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26.2
MILES...........
On 19th August 2002 my Grandson, Jamie was born. Due to
complications in the pregnancy he was born at 26 weeks (14 weeks
premature) and weighed 2 lbs 5 ozs. Jamie spent the next 101 days in
Southmead Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. During his time with the Doctors
and Nurses at Southmead he suffered from a bacterial form of meningitis,
was on an array of medication, and had a selection of tubes and wires to
monitor his progress. I ran London Marathon to raise funds for the
Unit as part of the North Bristol NHS Trust without whom I would not have
a grandson. Simon Spedding
Many thanks for all who donated money which will go
towards the Tiny Lives Campaign at Southmead.
The Marathon and the art of blue line fever. London
marathon 2003
For the Marathon, Addidas are promoting the seven stages of
the marathon. Here is my version.
- The
easy bit: - Standing in a field queuing for the toilet wandering around
looking for people I know.
- The
slightly difficult bit: - The sun is shining the roads are clear the
legs are fresh and everyone is chatty and 3 6 miles is no problem. Steady
and relaxed.
- Intermediate
reality: - The first few miles promised much, the pace was fine, the
lungs were fresh, and a steady time was on the cards. 2.50 was probably a
bit optimistic 2.55 was realistic and 3hrs if it bombs! Ill settle on
255
- Blue
line fever: - the blue dotted line is the shortest route around the 26.2
miles. Follow it, focus on it. No problem. Tower Bridge was a distraction
and a very welcome one two. Fantastic crowds, but its only 12 miles into the
race. Half way is looking OK 1-2650. Even splits for 255? Ive
done it before.
- The
calm before the storm: - I started looking for mile markers from 16
having being totally blue-lined for the previous 3 and missed the14 and 15
markers. Looking back the splits for the 3 miles to this stage were
metromonic-ish. 1937, 1921, 2004, 1920, 1937
- The
storm: - Having hit the groove, the wheels started to come loose. Would
they come off? Dig deep and focus dont walk was the mantra. I could feel
the pain, and the miles were slipping away. Adjust target time I thought.
2.57 thatll do. The main soon took control though. Somebody after said
they ran like a three-legged dog. I ran like a dog with no legs. Call me
stumpy. The consolation was that I refused to walk. If I walked it would
have beaten me.
- The
end: - 25937". The pain was awful there was no relief at the
end and the crowd couldn't help me help, I was beyond help.
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