Hi my name is Suzanne Pringle, and I recently ran the London Marathon for the first time. Jill Marsh has asked me to write about my experience.
I started my training on January 2nd. In the mornings, I would either go for a run or to the gym, which afterwards, put me in a good mood for the rest of the day. I don’t like the winter or the cold, coming from New Zealand, I still can’t get used to it, but I found the training helped me.
Gradually my runs became longer and I found I had bags of energy. My friends kept following my progress and I must say I even surprised myself with my determination. March arrived, not a good month as I turned 40 and they cancelled the Reading half marathon, which I was going to use as a part of my training. My training eased off though I did manage to run at least twice a week.
By the beginning of April I started to be really positive about the marathon. I decided to run for CRY. I have known Jill since my eldest son Daniel started Plus three nursery four years ago. Both my sons will be encouraged to participate in sports so I heartily endorse the screening of children, as my own two will be screened at the age of 14.
The day before the marathon, my husband and children went up to London Arena in Docklands to register my number and microchip. The microchip was attached to your shoe and timed your progress throughout specific stages of the marathon, it was really exciting and even my husband was excited.
I didn’t sleep to well the night before, as I was so nervous. The day the marathon arrived, I was up at 05:00am. By the time I had walked the dog, made lunches for everybody and consumed so many litres of water, I was ready.
As we left for London we had planned on driving to Richmond to catch a train. But Jeff decided we should drive to Waterloo station, in order to catch a train direct to Maze Hill which was the starting point of the race. By this time I was still drinking lots of water.
When we arrived at Maze Hill station there was so many people, runners of all ages and sizes. The walk or hike from the station to the starting area meant walking up a very steep hill which even then tired me out. I had been suffering from blisters, so at the exhibition at London Arena the day before, I picked up some spray. When we got to the top of Maze Hill, I gave my feet a good spray.
There were thousands of runners including people who were dressed up in all sorts of different costumes. The atmosphere then was fantastic, everybody both was gearing themselves up, laughing and joking. After stripping down to my running clothes, I had to hand in my race bag to one of the many trucks that were by the starting point. Then it was big hugs and kisses to my husband and boys before proceeding to my start point, which was identified depending on my number.
I started chatting to some of the girls around me. who were asking about my preparation and the longest I had run in training. I mumbled 12 miles two weeks ago, and then wondered what I had let myself in for. Suddenly we started walking and it was over 5 minutes before we crossed the start line. It was the best feeling ever. All along the route there were hundreds/thousands of people encouraging us all, it was very emotional. The pubs and bars had music playing. it was very much a party atmosphere.
By mile 15 I knew then that I could do it. I felt good and carried on. I didn’t know where I was heading for, so just followed the crowds. As I passed the 19-mile mark, I also passed Stephen Redgrave. He is very tall in real life. Nice body though! By mile 23, I had teamed up with another girl and decided to run the last few miles together.
As the end drew near the miles seemed longer. Mile 25, we both made a dash for it. I crossed the finish line punching the air I had done it. I received my medal and had my photograph taken and also received numerous other things. All I wanted to do at that stage was to see my family. I borrowed someone’s mobile to contact Jeff, who was with me soon after. It was so emotional. Jeff and the boys were so proud of me. They didn’t get the chance to see me running, but still enjoyed themselves. My brother and family met up us soon after, it was great.
The day after the run I couldn’t walk down the stairs, but by Tuesday I was feeling okay and Wednesday I went for a run. My running has since eased off since the marathon, although I am doing the BUPA great south run in October. My boys are also doing the junior run which is half a mile, so will have to get them out training with Jeff
I know it is easy for me to say having run the marathon, but I believe anyone has a marathon in them. You don’t have to train everyday. It is a wonderful feeling to achieve by yourself, for yourself and no one can take it from you. So as you are reading this, you could be writing this next year. Go on! Go for it! What have you got to lose? You only gain.
