With his 60th birthday approaching, Robert decided the time was right to take on his first marathon. Thanks to his committed volunteering and racing with London Frontrunners, he was awarded a coveted London Marathon club place in 2022.
I’d never run before
I joined London Frontrunners in January 2019, as I’d decided to attempt a half marathon to raise funds for the charity I work for.
I’d never run before but I got through the half marathon thanks to training with London Frontrunners through the winter evenings.
The lockdown of 2020 was when I really found out how much running and being a member of London Frontrunners meant to me.
The club found creative ways of making running individually feel like a club experience.
Taking every opportunity
At the start of 2021, I decided to take part in every running opportunity and volunteer as much as I could, as a way of giving back to the club.
I enjoyed the new challenges of hosting club runs, leading the Saturday long run, trail runs, and the wonderful camaraderie of the winter cross country season.
I ran another three half marathons.
But I was turning 60 in 2022 and felt I shouldn’t wait too long before taking on the challenge of running my first marathon.
I felt excited and anxious
I applied for a London Marathon club place and was thrilled to be given it, but also immediately worried. However, my anxieties were quickly reduced when it became clear I’d have the benefit of advice from club members.
The best advice I received was to enjoy the training and the day of the race, as your first marathon is a unique opportunity.
I followed an online training plan for runners looking to finish in under 3 hours and 45 minutes.
I’m grateful to lots of members in the club, in particular lead coach Matt, for their advice and support.
Getting to the start
The day before the race, all 43,000 runners received a text warning us the weather the next day was going to be very cold and wet. It was a low point as I hadn’t thought about how to cope with that.
Thankfully the day was dry and later sunny.
Getting the train to the start in Greenwich and seeing almost everyone was a runner or supporter was exciting.
My plan was to stick with the 3:45 pacer. However, about 6 miles in I felt stronger so decided to push it a bit. By halfway, I felt I might be on track to do better.
The crowds were amazing
The atmosphere along the course was amazing, from people on their doorsteps in Woolwich to huge numbers cheering on the last few miles.
The best moments were seeing volunteers from London Frontrunners lining the course and cheering me on.
The highlight was the final few miles from Tower Bridge (the second time) to the finish. The sun was coming out and the crowds were amazing.
I had a smile for the final section up the Mall to the finish, but the moment I crossed the line I’d never felt so tired in my life.
Based on my finish time of 3:27, I now qualify for a ‘good for age’ place in the New York City and Boston marathons.
I also raised a good sum for Moorfields Eye Charity (where I work), the Stroke Association and Terrence Higgins Trust.
Pride and accomplishment
Wearing the Frontrunners vest while taking part in the London Marathon gave me such a sense of pride and accomplishment.
I’d encourage every London Frontrunners member who’s contributing to the club to apply for a club marathon place.
Taking part in lots of races and volunteering brings its own rewards, but there’s an added bonus that it may help you gain a marathon place.
I had two goals: enjoy the training and enjoy the race. Thanks to the advice and support of so many club members, I did both.
In short, this was one of the best days of my life.