Having said that, I must admit that my sunny disposition now is not a reflection of my feelings on the way round- on the day I hated the FLM and swore I would never do it again! I thought the race was hard psychologically, and I suffered from extreme back pain for the last third of the race which is not something I ever had on a run before and it wore me down. I didn't enjoy the crowded nature of the race and the constant jostling about and weaving between other runners, especially not when I got elbowed in the face at mile 19, when I was already feeling low and irrationally annoyed with everyone around me. The experience made me realise that I prefer quieter runs and the uplifting power of interesting scenery, and for my next challenge I think I will choose a smaller event. But at least I'm thinking about the next thing, which proves that I don't feel too bad!
Here are my overall highs and low for this years FLM:
Highs
- The organisation, especially the transport of kit bags, and the smiling staff were fantastic
- A blast of Bon Jovi around mile 22
- Running behind two guys dressed as Baywatch characters and hearing the crowd's response ("I'll be ready...")
- Glimpsing Buckingham Palace in the near distance and the yard markers counting down the remaining steps.
- Wearing my medal on the train home and being congratulated by strangers!
- Having to constantly weave around other runners/walkers and being pushed past
- Being elbowed in the face
- Dodging discarded bottles and other litter when your legs are dead tired
- Back pain and finding that I'd slowed right down from 10 to 13 minute miles without even realising around mile 17 (and never recovering)
- No shade to sit in at the end and struggling with my heavy bags on my own for ages before finding others- I just wanted to cry!
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