Very hard work, difficult in winter, fear of unknown
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Since writing this review, i am run the London Marathon again, once again for charity. The thing i have to emphasise here is that if you want to run it, you can run it, despite the difficulty in the entry system. It sounds really harsh to say but if you play charities off against each other, you have every chance. Harsh but fair - after all they will benefit to the tune of £1000+!!
For my second marathon, i got a time of 3:43 - it was hard but, once again, worthwhile. You learn so much more the second time such as uphill parts of the route, strong areas of support and how to pace yourself (DO NOT GO OFF TOO QUICKLY!)
At this point, i have to refer you to a book called Russell Taylor called Looniness of the Long Distance Runner (clever!). I may write an op on it so not too much detail here but it is well worth the read. very humerous account of training for and running the New York Marathon covering delights such as 'the personal nemesis' and infuriating spectators who shout 'keep going'.
Talking of which, if you can't run the marathon (can't, or can't be bothered) then, at least once in your life, go to London to watch it. The atmosphere is electric and has a real feel good factor. i watched my brother run last year and enjoyed watching the pain on his face - i did, however, wish that pain had been mine as i felt quite nostalgic! Good vantage points are near Shadwell station, where you can view the runners twice during the loop round docklands.
It is on Sunday in case you didn't know - i will be there watching my brother again (if he beats my time there may be blood on the streets of London).A day out, a chance to get fit, social occassion with people cheering you on, a chance to see some London landmarks in an alternative way. These must have been thoughts going through my mind when, last October, i chose to enter for The London Marathon. With it now six weeks away, i am very nervous about it but have a guide for anyone stupid who is thinking about it in future.
ENTRY PROCESS Over 30,000 people are selected at random into the Marathon but, as over 120,000 apply, there is dissapointment for many. This happened to me but you can then secure a Gold Bond place through one of the many charities. I will be running for World Wildlife Fund and it gives you a focus during those hard winter nights.
SPONSORSHIP I would reccomend running the marathon for charity and there are many to choose from. Many will offer you a place if you pledge to raise at least £1000 for them. Sounds a lot but not really if you list your friends/family/colleagues/sports clubs/local businesses etc.
TRAINING Training is hard and I haven't even hit the peak yet. You will start off by struggling to run 10 minutes without stopping but this will gradually improve. It is easier if you are training with a friend or club as it gives you motivation. A newcomer, like myself, will probably jog about four times a week over various distances at different speeds. To give a guide, i am currently running 2x45 minute jogs per week, 1x70 minute jog and 1x2hour jog. I've been advised to increase my crucial 'long weekly run' to 3 hours by time of Marathon (April 22nd). It is 26.2 miles so if you can't run for 3 hours before it, you are going to struggle to finish.
NUTRITION It is partly true that it doesn't matter what you eat because you are burning it off but not always the case. High carbohydrate foods such as pasta, rice, potatoes and bread are essential ingredients to give you extra energy. Also try isotonic drinks such as Liquid Power.
TRAINING RACES There a lot of pre-marathon races available and it is advisable to use these to get used to the atmosphere. I have done a 10km and have a half-marathon in a few days and found the 10k quite fun. The Brentwood half-marathon, however, is likely to be a bit tougher.
CONCLUSION Hard to conclude until I have, hopefully, completed the race. It is very hard work and don't do it if you are half-hearted. People rally around you and respect your efforts. They also think you are a little bit crazy. I hope it will be worth it and if it helps me to raise over £1000 for World Wildlife Fund, it will be worth it. It will also be a lifetime achievemnet
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