Gareth John's Blog

Chasing Pavements (Part 23, the finale!)

“And so, then end is near. It’s time to face……”

Well that’s it for another year. I’m just back from the MOST relaxing spa day where my `smashed-to-pieces’ legs were tenderly preened back into some sort of shape after Sunday’s Marathon. Must recommend a `Hot Stone Massage’ while I think about it. This is where heated smooth volcanic rocks are gently rubbed all over so that the warmth from them is released right through your body. Bliss!

In fact, I can almost walk down stairs properly again. And that’s not easy the day after a Marathon. It takes all the effort you can muster to drop from one step to another. Then once you’ve built up a bit of momentum, you find you can’t stop and you end up over-shooting and crashing into a wall. Not pretty.

So, now I’ve had time to reflect, I thought one last blog and then that’s it for the 2008 Marathon.

What a day and what a collection of memories to treasure. Firstly, the crowds. This is what makes the Marathon. To hear complete strangers shout out your name, willing you on when your legs and every fibre are telling you “enough” is something you never forget. It literally drives you to the finish line. And makes for the maddest atmosphere. This is London at its best. Especially when the heavens opened, followed later by a hail-storm. Lovely. To see the crowds staying put in the rain when it would have been so easy to dive for cover and grab a hot chocolate really helped the runners kick on.

Big thanks also to all those in bands or in charge of sound systems. At one point on the route, you run past a YMCA. They had the Village People blasting out of the speakers as I ran along, and as it got to the chorus I had the best view of two hundred weary runners spring into life, raising their arms in the air and launching into a letter-perfect dance routine! Classic.

And well done to the brilliant fruitcake-like stars of the day who decided to run in costume. I can’t even begin to think how much pain the bloke in the Borat thong put himself through dressed up like that. There’s only sooo much that vaseline can do to help!

Really pleased to have seen the Massai warriors on the day. These guys had never even been outside their village before, let alone their home nation of Tanzania and were raising money for a fresh water supply in their community. I caught up with them as they queued in a very orderly fashion for the loo at around Mile 15….great image!

On a personal note, I finished 30 minutes faster than last year, crossing the line in 4hrs 53mins …woo-hoo! And I didn’t get beaten by a pantomime camel or a 2-legged tin of beans this year. I was, though, left for dust by a gorilla who pegged it past me at mile 23! The dodgy calf held up okay and, despite a couple of tricky blisters, my feet are in reasonable shape too. Can’t quite say the same for my nips. Knew I should have gone with the sports-bra idea!

And, most importantly, I’ve almost hit my fundraising target.

So, after all this, have you been inspired by what you saw in town at the weekend, or maybe by the coverage on the telly? I’ve certainly noticed more people out running since Sunday. In fact, if you fancy taking on the challenge, on-line applications are open now for the 2009 Marathon. It is the most special, inspiring and unforgettable experience.

Would I do it again?? Never!

But then I said that this time last year……….

Big love, Gxx

Posted by Gareth John on April 15, 2008 at 10:39AM

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