To the Marathon! Part 1

Up early on Sunday 17th April 2011 and with very little sleep that night, we prepared ourselves for something we had been working towards for over 10 months – the Virgin London Marathon. The kits had been packed the night before and it was just a matter of shuffling down stairs for a bowl of porridge and a banana, washed down with a hot cup of coffee. Flicking on the television, the BBC Breakfast weather reported a warm day of 19 degrees, which was warm but not too hot and thinking that we were from Australia, we shouldn’t have too much trouble coping... Jess was less convinced.

Digesting breakfast, we hopped in the shower and donned the running gear including the official Oxfam running shirt that would be later absorbing the salty sweat of 26.2 miles. Nervous and increasingly anxious, I pushed Jess to get ready quicker (much to her distaste) and soon we were walking to Charing Cross station where spotting runners with identical red VLM running bags only served to heighten our anticipation of what lay ahead. At Charing Cross station the scale of the day started to become clear as the vast majority of the people in the station were heading to Greenwich/ Blackheath for the start line. Discussions between strangers (very unusual for London) and nervous laughter filled the train carriage with a murmur that served to calm our nerves a little bit, knowing that we were not the only ones. However the rollercoaster of emotions soon climbed again when we would remind ourselves that we were part of something very big and also very personal to us – for we had worked for a long time towards this day... ‘Just another long run, just another long run...’

Arrival at Blackheath in Greenwich Park, the crowd was making a B-line for the assembly areas allocated by colours red, blue and green; we were in the red zone. Once we found a spot on the grass we sat down, toileted and tried to enjoy the entertainment provided by the big screen and the roving commentators in the ‘pens’. Soon it was 9:30 and after a last minute toilet break which would thankfully be our last of the marathon experience, we made our way to the mass start leading to Charlton Way. An amazing sight of thousands of people lined up as far as the eye could see before the siren sounded for the beginning of the 2011 Virgin London Marathon. Standing amid the serious runners, cartoon characters and lunatics brought chills of anticipation, and in that moment 10 months of training flashed before my eyes – I can’t believe I’m here and doing this! The shuffle towards the start line was slow, but it gave us a moment to clam the nerves and excitement and focus on the task ahead, 26.2 miles. The uneasy conversations among strangers began again. “Good luck, all the best” was the general sentiment, deep inside many were panicking ever so slightly and we were no different. We could see the elite races on a big screen that was in the pens, now empty but for the few last minute dashers to the toilets while the line meandered through the entrance gates of Greenwich Park.

