VLM 2011 - as it happened..

April 17th is now a distant memory apart from the occasional tearing pain on my left plantar fascia.

They say, a day of rest required for every mile run...and its been, how many days? and how many times have I been running since?

Less than the number of fingers I can use on one hand. and it hasn't been 26 days yet.

Justification for not taking a complete break from running? To maximise photography time before the Royal Wedding, to lessen the guilt of having that extra brownie, or that big meal....hmmm.

The Marathon Blues? Yes.

On being questioned - when's the next race? My answer would be - I've signed up for the VLM 2012 ballot. (and honestly, I've missed the New York City marathon ballot, even looked into the package - which falls on my birthday this year! and also missed the deadline for my local 10k in a fortnight's time). I've been also frantically looking up another 10k to do in may or early june....after all, 10k compared to 42kms is a cinch....but read the first line of this post again.Am I ready to do this all again soon?

Anyway, the road doesnt end there (I know, and I hope). So to put VLM 2011 to rest for now (bar the purchase of MarathonFotos from the website - daylight robbery!) , here's an account as it happened...along the route.. on the Big Day.

[7ish am : on Twitter:]  On the Marathon express (from London Bridge) to Blackheath, then it's my legs express to the Mall via #VLM #MyVLM GoodLuckAll! (the train was just a direct train, which ended up being really, really slow). Laughed at those tweets of people declaring their Pen numbers to retweet to find starting partners.

[08:15] admired the tranquility of Blackheath on my first ever visit, the big hill and giant balloons approaching the Blue start.
[08:30] Picture was taken, picture was posted on flickr, emailed to hubby. Tried to look for a normal toilet but it didn't exist. Had to resort to the female urinal and the p-mate, 3 goes, 2 successful attempts. Not a pretty sight within the fenced area and lots of female chattering.
[09:00] Said Thank you to volunteers manning water stations and those lifting our luggage to the trucks, I made sure I didn't give them a hard time.
[09:20] Mozzied way into Pen 8 of Blue start. They really did check our bibs! No sight of the Timex Pacers initially, when I saw the Pink lollypops (10 min/mile pacer) I meandered as close as I could to the end of Pen 7.
[09:45] Helicopters flying overhead....we slowly moved forward...I got ready, saw Seng's message on the phone before I pressed Go on Runkeeper, tears in my eyes? I think there was a little....as I went across the start, Timex watch started...go!

[Miles 1-2] peaceful, trying to set an easy pace, in the slight coolness of that sunday morning, in an unfamiliar part of London....this almost felt like the Watford/Reading Half Marathon all over again. I left the pink lollipops behind, knowing this is only normal. I'll worry if I see them again - hopefully not too soon.

[Mile 3] the red and blue starts merge on this bit when the road goes downhill...its only Mile 3? I was still behind my target pace...although there were slight improvements, bit by bit. the music starts to pick up all around us...

[Mile 4/Mile 5] just saw the brown lollipop (9 minute mile) go past me. what? no way...I didn't feel I was going that fast...could this be my day? a sub-4 perhaps? I couldn't bear this thought..


[Mile 6] and it's only Greenwich! Finally starting to recognise the park and the sights. Another few miles till my first milestone...

[Mile 8/Mile 9] just went past surrey quays, my first visit to this new area, still in good time I think....I think I saw brown lollipop past me again? how can that be true?

[Mile 10] finally...my first milestone was approaching. Was Nicola and Nick going to be home? I recognise their balcony from last year's party. Oooh. Aussie flag on display, and the words GO BONNIE. I waved frantically, yay! They waved back! so Happy!

[Mile 11-12] Bermondsey. I remember trying to cross the road here last year, it was very busy. So many people cheering and would I be able to find anyone I know? I tried to look. No. There wasn't time for stopping...

