LONDON MARATHON REPORT – DATELINE BLACKHEATH COMMON 17TH APRIL 2011
NOT SO MUCH A GALLOP – MORE A STAGGER!.

Why do I put myself through this 26.2 miles torture every year? I can’t really think of a good reason other than wanting to be the last EVERPRESENT standing, which is highly unlikely especially as the youngest (and fastest) is nearly 20 years younger. Oh yes! Sponsoring charities is I suppose a very good reason – about £50k raised so far, but it’s a pain chasing sponsors after the event!
Mind you, each year we lose 1.5 EP’s every year and this year we lost 2 so if I keep marathoning another 12 years i.e. until I’m 86 I could just possibly be the last man standing. We’re now down to 18! This year I injudiciously decided to toss (a pancake) the 26.2. Having speed-walked the Ashby 20 in a very respectable 3.47 a similar pace plus a bit for the London would give me a finish of 5.15 and almost an hour better than last year.
In the event I staggered in, in 5.52.29 having run out of steam as early as the 15 mile mark. So why was I so far out from the plan? Compared to last year my training plan had been spot on with my Rotary mate Colin Goupillot chivvying me through the races and sub zero training runs around Birminghams canals and Edgbaston Reservoir – thanks Colin. So where did I go wrong?
Was it the heat on the day? It wasn’t that fearsome. Did I over-train? The 40 mile weeks allowed plenty of pre-marathon recovery time. Did I allow enough rest-time ? I did chill out 2 week before in Lanzarote with swimming and a little road work. Was it the effort of tossing? The pancake weighed about 12 ozs but it didn’t feature in my training. Who knows? All I know is from the 6 mile at Greenwich I knew my target time wasn’t on. Anyway enough of my problems, what about the event?
I arrived at the Green start early, at 8 am for the 9.45 kick-off with Dick my mentor. My partner Janet was sick and couldn’t make her annual pilgrimage in support. Maybe that’s another reason? My daughter Iona came down from Leeds to cheer on Dad and so we had a number of group photos.
Me & Dick; Me, Dick and Iona; Me, Dick and Dwight Yorke. Yes, really the ex Villa, Man.Utd stalwart was also running & did a very respectable 3.35 – a really nice guy. We almost nabbed Will Young for a photo but he was too far away. All around the Heath hot air balloons were being fired up, some with observers in the baskets. And a truly enormous balloon of a motor-cycle and rider totally dominated the scene – how do they do it? On the ground a brass band played favourites and we chatted to a female runner in dressed as a carrot who was going for a Guinness record as the fastest female vegetable – apparently she achieved her target of 4.15 for the record!
Then another group photo with the EVERPRESENTS - about 8 of the 19 running. Another Guinness hopeful being interviewed by the BBC was a young man keepy-uppying all the way. This involves, for the uninitiated, keeping a football off the ground all the time whilst ‘running’ the 26.2. He was being followed by a brass band who were PLAYING whilst walking the 26.2. Obviously they are NOT all locked up yet! No one wanted to interview something as boring as a pancake tosser evidently.
BANG! And it takes me 2 minutes to get to the start line. This year the fine weather has brought out masses more than last year. I’m a constant source of amusement with my Galloping Gourmet Chefs hat and I flip away with reckless abandon in the early stages. Mike Peel, the EP’s webmaster catches up at the mile mark and we chat and run together until the 6 mile mark at Greenwich when he ‘peels’ off to see friends. This year the Cutty Sark is under fire damage repair so we shortcut onto Creek Road through Deptford where a steel band gets in their stride. Assorted debris litter the road, a dead mobile phone, caps, gloves?, T shirts, unused power gels and even pound coins. We turn into Surrey Docks at about 9 miles with the first en-route shower to be avoided - can’t have the pancake waterlogged! It must be well into the 80’s now and no shade. I’m beginning to realise it’s not my day. My pace has slowed to 12.41 at 10 miles and I’m taking on loadsa water with my Hi5 carbo gel. Just beyond the closed Blackwall Tunnel a big band is playing Glen Miller’s ‘In The Mood’ which I’m definitely NOT in. Every year more and more bands and music line the route which creates a real carnival atmosphere. Rest homes and Care homes along the route bring out their patients for a rare treat and sunbathe for a ring-side seat. They must wonder at the suffering huffers and puffers who still manage to give them a wave. Other viewers offer orange segments and jelly babies along the route.
The pubs spill their drinkers onto the pavement who call out ‘toss that flippin pancake Dale’.
