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Many
thanks for supporting my London Marathon 2014 fundraising efforts for |
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Thank you very much to all you wonderful people for supporting my London Marathon 2014 fundraising efforts, and for your support for Tom and me throughout the whole preparation period and especially on the day. Race Report: My official finishing time was 5:36:47, not my slowest time ever, but close. Tom beat me by 1/100 of a second and I have to commend him on sacrificing a good time in his first ever marathon to stick with his old man all the way. That was very special indeed and something I will never forget. This will certainly go down as the most memorable run for me as I was able to complete it with Tom. I have been nagging him for a few years now to run it with me and finally this year he got a ballot place and the rest is history. Tom, Heather and I set out early on Sunday catching the 6.55 from Broxbourne to Liverpool Street, and after a short walk to Bank, and DLR to North Greenwich, and a quick pit stop in a local pub (thanks by the way!), we arrived in Greenwich Park with in the glorious sunshine well ahead of time. I have to slip into the restricted red zone start briefly to drop my bag, and then rejoined Tom and Heather at the blue start on Blackheath Common, where we met up with Liz. At the start, Tom and I were way back (pen 9) and just before setting off had the chance to meet up with a group of South African runners, all donning SA flags and kit. They had completed many Comrades between them, one lady having amassed a total 15th Comrades (still not close to the amazing 20+ Comrades that Jack Mortassagne has to his name - Jack if you reading this - that is just amazingly awesome!). We started off well and the first 6 miles went very quickly and felt like a breeze, all helped by the fact that Tom would not stop talking :-), I had given him some advice a while back that you should not set off to quickly and a good yardstick is to run at a pace where you could carry a conversation with the person running next to you. Well, we certainly chatted a lot, certainly in the first half. We looked out for Tamsin, Emily and Kate in Charlton (mile 4) but must have missed them (although I thought I did caught a glimpse of Tamsin), and also missed Heather and Liz near Greenwich as it was very crowded, but just coming up to Greenwich (6 miles) was where we saw the first off the supporters, Sarah, Janice and Richard. Tom was very excited to see them and Sarah posted a great picture of us on Facebook looking very happy indeed. Shortly after that and just as we were coming up to the Cutty Sark, Engy and Vicky and the gang called out to Tom so he was very happy to see them too. And then about 5 minutes later just coming into Deptford, Abby also called out to Tom from the side so once again a very happy chappie!. After that it was the long turn through Surrey Quays and Jamaica Road onto Tower Bridge. Crossing Tower Bridge did not disappoint, it's always amazing as the crowds and cheering is just incredible and the feeling that you're almost at the halfway mark is very satisfying indeed. Shortly after the halfway mark on the Highway, my legs were starting to really hurt and I had to walk a bit, and Tom was very supportive to join me a walk, the first of many. Going down Narrow Street I was very surprised to hear my name called out, thanks for spotting me Charlie. And then at around the 17 mile mark we saw Sarah, Janice and Richard again, was great to catch them, and also looked out for Tamsin and crew. And then running through Canary Wharf, Tom saw his mates Jimmy and friends. The next few miles through Poplar and Commercial Road were tough with me breaking into a walk many times. While I was slowly dying (at least it felt like it at times), Tom was really enjoying himself and kept himself entertained by taking swigs from spectators' pints, beer and cider I think. Then at about the 23 mile mark near Monument, it was lovely to see Heather for the first time. It was not long to go so we stopped briefly and then were on our way again. And then along the Embankment, Tom saw Engy, Vicky, Abby, Jimmy, George and all other mates again. Then the turn at Westminster and final few hundred meters along Birdcage Walk, past Buckingham Palace and onto the Mall, and finally crossing the finish line, which was just amazing. I was immensely proud of Tom having run with me all the way - a very unselfish act - and also for completing his first marathon. I hope he will go on to do many more! After collecting our medals and goody bags, we collected our bags from the baggage trucks and headed for the "B" reunion point. It was absolutely jam-packed but we eventually found the family and friends on Horse Guards parade, where there was time for lots of hugs and congratulations and photos of course, however, I think I did lie down on the ground for a while (thanks Richard for getting me up again, despite calf cramps, and cries of pain). After that we all headed our separate ways, Tom off to the pub with his mates, Sarah to meet her friends and Heather and I home to pick up Bella. Job done! I would also like to say a huge thanks all the people that lined the streets on Sunday, and particularly the bands that made some wonderful noise. All that goes towards making the whole event so enjoyable and memorable. I did not get to the Leonard Cheshire recovery station this year as it was quite late and I am sure I was their last runner, and I am sure they wanted to pack up as well. However, I would like to say a huge thanks the Leonard Cheshire supporters for their encouragement throughout the course. It was awesome seeing the LCD supporter groups with all their banners and their shouting and cheering was greatly encouraging. Also want to say a huge thanks to Klara and team for all the support leading up to the event and on the day.. Monday was back at work for me, feeling ok but a little stiff in the legs. And then on Tuesday evening a pub crawl from Canary Wharf to Tower Hill with mates from work worked wonders for the legs, but not sure touching (so much) alcohol for the first time in a while was quite such a good idea (thanks Will and Steve for your gentle (not) persuasion tactics!). Wednesday was down to Southampton to deliver a talk in the evening, so had no time for a recovery run. It is now Easter Friday and my legs are just fine. I went for a bike ride this morning and also a swim and feel great. So what is next? Well I plan to register for the London Marathon 2015 when it opens next week, Tuesday 22nd to be precise, and have entries for the Great North Half on 7th September (my 13th) and New York Marathon on 2nd November (my 3rd). And still thinking (or is that dreaming?) about Comrades one day! Many thanks once again to all those wonderful people who sponsored me and sent in good luck wishes; thanks for your fantastic support and generosity in helping raise funds for a very worthy cause indeed. Thank you also to all the family and friends that came and supported us. You support on the day and cheers along the way was very much appreciated. And finally, a very big thanks to Tom. I am very proud of you! Thank you and best wishes
Allan Boardman
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