Martin Yelling Q & A

This is an interview (written) that we had with Martin Yelling for a running magazine to be published at a later date. Note that it was written before the post date, hence marathon talk is in the future tense.. What made you first decide to do a marathon and when was this? Who were your main influencers? This will be our first marathon and prior to this year we had never run for the purposes of getting fit or enjoyment. The running began as soon as we were told that our starting positions for the VLM were confirmed by Oxfam in June/ July. Beginning slowly with a 4 x 5min walk 5min run we progressed with adding on 10% of the time to build up slowly in order to get our legs used to moving a little quicker than usual. Our inspiration to run the London marathon came from a meander through the parks of London. Ever so slightly bemused and curious we stopped to have a look at the runners at around the 4 and a half hour mark coming across the finish line, all the while soaking up the atmosphere and good spirit that was being created by cheers for unknown marathoners. Watching the ‘allsorts’ that were finishing we asked ourselves why it was that we couldn’t do something like that. Not being particularly sporty (or fit) people, we light heartedly made a verbal commitment to entering the race the following year. On later reflection the two of us discussed the benefits of such a commitment and achievement, one of those being that we would spend some quality time together and do something good for ourselves and other people – through the charity Oxfam. Supporters? Who (no need to name!) mocked you or thought you couldn’t do it? Each of us had people to support us at work and even people who had run it before, so from a support point of view we were very lucky. Many of our work colleagues help with the fundraising and assisted in the organisation of events to both get the message out that we were running a marathon and that we were doing it for a charity - this helped us tremendously. With the additional support of family and friends home in Australia, the hours of training in freezing temperatures through the dark and miserable winter could have been even more difficult than it was. However it has to be said that more than a few eyebrows were raised when we told people about our commitment – mostly from those who knew us the best, after all this was something that was way out of our comfort zone. How did that progress into becoming ‘a runner’? So, what did you do next? The running began tentatively. Our lifestyles weren’t exactly those of marathon runners, so drip feeding the increments was also an important feature of our progression so we didn’t get discouraged too soon. Soon we were running for longer and perhaps most noticeably recovering quicker from those longer runs. Buying the running kits also made us feel like we were ‘seasoned runners’ and since that point we refuse to run without them – must have those tights! A large part of maintaining our progress throughout our training was recording our runs no matter how small, and basking in the glory of achieving weekly targets and goals. Coupled with a blog, our training diary made it easy to see how far we had come and encouraged us to keep at it through the cold dark winter. What do you think running has given you more broadly. How has it added to your life? From the outset, running together has not only made our bodies healthier, but it has made our relationship stronger. During the training period we felt like we were a part of a larger running community, even when we were the only ones in the park running in the pouring rain. It provided a focus, a goal, a target that we could both shoot for and work together to achieve and without a doubt that process has been one of the most amazing things to come out of the whole experience. Can you provide a look at your typical training week... A typical training week was fairly structured. 3 runs during the week and a long run at the weekend was the standard routine practically all the way through the build up to the marathon. We would run home from the BBC every other night which would be just under 5 miles. At the beginning of the year we began incorporating interval and tempo runs into the week to mix it up a bit. Our long runs moved along, adding a mile per week from 10 miles. This proved to be a good increase rate for the both of us, giving us a weekly milestone. ‘Our longest run ever!’ was the common cry as we high fived each other, as pedestrians looked at us in bewilderment. Has their been anything exciting / unexpected along the way? Hard times, good times, achievements, peaks? The level of support both from the charity, Oxfam, and people at work has blown us away. People that we would least expect to sponsor us have dug deep for our cause which made us feel good about the hard work we were putting in every week. Reaching our fundraising target of £2,000 before the race day was a major achievement for the both of us; being so far from home and relying heavily on work mates to hand over, amazing! The good times certainly came when we told people about what we were doing and why we were doing it and the looks on their faces of absolute shock. Minor breakthroughs like running 5 km for the first time were great and reaching those little targets regularly helped keep things exciting. March was a tough month with injury creeping into the runs. Physios, doctors, loads of ibuprofen and most depressingly, enforced rest made it really difficult to stay fit and positive about the process. With Jess fit and healthy, she was able to keep with the training which went some way to keeping perspective and confidence in the lead up to the race. Thankfully though it wasn’t too bad and training was soon back on track. Then lets bring it right up to date with VLM – what’s your motivation for VLM and what do you hope to achieve? For the two of us the marathon has been all about the process of getting to the start line, what happens during the race itself is just a bonus. The VLM also puts a lot of things into perspective. If we can do this, then we can achieve anything we set our minds to, and being such an iconic distance/ achievement, it shows others that we can do anything and that we have the persistence and strength to reach our goals. A finish on the day will be amazing, somewhere around the 5 hour mark would be nice. Top 5 Tips – from couch to marathon 1) Start slowly 2) Keep a diary/blog/record of your runs 3) Talk about your journey, this keeps it real and keeps you accountable 4) Use the right equipment; spend the money because it’s worth it! 5) Work on your mental well-being as much as your physical fitness

Dear Body

Dear Body, Hiya! It's the brain here, long time no see. Now, I think it's time for us to have a little chat. This Sunday you're planning on running, yes running, the London Marathon - I thought of it remember... Anyway, the thing is, I've done my bit by waking you up in the morning to train and motivating you to get through long runs over the last 11 months; now it's your turn to pull your finger out and perform on the day. Listen here legs, yeah I'm talking to you! The bulk of the work is going to be on you this Sunday and frankly if you don't behave and do as I ask then there will be trouble. I've worked too long and hard on psyching up for this event for you to hit 'the wall' if there is such a thing, pffft! And as for you calf muscles, none of this tearing business on the day either. You've let me down already in the lead up, I don't need any more of your silly games. I've pampered you with massages and physio appointments - even acupuncture! So no funny business, got it! Oi! Feet! Don't walk away from me while I'm speaking to you! You've been good enough not to get any blisters during training, so the 17th is not the time to start. You have nice shoes, running socks and I've trimmed your toe nails especially for the day, so there should be no complaints from you. E'hem, pssst, bladder, bowel? A quick word. I don't much enjoy wetting myself or even worse... well you know what I'm trying to say... So inevitably you will come calling during the 26.2 miles, so if you must come ringing then just make it close to a porta-loo and make it quick. Preferably I would rather the gingerbread man stayed at home, but if he must come along for the race, do make it a quick visit, ideally before the run - cheers. Body, I think you get the picture, don't let me down (I have faith). You'll get a nice breakfast before hand and some yummy gels and lucozade along the way, so I guess there's not much left to say other than good luck and I'll see you on the course to cheer you on. Love, The Brain xx