[Mile 12] and very shortly after that, a very quick right turn, and I see THE TOWER BRIDGE! excited, and the tears started....I kept my eyes on the right hand side of the audience....everyone can see my vest with my name printed, heaps of people shouting GO BONNIE, Go BONNIE.... there were interviews of fun runners on the bridge but luckily, I didnt get stopped.

[Mile 13] My eyes were glued to the right side of the road...looking for Seng or the Virgin Money Giving sign (which hasn't been drawn up yet by the time I left the apartment in the morning) and then I saw him standing there with the sign 'BONNIE, looking good'...he wasn't fast enough to take that picture. I had to slow down...he got me on video, and then I went on. Went across halfway at 2:07:01 , not bad. An easy pace half-marathon. Unfortunately the race doesn't finish there, it was only halfway.


[Mile 14] entering the Isle of Dogs, The Pride, Westferry Road. Yes, I've been there all before when Coach Lau and gang, we used to train around there...as I started to slow due to only one lane available, a funny sharp pain start to emerge on my right bum. Ouch! No...I can't stop...I need to slow down, and I slowed...not ideal. At the drinks station, I got hold of a bottle of Nestle water....the spout providing pressure to the right glutes, or just below. I thought I was using the glutes? Maybe it was overuse?

[Mile 15] the tunnel in Westferry circus. Heaps of people used the darkness of the tunnel to relieve themselves, to stop and stretch. Not me, not I. I soldiered on, but my smile is slightly gone...again, I've been there before (London Bikeathon), and I've had my first gel...

[Mile 16-17] Mudchute/Crossharbour. I was expecting Cath and Leon to be there...but I didn't see them. Oh well....I adopted the run-walk strategy by then..and didnt have a look good enough for the cameras.

[Mile 18] Canary wharf - crowds, wow. Some people calling Bonnie, Bonnie...did they have a familiar face? I don't know. near one of the HQ of the major banks, I cracked another gel...and all of a sudden, a surge in energy on Churchill street when I picked up my legs and ran....the crowd cheered, the crowd roared. It didn't last long - I saw myself on the big screen, and then slowed down after turning that corner

[Mile 19] Runkeeper and my iPhone on its last voice."...Mile 19"...and then silence, unable to be resuscitated. Again, proof that one shouldn't rely on gadgets in Marathons! I pulled my headphones off and stored them in my pocket and relied on the cheering crowds, and my inner iPod with all its powertunes. The quietness of Poplar returned...the outskirts...like Bercy (in Paris)? Another water bottle for accupressure on my right. Plantar fascia on the left? I couldnt feel a thing. weird...

[Mile 21] approaching limehouse. My 2nd highlight before the finish...Mission buildings. The sea of red, I saw them! Khoi, Fi and Lena on the traffic island....I smiled for the cameras...and who else, maybe by Limehouse DLR? I saw a crazy Jacque and Alden...with a sign! Wow! Where was Aurelia and Rohan? I shall find out...(later via the photos)

[Mile 22] Seng's words echoing: if at Mile 21 you are feeling good, just go for it! Unfortunately...that wasnt the case. sob sob...it was already around noon time, the day was getting warmer and warmer...and would I see him again on the other side? I wasn't counting on it. Luckily I did! Wanted a hug and more support...but, time is everything. I must press on - half expecting him to now start running west with me, and with fresh legs, being able to beat me to the finish, as always.

[Mile 23] the city has come and gone, and I know, its the home stretch. I imagined those after work runs, its only half an hour away (from the gym, which is another 10 mins away from the office, another 5 mins away from buckingham palace). I only needed to press on....any time now would make this a PB. Unless I do something very stupid. which I didnt train and come here to do.

[Mile 24] I started walking a bit...didn't look the greatest. The crowds were amazing, more and more of them on the embankment. I tried to look for orange vests, and even supporters from other charities were shouting...BONNIE, KEEP GOING! I know I couldnt just walk...I said to myself, Mile 25, I shall run again..

