Believe in yourself, and you just never know...

Easy does it.

This was supposed to be a medium pace run, but after a couple of miles my running partner turned his ankle.  He told me to go on, but that didn't seem right, especially as he waited for me a couple of years back when I hit my head during a trail run.  Lets hope the karma gods remember this on race day ;o)

Easy stuff on the trail.

Wanted to do some speed work, but legs felt very tired for some reason so took it easy.

Didn't get going until mid-morning as needed to take the pup to get a haircut.  By that time it was already pretty warm.  I thought I could handle it, but quickly realised that I wouldn't be able to manage anyMGP action.  As such decided to switch my Saturday and Sunday runs.  Fingers crossed for tomorrow ;o).

Legs felt lifeless this morning.  Fingers crossed for later in the week ;o).

Tough run.  Its been a busy week at work.  Didn't get home from work until 6pm, and didn't et out for this run until almost 7:30pm.  I managed 5 x 800 meters before my legs said no more.  It didn't help that I hadn't eaten since about 12noon.  Oh well, there was speed in the one's I did.

Easy goes it.

Good run.  Didn't get going until the evening.  Ran 4 miles easy, then 3 at MGP, and then 1 full bells and whistles miles before 4 slower miles.  Had to do it that way as the middle stretch was the only part that didn't involve stopping at traffic lights etc.

Warm up then roughly 3K at MGP followed by a cool down.   Legs didn't feel great, but didn't sleep well ahead of my flight.

Super easy stuff.

Background - Where to begin?  I grew up on the very outskirts of LondonWell the London Marathon got me interested in distance running from an early age.  I used to watch it every year on the BBC, and promised myself that one day I'd do it.  I entered the ballot/lottery a couple of times in the early 2000s, but without success.  Then it became apparent that I'd be moving to the US to I registered to run for a charity in the 2006 race.  I did the same thing in 2007.  At this point I was hooked, so when I moved to Austin I signed up for the distance challenge, in the process met Caroline and Ian who both encouraged me to join the Gazelles, and the rest as they say is history!

Training - I have to admit that I hadn't been as diligent as I could have been on the training front.  Sure there were mitigating factors, and I certainly felt the effect of the missed workouts in the closing miles!

Race Day - Walked to London Bridge station and just managed to get on the jam packed train to the "blue start" near Blackheath (park).  After a 5-10 minute walk we crested a hill, and then you could see the start area.  I have to admit that this brought back memories from 5 and 6 years ago, and in the process a few tears to my eyes.  The weather was close to perfect as it was around 50 degrees, bright, clear and maybe a slight breeze.  I felt that maybe I could run a great time despite the training hick ups!

The race itself - The start area was well organized, but very crowded.  The first few miles were very congested.  However, I felt relaxed and smooth running at a 7:30 pace or thereabouts.  I saw Melissa (my better half) at around mile 9, which was a big boost.  At around mile 12, I started to feel a little warm, but still relaxed.  Shortly afterwards you run over Tower Bridge, which is a great experience.  You then turn right towards Docklands, which as the name suggests is home to the area where the London docks were housed. I passed halfway still feeling good.  The race also doubles back here so I saw the elite runners at around mile 13 1/2 for me when they were they were at about 21 1/2 miles.  It was running through Docklands that I started to feel my legs getting tired.  My form was suffering, and my stride getting shorter.  I knew my hopes of my goal time were dashed, but had to find a way to stay motivated and focused.  I tried to think of a those who have helped me in my 4 years with the Gazelles, and that I'd soon see Melissa and a couple if friends.  I was relieved to leave the Docklands area, and head West towards Westminster (Parliament, Big Ben etc). There was a very slight headwind.  However, the crowd support was amazing, which kept me going.  It was also starting to warm up, and I could feel the sunburn on my shoulders and neck (although I appreciate that it was nothing compared to Boston).  The London Eye (large Ferris wheel) came into view and I decided to focus on reaching that.  It became harder and harder to stay focused, and keep moving.  However, the crowds are very thick coming down the Victoria Embankment (road), and it was almost deafening at times.  About a mile from the finish I heard someone shout "a Gazelle wow".  It was a runner from Rogue.  I tried to respond and uphold Gazelle pride, but the tank was empty.  Finally I turned right towards Parliament Square, and then left onto Birdcage Walk and I could see Buckingham Palace, and the 800 meters to go sign. I was able to pull off a mini kick and come home in 3:27 + change.  Not what I'd hoped for, but 15 minutes quicker than my previous best in London.  The good news is that next up is likely to be Austin 2013, and last time I ran Austin (2008) after London (2007), I improved my time by 22 minutes, which is roughly what I need to BQ.

First run back.  Averaged about 9 min/miles on the I-35 trail loop.

Easy miles at Hancock Golf Course.