Monthly Archives: November 2008
Past ambitions
When I was 15, for some reason I decided to write down my ambitions in life. They ended up being a mixed bag, which you can now see in the photo below, taken from the original orange school exercise book … Continue reading
Pacing the truth
So here’s the graph I’ve constructed based on the times given to me via the email alerts. The first section just gave the average time at each 5km point, but from 16 miles onwards I’ve worked out the exact pace … Continue reading
New York Marathon: The Whole Story
I wanted to capture my whole marathon story and publish it, as much for me as for anyone else. I’ve broken it down into sections to make it easier to post and read. There’s a lot to tell so if … Continue reading
New York Marathon: The Whole Story – Training Days
The Quick Decision Steve phones out of the blue and tells me he’s got a place in this year’s New York Marathon via his work if he wants it. Would I want to do it too? Completely un-Andy-like, I make … Continue reading
New York Marathon: The Whole Story – New York Build-Up
T minus four days 4:30am: The journey that will take to me glory or despair starts with a simple, irritating buzzer from my alarm clock. I grab a few last-minute items and open the curtains, hoping that the blanket of … Continue reading
New York Marathon: The Whole Story – Race Day, Pre-Race
In the house No sooner had I put my head down after midnight, then my phone’s alarm woke me up. 4:30am: Game Time. A quick physical check appears to indicate that I’m rested and stomach is fine. Relieved that this … Continue reading
New York Marathon: The Whole Story – Race Day, The Race
Early stages I am hit by the scene that waits for me as I turn the corner and make my way up the first part of the bridge slope. Manhattan appears in the distance against a mainly blue sky, beckoning … Continue reading
New York Marathon: The Whole Story – Race Day, After the Finish
Grab everything you can The medal. The glorious, hard-fought medal is handed to me. I thanked the helper, and kiss its metal surface hard. If I die now, this is coming with me. I stumble towards a small stage and … Continue reading
Mapped out
Just thought it would be nice to show you all the route. Double click on an area to zoom in. Drag with mouse to pan around. Please consider donating to the children’s charity that I have now painfully run the … Continue reading
The stats
THE RACE Starters Men 25,354 Women 13,002 Total 38,356 Finishers Men 25,072 Women 12,827 Total 37,899 Weather: Fair, 47°F, 41% humidity, wind NE 8 mph. Finishers by Age Group Men Women Total .18-19 80 34 114 20-29 2,839 2,734 5,573 … Continue reading