London Marathon anyone?

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 26 Apr 01 - 01:51 PM

I bet that was a picture, Mary! Thanks for the story, and good luck to the young'un on Saturday.

Skipjack

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 25 Apr 01 - 01:57 PM

Skipjack, I ran my first mile at the age of 39 after I got my thyroid medicine. I ran the Minimarathon (13.2 miles) at the age of 41, two years before I was diagnosed with MS (which one doctor said was impossible.) Now my incoordination makes it too dangerous to try to run.

I understand about having somebody "talk" you through the tough parts. One guy asked me to talk him through "the park." So picture me, a 41-year-old 12-minute-miler with knee sleeves on both knees, trudging up "golf course hill" with all the middle-aged fat men, FOLLOWED BY THE AMBULANCE! The EMT's finally pulled over to visit a bar at about the 10 mile mark.

I miss running, but not really very much. My son-in-law is running the Mini this Saturday, so I'll be cheering him on too!

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 25 Apr 01 - 01:34 PM

ahem...my 'distance speed' was 12 minute miles, slightly better than walking! Congratulations again.

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: John J
Date: 25 Apr 01 - 12:54 PM

If I could do better than 2hrs I'd be quite happy; 8.40 to 9 minute miles is my 'distance speed'. John

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 25 Apr 01 - 11:48 AM

Like the idea of a session, John. I'll get in touch nearer the big day and see what we can do. Thanks for the offer of running mates. What sort of time do you envisage?

Skipjack

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: John J
Date: 25 Apr 01 - 11:22 AM

Skipjack, I'm certainly doing the Great North Run again this year, perhaps all these unhinged musicians should get together for this year's run?! I'll even bring my melodeon for a session, but I ain't running with it! You'd be most welcome to run with me and my buddies; we're looking to do a bit better than 2hrs, not easy with such a big field. Big Tim: wow! I'm not in your league! There's no way I could do that sort of time, 4hs perhaps. Well done, and thanks to everyone's best wishes! John

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 25 Apr 01 - 11:07 AM

John, I'm warming up for the Great North in September. Did it a couple of years ago, in a grindingly slow 2.15, but I raised a shedload of cash (threats to suppliers, not the hard way decent people do it). My backers are up to double or quits for a sub 2 hour result, but I need a running mate on the day to urge me through the 9 mile pain barrier. Are you doing it this year?

I'm doing 8 minute miles for 6 miles plus, but have serious troubles into double figures. I'm a broad transomed 40 something who came late to this masochistic pastime.

And you could talk me out of the piano accordion!

Skipjack

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: Sorcha
Date: 24 Apr 01 - 04:33 PM

You guys are CRAZY!! (lol). Run 24+ miles for FUN?? I'd rather play music. Good time, tho, JJ. Congrats to you and all those who even managed to finish.....no way I could.

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: Bernard
Date: 24 Apr 01 - 03:24 PM

I did the Marathon often - until they re-named it 'Snickers'!!

Good lad John (and Big Tim - were a worm? Or was that Jim?)... now, which one is next?

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: Louisa
Date: 24 Apr 01 - 12:35 PM

I went to my regular Sunday session last Sunday and when I got there one of my fellow musicians said - I thought you'd be running the marathon

Not blooming likely! Just the thought of it makes me tired. Anyway, I am very impressed John J and Big Tim - well done!

Louisa x

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: Big Tim
Date: 24 Apr 01 - 06:37 AM

Does this count? I ran it in 1982 before I joined Mudcat. The temperature was in the 80s and I crossed the line absolutely exhausted and dehydrated in 3:02 and just lay comatose on the tarmac for a full 20 minutes. Had a battle with Peter Duncan of Blue Peter, remember him, can't remember now who won! Hope to do it again on my 60th birthday (in 4 years) with a target of 4 hours and a gallon of water, if the old achilles tendons permit. All the best.

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: John J
Date: 24 Apr 01 - 03:36 AM

I did the run just for the hell of it (you could say it keeps me off the streets but that wouldn't be true would it?! I think if i'd had run around with my melodeon strapped on I'd have ended up in the local psychiatric hospital, never mind A&E! Thanks for all the good wishes (I passed Steve Redgrave around 15m, he's a big lad!) John

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: Cobble
Date: 23 Apr 01 - 09:19 PM

Very well done JJ

Good time too, not every day you can say you beat the worlds greatest olympian!!!

Sir Steve Redgrave did about 4.55

Did you run for the hell of it, or did you raise money for charity ?

Mrs C

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: Noreen
Date: 23 Apr 01 - 07:32 PM

Now John, if you'd have run the marathon with your big box strapped to you, I bet you would have found some music... and probably the local A&E dept too!

Well done!

Noreen

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: John J at home
Date: 23 Apr 01 - 05:12 PM

Thanks Mary! I've just got home a couple of hours ago. Got round in an ok time of 4:26,but it was VERY crowded field. Might do 4:10 next year. Sadly couldn'r find any folk song / music around the area although I'm sure it was there somewhere. Ho hum. John PS hello Bernard.

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 19 Apr 01 - 04:26 PM

I'll be with you in spirit! The Kentucky Derby Minimarathon (1/2 marathon, which I ran in 1992) is coming up soon. I know the sacrifices it takes to do this, and I admire anyone who can survive!

Bernard, the first race my son ran in when he was 14...a band played Chariots of Fire as they ran up the street.

When I ran the mini, there were bands everywhere to help us along, trouble is I always speeded up to keep time with the music!

Good luck John!

Subject: RE: London Marathon anyone?
From: Bernard
Date: 19 Apr 01 - 03:57 PM

I was going to say 'Ask JJ' - but you beat me to it by starting the thread. So I'll shut up!

Can I bring my piano and play 'Chariots of Fire!?!

Subject: London Marathon anyone?
From: John J
Date: 19 Apr 01 - 12:58 PM

Are there any misguided souls (other than me) out there in Mudcatland doing the London this Sunday? John