My London Marathon Story

My London Marathon Story: Motivational Monday. Hello friends, happy Monday. So how are you today? The mind is a very powerful tool. Isn’t it?

It can talk you out of things you like and love to do just because it wants to. It can also make you do things you never thought were possible!!

Motivational Monday

My London Marathon Story:

My London Marathon Story: Going Back To The Start…

Last year I did the London marathon, and it was the hardest thing I had ever done. After I finished I said never again. A few days later the ballot opened for this year. “Come on,” my husband said, Let Us both enter it and I will run around with you? After a bit of talking me into it, I agreed!!

Several months later when the places were given out, I received a magazine claiming “your in” where my husbands was delivered one day later saying ”don’t be blue” essentially meaning ‘you’re not in!’

I was shocked. My first thought was that I can not go through this on my own again. From that day on my mind was set…

Over the following months, I made every excuse under the sun not to run. My mind was telling me I can’t do it, I believed it.

Long run days I was ill, short on time, or had something planned. I just hated the thought of running and hated running. As the date got closer and closer, my guilt (for not running) continued to rise.

2 Months Before:

2 months before the marathon I knew I had to get some training in. That month was great, lots of 6 miles, an 11, and a 14. Yeah, I’m on track! Then the month prior to the marathon I got ill, became weak, tired out and, exhausted.

‘I can’t do it’ I thought ‘I’m not fit enough’.

The last month was so bad, I barely made it out of the door. Last week, just before the marathon was so much stress. Shall I do it? Yes! No! I could defer it until next year?

No, it’s not fair on people who wanted to get in, lots of thoughts were running through my head, they alone wore me out.

Motivational Monday

My London Marathon Story: Motivational Monday.

Finally, I Decided To Do The Race:

Finally, I decided to do the race. Everything was already planned. The hotel was booked to pick my race number up, my husband had arranged time off work, a hotel was also booked for the night before the marathon, and everybody was counting on me.

Yes, yes I have to do it.

The day before race day as we travelled back down to London, I felt the symptoms of a cold. All afternoon and night I was shaking, my temperature seemingly going from boiling hot to freezing cold.

Race Day Morning:

Race day morning I woke up with a migraine and feeling sick. No, no I can not do it. I did not want to let all my family down who had come to support me.

My Husband and 2 youngest children had planned a fun day out to watch me and all the other runners travelling to and from tube stations along the different parts of the course. ‘I must do it’ I thought.

My only other choice was to watch the race, feel guilty about not racing and stand around feeling ill all day. I decided to do the race, and promised to pull out if I felt too ill at any time.

Only minutes before making my way to the start, I found myself in the queue for the toilets which I eventually realised were women’s urinals! I had never heard of anything like this before. Shows you I am not a proper runner!!

I soon rushed off to find somewhere to have a good old-fashioned wee. The thought of me using a urinal at least distracted me from my nervous state.

The atmosphere at the start was amazing and I was surprised to officially begin the race after a few short minutes (unlike last year which took me over 20).

The first 5000m of the race felt slow; however, I found out hours later that the pace was only a minute or so slower than my personal best for the distance!

Is She Crazy?

My husband thought I was going mad when I passed him a lot earlier than he expected.

How can you not get carried away when there are hundreds of runners all around you with deafening support from spectators. I just loved the first 10 miles of the race, my head was clear and my migraine had gone soon after the start.

Why had I been afraid of running and training up for the marathon, when I was loving it so much today?

However, when I reached the 10-mile mark, the race began to get tough. I soon had to endure 3 miles of stitch followed by 13 miles of knee pain.

It has taken me 2 marathons to realise why I get knee pain.

Last year both went, this year only 1. I realised yesterday that half way through my feet must have swelled with being hot, which makes your feet slightly swell making your shoes seem tighter.

This year only 1 trainer was tight and painful, the knee that went. Surely when your lace goes tight it restricts you knee? Getting your trainers properly laced up is one of the small that need to be considered before a race.

My London Marathon Story: Motivational Monday

My London Marathon Story: Motivational Monday:

The second half of the race was hard work, painful and I was so pleased to push through it.

After 26.2 I realised I absolutely love running!! Buzzing for the rest of the day, feeling very proud of myself and what I had achieve. What could I achieved if my mind had let me train properly?

Maybe I will try and get in next year? If you ever want to run a marathon, London is the one to try, so amazing. The crowd support is absolutely fantastic, 26.2 miles of cheering you on, (just make sure your name is on your shirt).

The cheering you get from everyone is unbelievable. At 25 miles I started to cry, made up with it all.

I was in knee pain and the crowds were shouting my name “come on Claire” and when I started to run again they all cheered out loud. This is simply an amazing feeling.