[Mile 25] as the sign came up, I slowly started jogging again...this is all familar territory. British 10k, Royal Parks Half Marathon, my normal lunchtime runs, Big Ben. Yes....the Birdcage walk. Yes, I wrote a poem on this street...the street by St James's Park, shady....we're almost there...just maintain the pace, and ignore those that were collapsing before the final finish.

[Mile 26....26.2!] Finally, that historic moment. I see Buckingham Palace. I turn, into the Mall. In my mind I had really wanted to bolt, but my body wasn't able to do it. I ran as well as I could. Conscious of the cameras around. I lifted my arms....and crossed the finishing line...

4:36:32 - I made it! in one piece!

The slow walk down the mall, I collected the Gold Medal, chip removed, finishing picture taken, goody bag collected. Luggage collected without much hassle. Munched on the Pink Lady apple. I cannot stop and stretch...I cannot think of a type of food that can satisfy my craving. It was a warm day, my phone wasn't working. I headed towards Horses Guard Forecourt , at meeting point D, I met my greatest supporter, amongst a sea of faces, and Dan from Deafness Research.

A smile, hug...and chatter. The end of a journey, and I'm glad I made it.

PS. Proud to have raised so far £1027.31 (incl GiftAid) for Deafness Research UK. If you are reading this and said you were going to sponsor, its not too late! Please click here...Thanks!

Another (gold) medal!

It's been a great sunny sunday, April 17th - my 1st Virgin London Marathon conquered! Its now early tuesday morning, and I'm still craving for more sleep, more water and avoiding all steps or walking if possible. I know if I don't post something now I will never get around to it, here's some pictures - some courtesy of my supporters along the route and postings on Facebook. Thanks to all of you who were there physically or in spirit... and if you want to organise a donation to my charity Deafness Resesarch UK, its not too late! Please go to http://www.justgiving.com/Bonnie-Wong

I will write more when I have the chance, for now, beauty sleep calls!

At the start at Blackheath, a quiet part of Greenwich!

we had no choice - not the greatest for females under stress!

Bin 8 - minutes before the gun went, the helicopters were circling...almost in tears?!?! Finally!

Nick and Nicola's - last year I was at the party, this year my name's on their balcony

!

Mile 11

My supporter's sign both sides of the road near Tower Hill!

Just off Tower Bridge..near the halfway mark!

At Mile 21 near Limehouse...after the Isle of Dogs, my last chance to smile?

More crazy supporters at Limehouse - finishers of Paris Marathon!

Finally, its all over, Medal in hand, at the meeting point!

All well dressed for the cameras near my training ground by the Thames!

Official Chip Time - certainly a Personal Best by approx 16 minutes!

 ...a more detailed account to follow!

Birdcage walk..

Birdcage walk - at Royal Parks

(Half)  it was the Start, 

but at VLM, 

it's the End, 

the birdcage released, 

and I'll be free..

restrained only

by a gold medal

around my neck

bubbling with glee

The times that this week I've walked across Victoria Embankment, and through St James's' park, the quick glance at Victoria's fountain in front of Buckingham palace and crossing the Mall. I know that on sunday, when I see these landmarks again, I'll be almost home. 

Visited runner's world mile-by-mile guide to the VLM at lunchtime, and various forums, I know its around the corner. Nervous? yes. Wish time would just fast forward to the weekend and I would get it over with? very much so, Yes.

I've had to try to keep my best in maintaining a healthy diet and sleeping well (just not getting enough time to!) this week. Consulted my Team Bonnie - massages, physios. No running, just stretching, icing, rubbing ibuprofen on my shins. Foam rollering, using tennis and golf balls to relieve tension. The Belly Bungy, the Night splint, the Frozen Bottle. Are there any more instruments of torture that havent been tried? I really dont want to know.

