Wow, such a fantastic experience and the support of my friends and this club are massive parts of my running life. Having Alison, another Wreakie there, helped take the stress out of the journey and I think we both benefited from having a friendly face. Race day camaraderie started before we even got to the platform with Alison engaging with the other runners whilst I quietly sipped my coffee. The atmosphere on the train was buzzing, and we bonded with random strangers by this daunting challenge of which we were all about to embark. The start area was so well organised, but busy so I was delighted when Steve ambushed me near the toilet queues. We spotted Rachel and John as we waited by the bandstand, and finally caught up with a slightly soggy looking Peter as we shuffled into the pen for our starting wave.
At just before 11 three Wreakies crossed the start line together and the last chapter of this epic adventure was underway. As was the unofficial side competition, to get the most shout outs from the crowd, and I don’t know what Steve had done to upset the good people of greater London but it must have been bad! The streets of London were lined with a living wall of support, with encouraging high 5’s and tubs, bowls & plates of everything a runner may wish for to help fuel them on their way. Even at the quietest points, which were few and far between, there were people every few meters offering support and encouragement. There are obvious highlights on the course where the crowds are thickest; the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf really stand out. The joy and buzz of running these parts really has to be felt to be believed. I laughed with pure joy as I went through them and had goose bumps of pleasure. Walls of noise hit you like a hammer blow. It can seem almost overwhelming. The drummers in the underpasses are a physical assault on the body and the senses. The choirs, bagpipes, bands and DJ’s lift you time and time again. Urging you on to go further than you ever believed you could.
On that 21st mile, watching the other runners pass on their 14th, one of the DJ’s actually started playing YMCA. Obviously this made me think of my physio, and I said aloud “C, they’re playing your song”, which almost made me cry. I lost count of the number of times in those miles that the crowd lifted me. The ripple of people shouting “Come on Bob, keep going” and the roar as you start to run again is indescribable. I was determined to run the last mile and in fact managed to run most of the last 2. At New Scotland Yard I picked up a new single serving friend who was walking and together we made it onto the Mall, drawing strength from each other. The Mall to the finish was everything you could hope for. I finished strongly and crossed the line with a smile. As I stood with my hands on my knees I saw one of the volunteers start towards me to offer me assistance, so straightened up and drank in the joys of our achievements. Would I encourage others to do it? Absolutely YES, YES, YES!