Serenelli's London Marathon 2002
Sound track: Schumann, Fantasie in C Op. 17-1st mov't

I was in London, UK, for my 15th marathon... I have a lot more running in my shoes but like to count only the official races for the adrenaline that they get out of you.

This is the first time that I race on jet lag ... I arrived in London Saturday morning at 9:00am... and the start was on Sunday Apr 14 at 8:00am... my little brother did pick me up at the airport... and we spent the day walking downtown. A nice swim, steam bath concluded the afternoon. My swim keeps improving... this raises my chances in the upcoming Ironman in Penticton.

The weather in London was a little warmer then last year but still pretty crazy, warm/cold... and windy.

I was so happy of visiting that the day went by so fast.... and it was about 1:00am Sunday when I managed to get some sleep. At 6:30am I was up again for my pre marathon ritual... good breakfast, some reading and then get my little brother out of bed... I was again a lucky runner with personal caddy.

We walked to the train station were was impossible to make a mistake on the train to take. There was a river of people, all holding the marathon bag (the one where you leave your clothes change to use at the end). Many special trains were offered that morning at no charge for runners. We were pushed like sardines into a carriage. fortunately the trip was only about 15 min.

At the destination station a long line of people was trying to get off the train... The start point is a large green open space and people are coming from all over... 32,000 participants this year.

In the centre of the area... not far from the start area were the trucks that were collecting the change bags.

At that point you remember that you need a toilet... and queues are miles long... London is still the capital of the male peeing anarchy in a marathon... this year I even saw the use of police to stop people from using areas not ment to be toilets... it must be all that beer that the Brits are famous for. In fact the marathon runs along 72 pubs in 42km... and the spectators hold their pints as they greet you.... I am sure they would also share if you ask.

I did not stop to see what was left on the site after the start... but my little brother tells me that looked like a battle field... with enough clothes to dress just as many runners.

I was set in my time start (3 hours & 30 min) as you can see in the enclosed pic... along with many runners wearing costumes... just like a Brazilian carnival. I had a chip on my shoe that would offer the accurate time of my performance... and just about 60 sec from the official start I heard the sound that my chip makes when you pass through the start line....

You can really tell right from the start that many people have no idea what it means running 42km... so many people were eager to go and passed me in high speed... I met quite a few later... A little experience helps... although I still make mistakes... just like a week ago running the Tisdale marathon with my best half marathon time and then have nothing left for the second half. I guess this is one of the reason why I like these runs... you don't really know how it will end....

I knew the course... I had run it last year and remembered most of it. It is a nice feeling to run in such a big company. At the water stations there was so much water on the ground that is was like crossing a river. Many runners would just take a sip out of their bottles and dispose of the bottles.

Alternated stations were offering some sort of power gel... and crossing those areas was very sticky... I really hated that. Not to mention the sponge areas fully covered with yellow sponges.

All along the race I met all kind of costume runners: batmans, supermans, queens, nurses, pirates, clowns, and many, many more... Many people in the race where wearing t-shirts belonging to some fundraising campaign. I truly believe that this marathon has the record in fund raising for support groups of all kinds.

There was music all the way... if my memory doesn't fail me even more then last year... mega amplifiers everywhere... live bands... some on the roofs of pubs and a great audience cheering all the way... tons of young kids ready with their arms out "give me five"... and I have made happy quite a few.

At the start it did not look very hot... but after a couple of KM I was too hot... in fact I run out of water well before the end... I suffered in the last few miles for a little water.... the last water station was at about 38km...

It was not a fast race for me but it also was the second marathon in 7 days... As I finally reached Buckingham Palace... I was able this year to run the remaining couple of hundred meters. Last year I was not registered and was invited out right there. I enjoyed my last sprint and past the finish line. I was looking for water not for the medal.

Then I walked out to meet my little bro and other friends... I missed Val again this year... I have no idea were she waited this time... maybe in PA.

There was a nice vegetarian lunch waiting for me... and then a good walk to a club across the house of parliament.. for a swim, steam bath and hot tub... the full monty... and this is what you need after a marathon.

I am now in my 4th running season... still love the running... and keep learning about myself. Like in life sometime I am faster and sometime I am slower... but I always finish no matter what....

Happy running to all.

Stephen ;-)

• London Farmer's Market