“I don't do Marathons”
“If you want to win something run 100 metres, if you want to experience
something run a marathon”
- so said Emil Zatopeck, Olympic gold medallist at 5,000 and 10,000
metres and the Marathon in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. In June 2007 I
joined my local running club the Littledown Harriers, 6 months earlier I
had started running again after a few years of not doing much exercise
and as a result I had put on a lot of weight. I was determined to get
fit again as I thought at my age this was going to be my last chance.
Once I got to know some of the guys at the club the talk soon turned to
running marathons “Have you entered
London yet Barry? Most of
us have” “I don't do marathons”
I replied, “they're too much like hard work and take too much
training”. Anyway, to cut a long story short, after a few long
training runs and pints in the bar I found I had entered 4 Marathons,
London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Dublin (well it seemed a good idea at the
time). I know most people thought I was completely bonkers, but baring
accidents or serious injuries I was determined to complete them all.
London was first on the 13th April, I had always regretted not running
the very first one in 1981 (with Jimmy Savile 4.08.28 - “How's about
that, then?”) when I was fitter, stronger and only 29, I was to
watch it on TV for 26 years instead. Now at last at the age of 56 I was
on the start line feeling very nervous and thinking to myself what the
hell am I doing here!!! My whole family came to support me - wife (Patsi),
daughters (Karleh & Lussi) with boyfriends (Mark & Trevor) and my
brothers (Ronald & Michael).
The
whole marathon experience was fantastic especially going over Tower
Bridge where the crowds were all cheering and the noise was incredible.
My target time was a sub 3.30 and although the last few miles were
incredibly hard I'm glad to say I finished in a time of 3.28.49. A big
party at Lorenzo's back in Bournemouth rounded off a great day. Thanks
again to all who sponsored me – I raised over £1,100 for the charity
VICTA – Visually Impaired Children Taking Action.
3
weeks later I was in Belfast with fellow Littledown Harrier Mark White.
We stayed with his Aunt and Uncle in a beautiful farmhouse. The day
before the marathon we were out with his uncle rounding up and feeding
the sheep - that's all I promise. I finished the marathon in a time of
3.34.53 not as fast as London but the route was very hilly and it was a
hot day (well that's my excuse). How times have changed - It did seem a
bit strange running down the Republican Falls road (in a Littledown
Harriers bright orange vest with Bournemouth UK printed on the back) and
then down the Protestant Shankill road. Belfast is now a great city and
everyone I met was very friendly and helpful - if you haven't been I can
recommend it.
Another 3 weeks and Patsi and I were in Edinburgh. I completed it in
3.33.39 a great course and great day. The marathon started cold and very
windy but as we were going out along the coast the sun came out and it
became very hot. Edinburgh is a fantastic city and we had a great time
during our stay, especially the Bank Holiday Monday. We did most of the
tourist stuff including, despite aching legs, walking up to the top of
Arthur's Seat - fantastic 360 degree views. Everyone was very friendly
and lots of men in skirts (oops sorry kilts), still couldn't find out
what they wear under those things though.
The
Dublin marathon on the 27th October - another family holiday with the
wife, daughters and boyfriends coming along for the ride (I mean
support). The Dublin Marathon is internationally known as the
“Friendly
Marathon” and
rightly so (although no one told the guy who tripped me up after 15
miles). A cold but sunny morning and a great course with lots of
supporters all around the route. Running through Phoenix Park was
fabulously especially the down hill section and quite emotional - the
last time I was there was in 1971 finishing the Tour of Ireland bike
race, 800 miles in 8 days. If someone told me then I'd be back in 2008
running a marathon I would have thought they were mad. My time was
3.44.15 the slowest of all 4 marathons (well it's been a hard year) but
I was pleased with that, and we all celebrated in the Temple Bar pub
with lots of Guinness, music and dancing.
Postscript - As I had a few months between Edinburgh and Dublin I
thought I might as well complete my tour of the capital cities of the
British Isles and I ran the Cardiff half marathon on the 19th October
(unfortunately it doesn't have a full marathon any more). I got the
medal to add to my collection - yes I know it's a bit anoraky but it
will be quite unique and be my claim to fame on my tomb stone.
Finally a big thanks to all you Guys and Gals at Littledown for support
and encouragement - I would never have done this without you. Littledown
Harriers is a great club with everyone so friendly and enthusiastic,
joining was one of the best things I've ever done. Thanks to all my
family as well, I'm in FLM next year and will have an extra supporter -
a Grandson.
Here's to 2009 and happy running.
Barry
Light
