Time not givenI thought that I was well prepared for everything that the FLM could throw atme. I had energy gels, immodium, blister plasters and ibuprofen.What I didn't anticipate was the huge lump in my throat in the last milewhich almost stopped
-strengthening exercises. The key to finishing was good advice: I had a good pair of trainers that catered for my clumsy running style, and I took energy gels every hour with a bit of energy bar. I also wore a belt carrying a bottle of Lucozade Sport that I would refill
:21 My first FLM, my first marathon - what more can I say...It was a glorious day that in the end, though it proved to be a little too hot, as is evident from my vest-shaped sunburn. The day started well, with a plan of an energy gel every 35 minutes
, half a dozen energy gels and a huge handful of jelly babies. Then smeared some Vaseline onto my nipples (kinky) and under my arms and gave my kit bag in to the nice lady by the lorry. Also made sure that I had my timing chip attached securely to my
afterwards why they were so far along the course but the explanation was soon obvious: they were sitting in sunshine outside a pub with cold beers, chilled wine, etc, etc - hugely unfair.Feeling refreshed I kept going and had first of my planned energy gels
and the energy bar hit the pavement. A St John's ambulance guy was there in a flash. He wiped my face and I said I was fine.It was at that point I lost all train of thought in terms of time, what I wanted to do, and where I wanted to be. I don't know how long
and Canary Wharf....By mile 15 my legs were really heavy, and no amount of water, bananas, energy gels or jelly babies (provided by the heroes of the RW support team) were waking them up. I had felt much better than this in training, but it wasn't 18 degrees
suffered a bit in the warm weather and am still not getting the drinks and gels quite right), overall I didn't do badly for an old codger for the first timeBest moment? Although parental madness is confirmed for ever, it is more than offset by a
3:00 TO 4:00 (Page 9) Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 --Jon Hull, 4:00What an amazing eventThe best part: every single mile, where spectators are cheering and routing for you. A truly democratic sport - what a feeling.The worst moment: about 22
ripped off one of the energy gels I had strapped to my backpack and decided to have one every hour, whether I wanted it or not.Just before the bridge I called Al to let her know I would be there in about 10 minutes, but there was no answer. The approach
