30th March 2003

Having been there from the creation of this training run, we were made honorary members of the Serpentine Running Club for one weekend of the year.  For those of the London club, the weekend two weeks before the London Marathon has become a popular annual training run.

The route follows the last half of the London Marathon (where footpaths allow) that has allowed runners to familiar themselves with the route.  This can be seen as a bit of a positive mental attitude training.  For example, knowing that the route around Canary Wharf is only 30 minutes of running can help pick you up at a lonely and tiring part of the marathon.

The day was bright and sunny.  At 9am, various pace groups set off from Tower Bridge along the Highway.  I joined the 8 minute mile group being the pace that I had trained  at all winter, settled in with my group and enjoyed the scenery whilst I could.  I was sure that in two weeks I wouldn't be able to take anything in, let alone the scenery.

At the City of Pride pub, close to that roundabout with about 100 traffic lights on it, Katy was helping with a water stop.  Having been a member of the Serpies before joining the Striders, it was a brief moment for Katy to enthusiastically catch up with old friends.  

We continued round past the London Arena whilst we joked about supports shouting encouraging words like "Looking Good!".  Usually during the Marathon you just want to slap anyone who says that at this stage, knowing full well that you probably look and run like an exhausted walrus!

The Isle of Dogs was left surprisingly quickly behind and were now back along the highway.  We dodged past the tourist around the Tower of London and ran along the Embankment towards Big Ben.  With many other casual joggers running also, this must be one of the most picturesque and popular runs in the UK on a warm and bright Sunday morning.

Crossing the Embankment past Big Ben into Bird Cage Walk was a little care free (walking through the underground didn't really appeal) our group pushed into the last mile.  Round past Buckingham Palace we ran along the road whilst the tourist looked on wondering what major event they were witnessing.  When we crossed our imaginary finish line a few tourist even clapped!

A short walk to DFID's government building for a complimentary shower, Costa Coffee and an amazing amount of bagels for lunch.  It was a time to catch up with old friends and exchange training and marathon war stories. 

Rich & Katy