We’re in the middle of Half Term holidays here in Rutland and unlike many other places half term lasts 2 weeks instead of just one. Great to have the children home but squeezing in chores, running schedules, updating this site and keeping the kids occupied can be challenging!
Last Monday we had our lovely friend and neighbour, Mike, drop in for coffee. Wherever we go in Oakham, we find ourselves waving a quick hello to Mike who seems permanently attached to the seat of his bike as he whizzes around the place. One thing I didn’t know until very recently is that Mike ran in the London Marathon 25 years ago!
Mike, wearing his London Marathon medal, with my son George
He had actually got a place in the 1982 marathon (see my previous post for a history lesson on the London Marathon) but due to injury had to pull out. It then took him another 3 years to get another place. So, 1985 was his year and he still has the medal and official photo to prove it. It was really interesting talking to him about his experience.
The crowds, Mike said, played a huge part in motivating each and every runner. He can still remember complete strangers shouting words of encouragement from the crowd that lined the route. When the runners reached the cobblestones at Tower Bridge, the organisers had thoughtfully laid down sections of carpet to help protect the thousands of feet passing through. Today, I believe, the course has been altered slightly to avoid the cobblestone obstacle.
Mike’s training had involved regular shorter races during the 3 years whilst waiting for a Marathon place. He advised me to concentrate on just completing the course and not getting hung up on running too quickly. He did ask what time I wanted to run the Marathon in but, although I’ve got an idea, I don’t want to tell anyone..not just yet! We chatted about the amount of help and advice available to runners today. When Mike was running, he didn’t have the benefit of the sport nutrition and technological advances in running shoes that we have today. In fact, a can of tinned spaghetti was his Marathon breakfast!!
My eldest son, George, convinced Mike to wear his 1985 London Marathon medal for a photo .. here they are! Thanks Mike for the advice and support – you’re a star!
