What do you get if you add a man-sized chicken, a dozen superheroes, and a couple of WSFF employees to a huddle of 36,000 slightly crazy people?
Yes, you’ve got it: the start of the Virgin London Marathon.
On Sunday, 25th April, at 9.45am in South East London, around 36,000 runners will be nervously contemplating the next few hours. Questions they may be asking: did I do enough training? Have I got time to go to the toilet again? Will I be overtaken by a rhino? Around 4 hours and 40 minutes later (for the average runner) they will have their answer.
Myself, and my colleague, Tim, will be among them.
While the majority of these runners will be men, around 30% will be women. And with the number of women taking up running increasing, I expect this proportion will increase over time. Running has so many benefits for women – it’s one of the cheapest, most flexible sports around and you don’t have to be skilled or competitive to take part (although if the idea of beating your best friend or boyfriend appeals, then bring it on!). But best of all, you feel fantastic afterwards.
While many of you may not see yourself running a marathon, there are other shorter events that may get you grabbing your trainers. Things like the women-only Race for Life mass participation events are growing every year. These are a great way for friends, mums and daughters to have fun, get fit and give something back to charity. But if organised events don’t float your boat, running is great fun on your own or with a mate so get outside and give it a go.
Neither Tim and I are virgin marathon runners (see what I did there?), so I can make an educated guess at how we will feel at about 19 miles - Tim will be reflecting that maybe the Wii Fit really was not the best way to do most of his training. He may also be hoping he finishes before it gets dark (just joking Tim!). I will be saying ‘never again’. But, I know I don’t mean it, as I have said it before. I will run it again.
For all of you first timers who are nervous about Sunday; good luck. Whatever your time, just enjoy the experience and the crowds. It will be a fantastic day (although it is also expected to be very hot – gulp).
For any women wanting to take it up, take inspiration from Sunday and sign yourself up for Race for Life. Before you know it, you are addicted, and next April, it could be you!
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