Trying very hard to control my emotions. There are a lot of people that I would like to Thank that got me on this journey, so far:

My hubby who is flying back from the States just to be a spectator to me in my BIG race (historical role reversal!) and to calm my nerves through east london as we make our way to the Expo and settle in for the night on saturday; 

My immediate family , who has been the greatest supporter always behind the scenes; 

Friends who got me to sign up for my first marathon, trained with me along the way, and urge me not to give up; 

Team Bonnie - the medical and running professionals who have provided advice, support and relief to get me to improve my biomechanics and to run better and on a road to injury free; 

All of you who sponsored my pledge to raise funds for Deafness Research; 

Those of you who said you will be there along the route physically or in spirit to cheer me on; 

My colleagues, who are understanding enough with my running commitments; 

The online running community through Marathon Talk, twitter friends and VLM bloggers; The Deafness Research running team - you all make me feel that I'm not alone in this VLM feat; 

Volunteers and staff that make all these road races possible!

My non-running friends who are either touched or happy to lend a sympathetic ear...the list goes on.

The training is long done. 268.56 recorded miles, calendar-year-to-date. Its indeed a long journey. I started the year with a cough that made 0.5 miles hard enough, to 22 miles in hilly terrain in more than 4 hours, and the half marathons through wind, rain and cold. Now the spring flowers are out and almost gone, the weather is warm (one day, and maybe cooler the next).  And now, only thing's left to do is to pack my bag, get my kit ready, collect, pin my bib on, get myself to the start line in Greenwich, and make it back to home. 26.2 miles in the heart of London, to celebrate 5 years of calling this my 3rd hometown so far...

On sunday, I will no longer be a virgin, of the Virgin London Marathon. This race (one of the greats) is of significance as for the first time in 3 years, its raised the profile of my annual marathon feat to a higher level. Yes, on the spotlight. There's no hiding away. The Adrenalin, and being on TV too!

I better get my beauty sleep, to look my best....3 more sleeps to go!

Here's some pics to review and relish of the journey...

Not the best photo, but I lived through Wokingham half marathon in the rain, completely drenched!

Runkeeper logs of part of my longest training run through Windsor Great Park

The End, The Mall, after the Birdcage walk

Last training weekend

Next week is the real thing.
Can't believe its around the corner! We've had really lovely weather in London, warm (feels like) 20+ degrees and all I have been wearing is a vest, and shorts (for running!)

Made a visit to Richmond Parkrun - it has been a while! Glad to report that I have established a new PB by 8 seconds - wouldve been better if I had made an earlier train and didnt have to waste my energy running up Richmond Hill!

Sunday was a 6.5 miler to Chertsey and back, keeping a consistent pace of approx 9:30 min/mile and trying not to stop. Holding a Nestle water bottle throughout (thats the type we are getting in the VLM)! Just have to keep the mind focused like this for next week, doing this 4.5 times over!

Been reading the VLM magazine, starting to pack my bag. Not sleeping too well though, my right foot seems to feel like its needing its own night splint - she keeps on doing tiptoes through the night! But I really dont want to be investing in any piece of equipment like this. Shin pains still there - just like last year (!), just need to destress - my physio can feel it.

Finally, please visit my Justgiving page and provide that little bit of cheer for my efforts and more importantly, for Deafness Research!
http://www.justgiving.com/Bonnie-Wong

the countdown is on!

the home stretch..

Only a week and a bit to go before the big day!

On saturday, I went for a run with my friends who are doing Paris Marathon next weekend ( the race is a week before London!) along the Thames Path, from Hammersmith to Richmond. We were all hoping to do more, but in a warm spring day and for me, uneven terrain too...we opted to cut short our return run, through Old Deer Park, for a brunch at Richmond.

I must say I miss the social aspect of running. I've had very few sessions this year that I had the chance to hook up with fellow marathoners and its always good to share tips and (ouch!) stories of injuries. We all talked about our plans after our respective marathons, whether signing up and eventually following through to the start (and finishing) the 26.2 miles means one can go on to do greater things in life, and whether we would do it again, or keep on running....Yes? No? signing up for a second one this year (hmmm....that was me, and I'm sure I would get in 'trouble' with certain individuals if I did)? It's probably not one of the sports that is the best for your body, but the rewards are worth it.

