Andy with some of the Diabetes UK tutu runners at the Cutty Sark before the London marathon, 2006.

Andy's 2006 Flora London Marathon for Diabetes UK

Sunday 23 April 2006

In spite of having run two previous marathons, I must say that I have never felt so nervous. I got up half an hour before my alarm was due to go off as I was fed up of tossing and turning and forced breakfast down. I felt sick, my legs felt like jelly and I had a headache. Great start!

By the time we reached the Cutty Sark to meet up with the other Diabetes UK tutu runners, I didn't feel much better but tried to reassure myself that it was merely nerves and I would be fine as soon as I got going. My nervous anticipation was a feeling shared by the other runners as we made our way to Greenwich Common for the start.

9.45am the gun goes off and penned in amongst thousands of runners, we remove our sporty black bin bags to keep us warm and walk towards the start line. As soon as we cross the start line, the mass movement of bodies breaks into a slow jog and my marathon is underway.

The next few hours is a spectacle of colour, noise, cheers, brass bands, rock bands, reggae bands, flag-wavers, children, high-fives, hooters, horns, balloons, offers of sweeties, encouragement, cheeky comments, waves, water, rain, a Beatles band, the human centipede, countless superheros, rhinos, bears, kilts, tutus, centurions, firemen, Lucozade, drizzle, moving running tributes to loved ones lost, and causes close to people's hearts...

I was told by several people "you must do the London marathon, the crowds are amazing". Well it is certainly true and I really had no idea HOW amazing the crowds are, who cheer you on by name and literally bring a smile to your face when your legs are signalling otherwise.

I think I hit the wall at mile 23. The first half flew by with so much going on and the constant attention required to avoid the other runners as the potential for tripping certainly keeps you on your toes. By mile 17, whilst feeling tired and having to work much harder, I still felt I had plenty more to give. Mile 23, I feel light-headed, hungry, and the effort is hurting. I remember running close to the crowds along Victoria Embankment thinking, "please, please somebody have some sweets." My wish was fulfilled as a hand with three jelly babies approached. I think the bearer of the jelly babies was taken back by the eagerness with which I grabbed all three sweets (not something I would normally do in polite company) and it was the encouragement I needed to gee me up for the final furlong. As I rounded Big Ben into Birdcage Walk, those jelly babies obviously fueled a second wind and I strode towards the finish passing signs 600m... 400m... 200m... the "Remember to keep breathing" placard... the finish line.

I had beaten my previous personal best by 7 minutes and finished in 3hrs 38mins 23secs. But even if I had finished in 6 hours, it would have taken nothing away from the experience. Many of my co-runners from Diabetes UK are diabetics, one is awaiting an operation soon and was under doctor's orders to "take it easy!!", one was taken to hospital with less than a mile to go... Between us all we will have raised about a quarter of a million pounds for Diabetes UK, so it was definitely worth the effort. So thank you for sponsoring me and supporting me. Runners, crowds, supporters, contributors, well-wishers can all feel that they did their bit for Diabetes.

I promise I shalln't pester you for more sponsorship (for another few years any way). Thank you again.

Interview with Andy before the marathon...