44729 and 52539

At last we're at the taper week and the reality of the marathon is really hitting home. I've said farewell to those at school who have been supporting all the way, and now it's time to think seriously about how to attack the 26.2 miles that are just 9 days away. For me I'm still up and down psychologically, never 100% about my fitness. It's just self doubt creeping in I think. I ran 10 miles for the first time the other day and did it relatively easily, so deep down I know that me fitness is still there - just not as I would have hoped a month or so ago. Now coping with the tapering and feeling like I'm eating too much and not doing enough running in the lead up to the day. Jess made a good point when she said that it feels counter intuitive to do less running in the 3 weeks before the race; completely agree. Still, this Sunday we'll do a reccy to the start line and then do an easy 1hr run to keep the legs ticking over. The week to follow will be one of nerves and anticipation as we mentally prepare for Sunday 17th. We have the marathon expo on friday to attend so that we can get our numbers for our shirts and tags for teh shoes - exciting! Will post a photo when we have the shirts complete with names so you can imagine us running the miles through London. By the way, Jess and I reached our sponsorship targets this week and a big thank you is due to all those who sponsored, for me I would like to thank Cass Clyde for all her baking, enthusiasm, pavers, and initiative when it came to encouraging people to sponsor me. Love you Cass, could not have done it without you! B x

Back from the brink

March was rubbish! Well for me anyway. Jess on the other hand had a normal March, running wise, but I struggled for fitness throughout. The calf tear had to be rested far too long for my liking and that led to me feeling quite down in the dumps about the whole marathon experience. Still confident of starting, it did leave me feeling a little depressed about my goals for the race. In the back of my mind I always though that we would be capable of running around 4:30:00, but with my now poor preparation in the last 5 weeks, that is now but a dream. On the other hand, I have become clearer about why I'm running the marathon in the first place. Jess and I set out to spend more time together and take part in something fantastic, as a focus for us both. It has certainly been that. So for this greater sense of perspective I am thankful. Jess has been an amazing runner over the period of my injury. It's really hard running on your own and she has not missed a run since i've been forced out by injury. 20 miles she did for her final run last Sunday - amazing! I'm so proud of her for doing that, it's not easy you know... The next two and a bit weeks for me will be a continuation of running right through to the big day i think. For Jess, it's taper time and she will back off on the training milage wise until the 17th April... Marathon day!! B

The Grey Cloud Lifting

I must confess, I have avoided writing on the blog this week so far because I have been consumed by a feeling of dread and depression. The dark clouds of doubt and inadequacy overwhelmed me early Sunday morning as Jess and I trotted out to begin our longest run to date (a 17 mile belter). Not even a mile from the front door I knew something was not quite right, the feeling in my right calf was very tight and I just thought that it was because I had had a relatively easy week because of my left knee - which incidentally is feeling much better. Alas! It was not to be so simple and after stretching and jogging, and stretching and more jogging it was just getting worse. Oh dear! I knew it, I was injured. Not like before. This time it would really lay me up for a few days and it would need a rigorous routine of ice, compression and love. Not ideal 6 weeks from the big day really, but all the more necessary if I wanted to make it to the start line in tip top condition. It's at this point that I should mention that I am becoming increasingly aware of my new found obsession for this marathon. I listen to podcasts, read books on sports injury and the London Marathon itself. I stalk the marathon store in Covent Garden ogling the VLM merch... Get a life! Well after April 17th.. Anyway, enough of the solemn vibe, the grey clouds have lifted today - hip hooray! The knee is feeling very good, the calm is improving rapidly to the point were I'm doing strengthening exercises with little to no discomfort, so I'm feeling 100% more optimistic about the start of the marathon (not that it was ever in jeopardy, I was just being a drama queen). Not only this but there has been a big increase in the sponsorship money thanks largely to Mum and Dad and a second donation from Ron and Tony, which brings the total to approx £1600, just another £400 pound until the target number 1 is reached. Thank you so much for all your donations, Oxfam will be very happy with the money - it goes to wonderful causes. Now I hear what you are saying to yourselves at your computers, "now Ben, don't go out too hard on your next run, wouldn't want to re-injure your knee or calf." All I can say is I know, there's no need to panic. Slowly, slowly catchy monkey. B

Sun, Rain, Sore Nipples, and Gingerbread Men

As I sit and write this blog my legs are sore and a cold descends. The dark clouds of feeling poorly have well and truly begun to set their sights on my throat and nose. At this stage things don't seem to be too bad as my nose isn't yet runny, but deep down I know it's only a matter of time.

Aside from the doom and gloom surrounding my head our run this morning/ afternoon was a battle through Hyde Park. It began as a sunny and cheerful day with children and animals abundant throughout the park, however the day soon turned wet and cold about 6 miles in. Nonetheless we pursued the target of 16 miles (that's not to say that it was easy).

I have to admit that the run today was one of the hardest runs that I've had to do. It's fair to say that I haven't had the greatest week in terms of preparation. A sedentary week at home for half term, sickness as I've already mentioned and a twinge in the knee that still gave me a bit of bother during today's run have all contributed to feeling less than happy with my running. Thankfully, Jess has turned a corner and was there to pull me through, when I would have been quite happy to pack it in.

We persisted and completed what we set out to complete, albeit with sore nipples (not bloody) and with yet another loo break - that cheeky gingerbread man struck again.