 

The 'clang' sound everytime we close the door to our bedroom,  or our overloaded curtain pole (as pictured) is solid proof that it is such a rewarding experience. There are very few aspects in life where you can prepare for something, achieve it and be recognised . If you get a personal best time, it is yours to keep - no one can take that away from you. 

You ran the race - in a marathon, you know you are not there to win it. The person you can win over is yourself - the goals you set and perform to or exceed, the cheers from the supporters along the route and behind the scenes. 

And, it is not over in minutes...you get to know the city better during the process.

This is certainly not yet the time to relax, and this evening's run is slowly putting that back into perspective. My masseur and physio saying that I'm behind on my exercises, and downing 3 krispy kreme donuts in a day yesterday (2 boxes for the team landed right next to my desk!) a big No No No! No - its not the time to throw it all away that close...the lovely spring evening , starting slow, remembering: the lessons learnt from running school, the feel good moments at Dorney Lake, and overtaking people on a straight mile...picking up my pace towards the end of the run...it is all possible! One cannot lose heart yet due to some tiredness...and certain temptations.

On that thought, I passed through Buckingham Palace and into the Mall, the stands were all set up (for the Royal Wedding) and the yellow sign saying the Mall will be closed on the 16th and 17th April...yes, thats my event.

I'm on the home stretch....almost, almost there!

Spring is in the air...

..and I'm stretching my luck.
The longer days makes for better conditions for running..really?
Usually at 6pm, its cold and dark, and everyone's gone home.

Not last night.
It's been a while and I thought after all the icing, ball rolling, foam rollering, I was ready again.

With my heavier little backpack I headed west along the Mall like the days of old...but my former glory of feeling like you can go on and on...was gone. the sunlight, groups of youngsters, too many people about..made it harder.

Tried running on grass to lessen the impact, didnt quite help as it wasnt all flat!
Took a picture at Kensington Gardens....a bit worn., that's how i was feeling. 

Its probably the nth time in the last fortnight I have cut short a run. Took the tube home from Hammersmith. :(
Cold bath ( I sang the blues scales on entry...maybe time to return to playing jazz after the Marathon!), foam rollering, more ice, torture. No gain, no Pain. Pain, pain, pain!

Paid the physio a visit this afternoon...I was worked hard with all sorts of stretches, more shouting, breathe, breathe breathe....to arrive at Greenwich Park in top form, I need to work hard. Morning and Night.
He tells me he's seen patients (VLM runners) who are worse than me. I'm determined not to beat them!

Nutrition wise - it seems I have weaned off junk food. No crisps due to Lent, and mainly vegies and carbs for lunch. Too warm? Maybe its the jet lag still lingering? or not enough sleep due to earlier starts? I'll need to sleep to find out!

Advices galore, tapering? No, More (?!?!)

Back from a fortnight in mainly Hong Kong, with side trips to Bangkok and Macau. It has been very, very busy!

Keeping up with my training has proved impossible, with late nights, early mornings, flights and various appointments, this wasnt like february when training was priority.....and, I suspect, my plantar fasciitis is making its way back...oh no!


Guess one of these must've caused it ...arrgh. Hong Kong is far too hilly!

Map of the killer run

On a brighter note, glad to report that my fundraising is doing well! Thanks again to those that have shown their support!
In response to the training and fundraising updates I have sent to select few, I've had advices on whether I've tapered too early (sub-3 veterans)....or, doing too much (non-runner).
The one piece of advice I'm taking from my colleague who's also doing the VLM is to rest it, and apply ice massage.. hence, I've scaled back my running today to a token mile to the end of the road and back. But really, I shouldn't have (run at all). hmmm...but the longer days and milder weather in London after touching down is just too nice to ignore!

Only 3 weekends to go. Can't believe it. I'm almost there....must play it safe ....and not live life on the edge until April 17th! easier said than done for a wild child like me but it has to be done!