The water stations were all a welcome sight, Lucozade sport drink was aplenty and simply perfectly timed, and gels were spot on. I could not praise this event enough.

 A fantastic day in all.

My London Marathon Story: Motivational Monday: Have you ever run the London Marathon before?

My London Marathon Story

Some More Posts:

Firstly, London Marathon Countdown 5 Months 17 Days. In April of this year, I did one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. The London Marathon is upon us!! Never, ever again!! It got into my thoughts and lingered there for hours, days, and weeks… Then I began to consider…Wow, I didn’t think that was going to happen! Should I have gone about it a different way?

That’s something I could have changed!! Then it occurred to me that I should attempt it again as my first marathon, and surely it was simply a warm-up? So, by the time the ballots were opened, my spouse had persuaded me to give it another shot!!” Come on, I’ll come in with you; we can get in shape together,” he offered. You won’t be on your alone this time if you go down together and start at the same time!! London Marathon Countdown 5 Months 17 Days.

Secondly, London Marathon 2013: Amazing Day I Will Never Forget:

How quickly time flies…. It’s taken a long for this post to appear, but it is better late than never!! I ran the London Marathon almost two months ago, and it was a day I will never forget. The day I cried nonstop for no apparent reason, the day I worked more than ever, and the day my children walked and travelled for nearly 8 hours throughout London in support of me. (Not that it took me eight hours; it took me five hours and nine minutes.)

They left me at the railway station and found me at the conclusion of the journey. Also, they were amazing, strong, fit, and didn’t moan once!! They laughed with me when I smiled and were sorry for me when I cried; they are amazing, strong, fit, and didn’t groan once!! London Marathon 2013.

Thirdly, London Marathon 2013: Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop. London Marathon 2013 : Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

Fourthly, London Marathon Thought, Sunburn, And Pale Legs!!! London Marathon Thought, Sunburn, And Pale Legs!!!

Fifthly, I Did It!! London Marathon 2013: What An Amazing Experience:

I wept today!! When I dropped my spouse off at the railway station to run the London Marathon. I also cried when I was alone at the London Marathon’s start. I realised I was running my first marathon, I was ecstatic. When the marathon began, I began to cry. The children on the street wanted to high-five me for jogging, I burst out laughing.

When I got to 13 miles and my knees gave up, I may or may not have cried a little. Then I sobbed when I realised I’d have to run another 13 miles while suffering from knee pain. As a result, when I just had 2 miles to go, I cried. I sobbed once more when I had 1 mile to go. I did It!! London Marathon 2013 : Creative Monday Blog Hop.

Last But Not Least, Red Magazine 15th Birthday Edition, My Feature And Runstreak Day 66!! 

i on the left of the picture described as ” The sugar snacker” ( wonder where they get that idea from lol ). I am really pleased with the feature, interview, and pictures although part of me thinks I look as though I’m trying to be the Prime Ministers wife!! haha.

I went to London a few weeks back for the photoshoot and here is me wearing Jimmy Choo shoes and a next skirt, not sure where the top is from. It was great to hold the shoes for a moment as I’ve never ever tried a pair of Jimmy Choo on or even seen any before. Not sure I could walk in them for long though…. Red Magazine 15th Birthday Edition, My Feature And Runstreak Day 66!!

My London Marathon Story: Motivational Monday
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Claire Justine
Claire Justine

Hi, I am Claire and I created Claire Justine in 2011. I hope you enjoy reading my posts as much as I love writing them.

Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts with us.

Claire Justine Oxox- Over 50s Lifestyle Blog. You can also read more about me on my Over 50s Lifestyle Blog Page.

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37 Comments

  1. Patrick weseman
    28 April 2014 / 04:46

    Very cool. Very happy for you. A superjob well done and great pics.

  2. SarahMummy
    25 April 2014 / 15:27

    Very well done! It sounds so tough, but you did brilliantly.

    • Clairejustine oxox
      25 April 2014 / 21:17

      Thanks Sarah 🙂

  3. mum of three boys
    25 April 2014 / 11:49

    Well done Claire, we was there cheering the crowd on as my son had run in the mini marathon that morning. The day is so special, watching so many people run for a cause, your an amazing person x

    • Clairejustine oxox
      25 April 2014 / 21:16

      Aw thanks for the lovely comment 🙂 it is such an amazing day as so many inspiring people …

  4. Morgan Prince
    23 April 2014 / 18:32

    OMG Well done you! That is really amazing. Years ago my dad ran the London marathon and said it was wonderful, I'm so glad you pushed through your doubt and that the crowd spurred you on so much. Congratulations. #AllAboutYou

    • Clairejustine oxox
      23 April 2014 / 20:03

      Aww thank you Morgan 🙂

  5. Annie
    23 April 2014 / 15:53

    Your accomplishment is amazing, especially with pain and all. Running is not for me and I am always amazed by people who can run. I think your family being proud of you is one of the best rewards you can get!

