Annette Louise de Florinier

I must admit by the Friday before the race I was filled with anxiety about how things would go on the day. I had no appetite, and this was made worse by the fact that I knew I was supposed to be carb loading, I knew I should get more sleep, but I slept very badly. Despite trying to think positively I mind kept filling with negative thoughts and I was not confident that my longest training run was long enough.
However, on Saturday night I suddenly felt better, I had my pasta and meatballs and slept really well. The 5am start was a bit of a shock to the system, but I had a good breakfast and felt ready.
Arriving at Blackheath was so exciting, seeing the area set up for the race, thousands of people descending on Greenwich Park.
The atmosphere was amazing, people were so friendly, everyone nervously chatting in the toilet queue and waiting to start the race. A heavy downpour of rain got us all soaked before the race started, at 10:05am I finally crossed the start line.
The first 10miles were a blur of crowds and noise, which I had never expected. There were so many people on the streets, and handing out fruit and jelly babies, cheering us on. I didn’t notice I was running at all. Tower Bridge was amazing, I knew my family would be there and I was worried that I would miss them, but amazingly I saw them and was lifted to carry on.
I knew I had never run more than 17 miles, so when I passed 18 miles I was so pleased, but very soon after I had a moment of anxiety, another 8 miles to go! Can I do this? I slowed down as I suddenly became conscious of my legs feeling stiff and my toes were hurting. I took on some fuel and thankfully the moment passed. I slowly got through 19 miles, then 20 miles and I was able to think that I only really had a hour to go, I’ve run 6 miles before lots of times, its not far, I kept telling myself.
21 miles very sore toes, ignore it carry on, my legs were powering through but I don’t know how I was doing it.
23 miles, I saw the Havens supporters and this gave me such a lift, only 3 miles left, I had a chance, I could finish. Also this part of London was much nicer and more recognisable than the rest of the race, before I knew it I was passing a sign saying 600m to go. I don’t know how but I found myself sprinting (well I felt like I was, it was probably a fast jog!) I turned into The Mall, this was something I had dreamed of, running to the finish line, and then across, I had done it! The most amazing feeling ever.
Running a Marathon is not easy, its takes mental as well as physical energy to achieve, it’s one of the hardest things I ever done, but at the same time it’s an experience I will never forget. Would I do it again? Probably!

I must admit by the Friday before the race I was filled with anxiety about how things would go on the day. I had no appetite, and this was made worse by the fact that I knew I was supposed to be carb loading, I knew I should get more sleep, but I slept very badly. Despite trying to think positively I mind kept filling with negative thoughts and I was not confident that my longest training run was long enough.
However, on Saturday night I suddenly felt better, I had my pasta and meatballs and slept really well. The 5am start was a bit of a shock to the system, but I had a good breakfast and felt ready.
Arriving at Blackheath was so exciting, seeing the area set up for the race, thousands of people descending on Greenwich Park.
The atmosphere was amazing, people were so friendly, everyone nervously chatting in the toilet queue and waiting to start the race. A heavy downpour of rain got us all soaked before the race started, at 10:05am I finally crossed the start line.
The first 10miles were a blur of crowds and noise, which I had never expected. There were so many people on the streets, and handing out fruit and jelly babies, cheering us on. I didn’t notice I was running at all. Tower Bridge was amazing, I knew my family would be there and I was worried that I would miss them, but amazingly I saw them and was lifted to carry on.
I knew I had never run more than 17 miles, so when I passed 18 miles I was so pleased, but very soon after I had a moment of anxiety, another 8 miles to go! Can I do this? I slowed down as I suddenly became conscious of my legs feeling stiff and my toes were hurting. I took on some fuel and thankfully the moment passed. I slowly got through 19 miles, then 20 miles and I was able to think that I only really had a hour to go, I’ve run 6 miles before lots of times, its not far, I kept telling myself.
21 miles very sore toes, ignore it carry on, my legs were powering through but I don’t know how I was doing it.
23 miles, I saw the Havens supporters and this gave me such a lift, only 3 miles left, I had a chance, I could finish. Also this part of London was much nicer and more recognisable than the rest of the race, before I knew it I was passing a sign saying 600m to go. I don’t know how but I found myself sprinting (well I felt like I was, it was probably a fast jog!) I turned into The Mall, this was something I had dreamed of, running to the finish line, and then across, I had done it! The most amazing feeling ever.
Running a Marathon is not easy, its takes mental as well as physical energy to achieve, it’s one of the hardest things I ever done, but at the same time it’s an experience I will never forget. Would I do it again? Probably!

I cannot believe the training is over, did my final 30mins today, a quick 3 miles.
It feels as if the race has come around very quickly, March and April gave just vanished.
Looking at my running watch totals I’ve run over 300 miles since December, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be now to give it my best efforts.
I have a finish time in mind, but realistically if I complete this race I will be happy.
I went to collect my Race number from Excel today, it was good to see some messages by Havens Runners on the message board.

Good luck everyone!!!
See you on Sunday.

30min SR
Cool and sunny, ran a steady 3miles this morning, keeping the pace up.
Nearly there!

1hr Steady Run.
I really lovely day again, I was very pleased with my run today, did a varied run with some hills and managed 6.25 miles.
Only a couple of short runs to go.
Feeling positive, injury free, and without the really long runs this week, quite perky and ready to go.

10min ER 20min MP 4×1min Sprints with 1min rests 10min ER
5 miles today, the sprints didnt seem to bad.
The weather is so lovely, really enjoying these Spring runs, the sun is out and the breeze is cool, perfect. A big thank you to my mum who has taken care of the children this week, so that I can continue to keep my training on schedule.
I’m still feeling quite nervous about the big day, not long now!

Long Run 1hr 45mins 11.2 miles,
Excellent weather, sunny run up to Shoebury and back, felt very relaxed with the run.
Day 52, 45min SR. With two weeks to go, I woke up with a very nervous feeling. Decided on one of my hillier routes and manages a steady 4.7 miles.
I went on a daytrip to London today with the children, and saw so many runners training in their charity vests, made me feel a little less nervous.

10min ER 30min MP 10min ER
So nice to go out and run in the Spring air. Had a lovely early run today, sunny conditions, slight breeze, 5.3miles. The short runs feel really short now, I remember when 10k felt like a long run, not anymore!

Threshold Run 10min ER 3×12mins 1min Recovery 10min ER
Quite alot of showers meant the run up to Leigh and back was very quiet, and not too crowded for the Bank Holiday, I decided to wear my Marathon kit and had a great 6mile run.
Keep asking myself; “would I do this again?” I suppose I should wait and see after the Big Day, but I have never been so healthy in my life, can I really leave all this behind once the race is over?

Long Run 3hrs
Yes! Finally 3hrs in the bag, my last Long Long Run.
Sunny, but a hard battle against the wind on the way back. Lucozade and water is working with a few sweets thrown in.
Great having my friend’s company for the 3hrs, Thank you again Hazel :0)
Treated myself to an Oreo milkshake after, which was sooo good!!