Laura's Race Report

Hello all. Thanks for coming out to support us today. It was fantastic seeing you all -- twice!
I suppose I stuck to my race plan in that I tried to run with the 9 minute mile pacer for at least the first half and then see how it was going. This proved difficult as it was very crowded and I don't think she actually hit the spilts for that pace until about mile 18. Struggled to dart in and out of people to keep her in sight more well. Having said that the pace felt faster than I expected -- which was probably a combination of the heat and my not being that fit, having done my training runs very slowly.

Anyway, I made a gallant effort up to about mile 18 but my legs were starting to seize and feel quite crampy so I decided to save my skin and adopt a jog-walk plan from there on out. At one point I stoppped for a massage by what I thought were people from St. John's Ambulance but turned out to be Scientologists! I ran away when I realized that, having wasted a precious few minutes there!

Walking wasn't much more comfortable than running, really, but there seemed to be a few heat casualties so it may have saved me an injury or getting quite ill.

So I managed 4:23 and am pleased. A year ago I couldn't plod 2 slow miles without stopping to walk, having just had my baby. (Also not bad considering it was quite warm, I only trained for 12 weeks, mostly with a jogging buggy, and my "long" runs were one 10 mile, two 12's and a 14.5) And best of all, it's 3 minutes quicker than my first London effort when I was 5 years younger and had trained more.

As always, the crowd support was nothing short of phenomenal. Thanks so much Clapham Runners! Wonderful support. And a BIG well done to my fellow club members. Hope you're all feeling good. xxx

Race Day

Marathon done and dusted, all 4 clapham runners spotted (eventually) plus friends, neighbours and old club members.

Congratulations to all who finished.

Anthony = 4.06
Laura = 4.23
Sinead = 4.34
Lindsay = 6.04

Rest, relaxation, ice-baths and massage recommended for all, including supporters - it's thirsty work cheering everyone on, don't ya know!

London Marathon - race day minus 2!

Cheerleading preparation done!

A group of clapham runners will be supporting their fellow club members at the 14/21(ish) mile points (indicated in pink). We are meeting at Limehouse at 9.50 or on the course for those who don't like early mornings!

We will be shouting encouragement and waving a banner lovingly handcrafted by Martin (pictured below). Smile when you see us as we will also be armed with a camera!

Lets hope we spot everyone - GOOD LUCK!

It's Thursday - it's track day!

A lazy start to the day before an 8am physio appointment (Graham @ Balance is finally back from his 'Volcano extended' break)! Now I'm counting down the hours before heading to Battersea track to see what Jon has in store for us tonight.

For all those running this weekend - have a great time, stick to what you know and run your own race. And do it with a smile! Look out for our banner - made it last night complete with yellow and black hazard tape round the side so you can see us!!

GOOD LUCK london marathoners

Wishing everyone running the London marathon good luck for Sunday. It looks like it it going to be a warm day, good for the spectators but not so good for the runners. Hopefully I'll be able to spot you all.

Ice ‘bath’ magic

After watching Eddie Izzard’s marathon exploits, I decided to see if all the pain he put himself though after a day’s running was worth it. Yes – I decided to have an ice bath after completing Paris, in fact I had two (one a few hours after and another the following morning). Gosh they were cold, gosh they made 10 minutes feel like an eternity, but I do think they worked!

Two days after the marathon and I’m feeling unexpectedly good – I don’t mean to gloat but I can manage stairs without grimacing and I can even tie my shoe laces, not sure it will work for everyone but I will be doing it again!

Check out this you tube clip to help you spot fellow runners.

3 PB's

As the intrepid band of Clapham Runners return to Blighty news is confirmed that all three racers got PB's

Fiona 3:56
Krysia 3:57
Laurence 4:20

Well done to all!

They've set the bar high for those running London, but also showed what a good winter of training can achieve - you guys will be fine!