Bitterne Park’s Ross Fothergill ran the London Marathon on April 22 to raise funds for Age Concern. Here's how it went.I'm delighted to let you know that I completed the marathon in 4:35:13 (which was around the time I expected). Everyone seemed to start the run faster than I liked, but I managed to stick to my own pace. All I wanted was to just complete the distance. As you may have heard it was apparently the hottest London Marathon ever, so I made sure that I drank a lot of water and consumed some carbo-gels. I can't say that I personally noticed the heat. What affected me most was the continuous impact on my joints (my right hip felt quite weak once I had finished). I have been feeling stiff, but am gradually getting back to normal.
I am especially chuffed with my achievement, because for the three nights before, I couldn't sleep as well as I would have liked (due to excitement/nerves) and I was concerned that this would have a negative effect. Once I was at the start and involved in the great atmosphere I think adrenalin took over and I didn't notice any tiredness.
Up to the big day, the furthest I had ever run was 18 miles. On the day, I struggled from the 20-mile mark up to 22 miles, then I had a bit of a lift and I new I could finish the final four miles. Saw my girlfriend (Anna) and friends to cheer me on in the last mile and then heard someone say just 600m to go; surprisingly I felt relieved when I heard that.
As for the fundraising, my target was Ł1500. I haven't added everything up yet because my parents have some of my sponsorship forms, but I know that I have definitely gone over that target. I now have until June to collect it all and people can still sponsor me at www.justgiving.com/gorossgo .
Ross Fothergill