    • Clairejustine oxox
      23 April 2014 / 20:01

      THanks Annie, the look on my husbands face, full of pride was amazing 🙂

  6. 22 April 2014 / 20:17

    Claire – you are amazing! It sounds like the most exhilarating experience, but walking upstairs kills me so I will just enjoy your glory.#MagicMoments

    • Clairejustine oxox
      23 April 2014 / 19:59

      Aww thanks Emma, I so get tired walking upstairs too, hehe 🙂

  7. Shay Noble
    22 April 2014 / 09:30

    You are fantastic!! A massive well done!! I've been running for around 3 years but not attempted anything more than a 10k, maybe it's time to start thinking of bigger plans too? x

    • Clairejustine oxox
      23 April 2014 / 19:55

      Hi Shay, i love 10k distance, it is my favourite distance. I am training up for a good time now 🙂 half marathons are a good one to try?

  8. Winnie
    21 April 2014 / 17:25

    Claire – your are wonderful!! You did it – CONGRATULATIONS !!The word "running" scares me so I'm simply proud of you :)♥

    • Clairejustine oxox
      23 April 2014 / 19:54

      Aww thanks Winnie, ha running scares me too, so why do i run?,hehe 🙂

  9. Julie Corbisiero
    21 April 2014 / 15:38

    Wow are you amazing or what! Congrats on the marathon Claire!

    • Clairejustine oxox
      23 April 2014 / 19:53

      Thanks Julie, was so hard work, ha 🙂

  10. Leanne Rain
    21 April 2014 / 15:04

    Oh well done hunnie!!! Such a Proud Moment! 🙂 #MagicMoments

    • Clairejustine oxox
      23 April 2014 / 19:51

      Aww thank you 🙂

  11. Margarett Murphy
    21 April 2014 / 14:22

    Well done….your right to be so proud of yourself….and all your family and friends are so proud of you too !!!! Great account of your amazing day !!!

    • Clairejustine oxox
      23 April 2014 / 08:28

      Aww thank you 🙂 xx

  12. BurntApple
    21 April 2014 / 12:41

    Great job! I just thought my knee pain was old age! I've only run half marathons and swear I will never be able to run a marathon but we'll see. I totally admire you. Good luck next year!

    • Clairejustine oxox
      23 April 2014 / 08:28

      Aww thank you, I like half marathon distance, that my next goal a half pb! 🙂

  13. Jaime Oliver
    21 April 2014 / 09:53

    wow Claire you are truly inspiring what an amazing achievement! i so cant wait to hear if you do next years too! thanks for linking up with #MagicMoments

    • Clairejustine oxox
      23 April 2014 / 08:27

      Aww thanks Jamie… I'm in the ballot for next years 🙂

  14. Spencer,s Arc
    21 April 2014 / 08:39

    Thats Fab well done and some great pics!

    • Clairejustine oxox
      23 April 2014 / 08:26

      Thanks, my son and husband took these for me when I was running 🙂

  15. Sprout's House
    21 April 2014 / 06:12

    Well done you!! I can't ever imagine having the guts to do it and I quite enjoy running!! Hope you feel really proud of yourself!! xox

    • Clairejustine oxox
      23 April 2014 / 08:26

      Aww thank you 🙂

  16. Barb
    20 April 2014 / 18:49

    Good for you! I'm training for a 10 mile race and a half marathon, both about a month apart this spring. I would love to do a marathon some time. Your experience sounds amazing!

    • Clairejustine oxox
      20 April 2014 / 20:14

      Aww great goals, my next goal is to pb at half marathon 🙂

  17. Debbie Stinedurf
    20 April 2014 / 11:53

    Congratulations!!! You did it!Debbie

    • Clairejustine oxox
      20 April 2014 / 20:13

      Thanks Debbie 🙂

  18. Kezzie
    19 April 2014 / 23:13

    What an amazing account Claire!!! Well done, you did so well!!! I have never done any running event other than a Race for life 5k with my church (and being too competitive, I was the first of our group to finish!) and felt like dying after that! x

    • Clairejustine oxox
      20 April 2014 / 20:13

      Thanks Kezzie, it has taken me all week to write 🙂

  19. amy mayen
    19 April 2014 / 17:25

    Sounds absolutely amazing CJ. I can barely "run" an aErrand, so I'm so impressed and proud of you!

    • Clairejustine oxox
      20 April 2014 / 20:12

      Aww thank you Amy 🙂