Re: London marathon

[Fi]

What I did forget to say........Thanks very much to Ana and Sharon (Grahams wife) for the great support....we needed it!!! (Especially me at the end!!!!)

[Roy Scott]

First of all I would just like to say congratulations to all those who got in to the London Marathon in 2009.

Unfortunately I will not be there as I was not lucky enough to be drawn in the public and SAC draw. I was hoping that this would not matter too much as I thought that I had a resonable chance of getting onto the championship start by running under 75mins for the Bedford half last weekend. Despite feeling slightly under the weather, I ran 75.01 would you believe. I am undertandably gutted as I have shapped by training soley with the London in mind and have never experienced the race.

I have been a member of SAC for 16 years now, living in Hertfordshire for 8 of those and always staying loyal to the club I grew up with. Don't get me wrong, I do not think that should automatically qualify me for on of the 4 lottery places, but surely an option worth discussing is, whether an allocation of one place could be reserved. Now I appreciate that this may throw up potential club arguments and subjective friction, so why not reserve one place for the quickest half marathon time for the athlete that does not gain entry. 3 places would still be drawn from the lottery.

While i am on here anyone know who I contact to get my time onto the Club rankings?

[jimbo]

firstly Roy, well done on the great half time, I didn't know you had London asperations and I know that only four names who had London rejections went in the draw for the four places and I can assure you that if I had know I (and others) would have made sure your name was in there. I also agree with what you say about reserved places and I would have thought a good many of the club and committee folk would have pushed you up the list as you have, and continue to, represent the club regularly and at great miles/time at the Xc and other events despite living in a different county.

[jimbo]

Can people have a thought about getting to the start, IF there is interest then a coach CAN be sorted but we have a month or so before it needs organising. Any comments welcomed.

[Mike Jeffery]

After a late entrance and trying desperately to get fit - I have torn a calf muscle and despite half a dozen physio sessions - it is no better. I think better 15 months to train for the Marathon rather 3-4

[GrahamH]

I think that a coach SHOULD be run - come what may - with a deal being struck with the Coach Company that enable us to offer each of our 16 or so runners and their family, and other supporters, a price comparable with other means (rail or own car) with a restful ride up to the start - and more importantly - a safe and restful ride home after the event. It is a long day in anyones book and we shouldn't need to worry about transportation. Any celebrations can follow the event, which we can all enjoy!

[Rioja Lover]

I agree we should use a coach to get us to the start. As you might or might not know I am in the process of arranging an Indian meal within the next 5 weeks so perhaps we can discuss then who wants to get coach there, how to get home and also I want to discuss either a pasta party the Saturday evening before and/or celebration drinks after the marathon.

[jimbo]

Ladies and gents, I hope all the marathoners will be doing this run/race. Its well run, cheap, quiet roads, water every five miles and the essex champs.

[Rioja Lover]

Jim, when is the essex 20?

[jimbo]

The essex 20 is this weekend which will be a good test for most of us to see where we are with our training.
Mel and I left our Brentwood half application too late and are thinking about doing the Orion 15 on March 21st, anyone else interested?

[jimbo]

thanks Graham for sorting out the transport, I hope all who want a coach will be in touch.

[jimbo]

Just a few things, Mel and I are heading up to the expo on the wednesday, not sure of the time yet, normally we spend a good few hours and too much money there.
I intend to use an old tee shirt to keep warm on the line at the start and discard it, the club have some old cheap one from yester-years' 10k races if anyone want a throw away for a few quid.
After the race Mel and I normally go for a guiness in the pub by horseguards and then wander off for a bite to eat (normally Waggamommas) at Covent Gdns.
Anyone any plans?
Also is graham going to have his full camera kit to get a few early pics as we wait?
not long now!

[Rioja Lover]

Jim, Tash and I will also be going on the Wednesday to collect number so maybe we can travel together?

Building on the post FLM drink, I am suggesting to everyone who is running the FLM (and those who are not stil welcome to join us) to meet in town on Friday 1st May at 7.30 to 8pm to celebrate all the hard training and of course the completion of the marathon itself. I suggest the the Last Post pub in town as it is big enough to hold all of us.

[jimbo]

Wednesday to the expo is good for me, a few of the youngsters are coming up too. If anyone hasn't been everything you could want and more for running is available there and often at bargain prices.
Melanie and I will be keen for a post marathon "hair let down".

[gloveri]

I am in London on Weds and will try and get there then - but likely to be afternoon as I have meetings booked am - any idea what time everyone plans to get there?

Re 1 May - think it is a good idea...suppose either in London or local?