 sitting in the shade against a tree until I could risk trying to stand.

Still - what a fantastic day and the crowds were bigger and better than ever. Shame about the derailment on the DLR that stopped a lot of people getting to see people.

Brilliant turn out from East Essex at the Cutty Sark - thanks to the lot of you.

I will publish the results from the club on the website now
_________________
Richard

IanGeorge · Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 73

A fantastic effort by all the East Essex Members. I feel even worse today so I definitely made the right decision to pull out. I spent most of yesterday deliberating what to do – not an experience I want to repeat! Mind you I was still gutted not to be taking part especially as I watched some of the race on television.

Richard I know what you mean about the cramps. This happened to me in 2005 at about 22 miles. I was in a terrible state at the finish as I could not get up once I sat down! It was pretty hot that year so the heat was probably a contributing factor today. The problem is that all our long runs prior to the race are run in pretty cool conditions so we never get a chance to get used to the heat. The marathon in 2008 is nine days earlier so hopefully it will be a bit cooler next year.

Once again well done to you all especially the first timers. Did you enjoy it Neil & Lee? Will you be back for some more?

leerunciman@tiscali.co.uk · Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 115 Location: Eastwood

That was really, really hard! First 10 were a struggle, except for when I saw the East Essex at Cutty Sark with their 'grandstand' view (on the toilet roof!).

Next ten were OK and then it was survival!

Well done to everyone who ran today as it was brutal.

Lynchy · Joined: 19 Mar 2007 Posts: 94

WOW, what a day. first 14 miles were going to plan - running well ahead of the runnersworld 9 minute mile man, then my legs took on a (or should I say lack of) life of their own.

Cramped big time - had to 'power walk' from just before mile 15 - everytime I tried to run my calfs and toes cramped - so head down focus on the next mile and off I went.

BIG BIG thank you to the East Essex support group at cutty sark, docklands and the last mile to the finish - must admit it brought a lump to my throat - especially at doclands as I met the guys just after I strated to cramp - definately helped to motivate me, big time!!!!

In general the crowds were amazing, the noice level was deafening and the sweats were most welcome.

At mile 19 I swore never to do anything like this again, maybe a 1/2 marathon is my limit. Had a few conversations at the start line with fellow triathletes about the UK 1/2 - and they didn't fill me with confidence about the bike ride - so 2/3 days off and as soon as I can walk in a straight line then onto the bike for some serious hill work.

Am I / are we mad?

well done to everyone who finished!!

Lynchy · Joined: 19 Mar 2007 Posts: 94

how are you guys feeling?

my right calf and left foot are still really hurting - plenty of ibruprofen helping a little.

bitting at the bit to get back into training - but can barely walk yet.

leerunciman@tiscali.co.uk · Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 115 Location: Eastwood

Not too bad, happily. Can walk downstairs forwards today instead of sideways at least! Went for a 1.5K swim today, which felt good, so will climb on the bike tomorrow.

Peter Campion · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 9

Is this how it is for you guys?

Congratulations to you all.

http://www.realbuzz.com/en-gb/Your_pictures_and_videos/index?pageID=3174&ht_do=view&id=130

Chairman Richard · Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 88 Location: Rayleigh, Essex

Absolutely love it Peter.

Thanks for the txt; you sent it to my home phone and I didn't have your mobile no to text you back.
_________________
Richard