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After the Flora London Marathon.

Post-London Buzz
24th April 2005
Hi Everyone,

I'm very sorry that this diary piece is so late in being posted. It has taken me a few days to get organised as straight away after London we headed over to New York for a few days.

Firstly, I want to thank everyone for all their support on the boards both before and after the race, and all those people out on the course helping to create such an unforgettable atmosphere. I was really touched by all of the messages and support and really appreciate how lucky I am to have such support. Thank you also to all the people who were so supportive at the Expo on the Friday. I always enjoy going there and meeting all the other runners in the build up to the race. There is always such a good buzz there.

I hope that everyone who ran at the weekend enjoyed the race and achieved their goals. We were extremely lucky with the weather on the day. Although I did find it pretty windy in places, temperatures were perfect and it was great to have sunshine. Given that the forecast had been wet and windy I remember taking it as a good sign as I sat having my breakfast on race morning watching a beautiful sunrise and seeing blue skies appear. I remember feeling very calm and also keenly anticipating the race as I got ready and we headed off to the start. All of the team was relaxed as this year had actually been a very smooth preparation and we went into the race with no little niggles or worries. My biggest stress before the start was realising with about 4 minutes to go that I had given Gary my gloves and I wanted to wear them! Fortunately he was able to find them and get them to me in time!

During the race I felt good and controlled, I hoped to be able to pick it up a little in the second half but my stomach troubles put paid to that! Had I known how big the gap was, I probably could have found a way to stop sooner and less embarrassingly but at the time my brain was only focussing on winning the race strongly. Indeed I didn't know how big the gap was until after I finished. After my stop I was fine and able to pick up the pace again but I had run through it for a while, hoping to avoid having to stop.

Once again I could not believe how great the atmosphere was. At some points I almost felt dizzy as my ears were ringing from the noise! The contrast between the crowds almost nine deep around Tower Bridge and the silence in the Blackfriars tunnel was very eerie. At the finish I was very happy to have won my third London and was satisfied with the time, given the wind and my tummy difficulties. Since then I am very encouraged by how good my legs feel. Gerard said straight afterwards that he had never seen them so good after a marathon and I was even able to wear 3.5 inch heels in New York!

Now we are heading away for a week's break and relax before coming back and starting the summer build up.

Best Wishes,