Virgin London Marathon

2011


17th April 2011

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After four years of applying we learnt in October 2010 that we had been successful in getting a place for the London Marathon in 2011.

This was our first marathon and we had a lot to learn, from gels and running nutrition to blister care and tapering schedules.

As we slowly ramped up our distance (one of us ramping up a lot slower than the other!) we hit milestones that seemed unachievable at the start - for me at least. Including my first outdoor 10 mile run, my first half marathon at Silverstone and for me the painful and confidence depleting 20 mile longest training run. Miche was metaphorically and literally streets ahead of me on that one.

Miche returning from the last 10 mile training run...


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Me doing the same...


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Training complete, it was time to finish what we had started...

Attending the London Marathon Expo on 14th April to complete registration and pick up our number and electronic time recording chip.

Miche and the 58kg dive suit costume from 2002, we were hoping to get around quicker than the six days it took Lloyd Scott back then (he ran in a huge Brian the snail costume in 2011)...
 

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Not quite sure why I've got my hand on my hip for this one. We saw three of these rhino's during the race, having seen the costume at close quarters, my respect for them is immense, great cause too..


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Grainy photo of James Cracknell who was giving a talk on his recent activities and how he was approaching the race. We also saw the Beijing Women's Olympic Champion - Constantina Dita...


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We also checked out the walk from the hotel to the start line across Greenwich Park...


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From the Royal Observatory Greenwich...


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RACE DAY

Miche at the entrance to Greenwich Park...


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Walking to the starting areas...


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Save the Rhino...


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Miche in the Blue Start preparation area...

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Me, just about to drop off my bag and head to the starting pen...


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The Japanese getting themselves ready...


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Rather impressive motorbike hot air balloon...


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Walking to the start line...


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On the course...


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Along the embankment with only a few miles to go...


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Really feeling the pain, but with less than 385 yards to go...


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Near the line, with Buckingham Palace in the background...


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About to cross the line together after 5 hours 47 minutes and 54 seconds...

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Euphoria... crossing the finish line...


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Finishers...


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Still red faced...


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A fantastically uplifting day, it was all worth it...


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Miche in Horse Guards Parade...


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Still smiling 45 minutes after crossing the line...


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