London Marathon Post Race report by Dawn Lloyd
Post Race Report
London Marathon - Dawn Lloyd
My whole London Marathon experience exceeded any expectations I had of both the event and my own ability to run it. I loved the whole weekend, and would say to you all don’t hesitate; enter the ballot and the club ballot; if you are lucky enough to secure a place embrace it for all it has to offer. This was my first marathon & my goal was simply to complete it and enjoy every mile.
I travelled to London on Friday with Nikki, my friend and fellow club member and we headed straight for the Excel to pick up my race number and enjoy the expo, which included talks, stalls and plenty of opportunity for kit shopping.
Saturday we were joined by more club members and my family who were either running or supporting. It was great to be surrounded by club members, many have completed numerous marathons. All had tips and tricks to share with me, which was great.
Sunday we woke to blue skies and sunshine which was a great change to the forecasted heavy rain. I headed to my start (blue) by train, you could feel the buzz of excitement brewing on that journey. My start time was 10.28am, and to my delight I saw Andy another club member at my start. Seeing Andy took all my nerves away, and so it began the theme to my day.
From the start line to the finish line you have supporters cheering you on, encouraging, and celebrating your running. I have never experienced anything like it.
My supporters, both CMRC and family kept popping up on course and it meant the world to me to have them there; it gave me so much joy to see them. I even managed to run on course with Naomi, another club member for a short period.
With regards to the running, I approached it as a (very) long slow run and it felt so good. I consciously went slower in the first 3 miles and regularly took my fuel. I never once thought I wouldn’t make it to the end, my training had worked.
Aside from seeing my supporters, Tower Bridge was a race highlight, you turn a corner and there it is rising into the blue sky, it looked beautiful. The cheering was so loud going over the bridge.
Running up to Westminster, and right onto Bird Cage walk I was nearly at the finish line, going past Buckingham Palace and down the mall, and suddenly it was completed, I had ran a marathon and yes I did enjoy every mile. To my delight I did it in sub 5 hours too.
I would like to thank the running club for giving me this opportunity. Thank all members for your encouragement and company throughout my training and the support on the day, both in London and back home. I will never forget it.