The EP’s have ‘31st London and ran every one!’ on their vests & T shirts so we get lots of ‘well done’s’ and ‘amazing’ and ‘fantastic’ and ‘unbelievable’ and ‘incredible’. Some runners slow for a brief chat and some a give a pat on the back, pleased they’ve actually seen an EP to tell their friends.
Crowds across Tower Bridge hardly leave room for the runners then it’s onto the City’s Commercial Road. Fast guys are passing us at 21 while I’m labouring at the 13 mile mark with 2.36.51 on the Timex but still they won’t break 3 hours! In 1986 I was faster at 3.06 for a pancake tossing world record. Ah, happy memories! I try to raise runners spirits at 15 miles at the Isle of Dogs underpass with a piercing Ogi! Ogi! Ogi! – nul response as the ‘runners’ are hanging on for dear life with still 11 to go! My mile splits have eased up to 13.29 min. so I try to raise the pace with a mantra ’only 10 to go’, ‘only 9 to go’ but despite regular doses of carbo gels my pace slows to 14.09 at the 17 mile mark. Fortunately we’re into the Canary Wharf complex with a cooling breeze and mega spectator support . The pancake looks pretty good as I do a double flip into the wind.
‘Hey remember me, Graham Swann (not the cricketer)?’ calls out a runner in clowns gear ‘you know, New York ’81?’ This is a regular marathon meet over the years and yet I know as little about him now as I did when we met in the ’84 London. ‘Only 6 miles to go’ I repeat watching the back-markers struggling through the 13 mile mark. Another clown collecting in a bucket pushes a supermarket trolley laden with assorted packages and dolls. Behind him the 2 man London Bus look-alike struggles. Behind them the clearup brigade is champing at the bit but they’ll be out there for another 6 hours at least! I’m now over 4 hours into the run and slowing to 15.21 miling retracing the Commercial Road and unlike the early miles a noticeably thin line of runners. Most are walking, few are jogging slowly. Then, through the 35k mark my EP pal Dave Fereday calls ‘you’re jogging’ as he strides past at a metronome 12 min. miling to finish 20 mins. ahead. I’ve never in all my marathons been able to do even pace running. At last, downing my last carbo gel and walking at a steady 15 min. mile (4 mph) I get a hearty response to another Ogi! Ogi! Ogi! through the Blackfriars underpass with 2.5 miles to go. It’s now over 5 hours since the start at 9.45 and still the embankment is awash with cheering spectators. They obviously want their money’s worth. I can just about manage a few tosses to keep ME going never mind the crowds. So, it’s under Waterloo Bridge, past Cleo’s Needle, under Hungerford Bridge, past the 25 mile balloons, right at Westminster Bridge, Big Ben and Parliament Square (no protestors). Birdcage Walk seems endless abutting St. James Park and there’s no hiding from the cheering crowds with half a mile to go. So I stop briefly passing Buckingham Palace, no Queen again., and raise a prolong cheer with a triple flip then it it’s down the Mall for the last 200 and the glorious finish at 5.52.29. I even get a cheery mention from the loudspeaker as I cross the computer mat. The volunteers chorus a ‘well done’; on goes the 31st medal and off comes the timing chip – no chip no time. I grab a goody bag and look for my baggage bus – luckily the first one. There’s precious few bags left as I totter to a seat outside the St. John’s first aid centre. ‘My wife’s in there’ a seated runner points inside the marquee, ‘but she’s alright’. he laments.
After 2 bottles of water I manage to remove a sock and discover an enormous blood blister on my toe. ‘Would you like that seen to’ asks a St.John’s volunteer? ‘No thanks’ I reply ‘it’s too far to walk in my delicate state’. Slowly I change, beset with leg, foot and thigh cramps and set off gingerly for our meeting place at the Cancer Research reception. Well, at least I was 20 mins. faster then last year and I wasn’t tossing which is some consolation. And, more importantly and thanks to my Rotarians, friends, neighbours and family around £1,400 has been sponsored for Alzheimers Trust and Cancer Research UK.
CODA The Cancer reception team are entirely gobsmacked with my ‘achievement’ and offer food, a massage and tea – I thank them and take the tea and an official photo. Dick, Ellen and shortly after Iona, my daughter arrive and after a brief sunning on the terrace we meander to Rossi’s restaurant in the Haymarket for a well earned ice cold beer and meal. I feel I’ve earned it! After #86 is it the last marathon? No. Next up the Keilder Water marathon and the 32nd London in Olympic year – roll on!

FINISH TIME 5.52.19. POSITION 31,101 with 3,609 behind me! MALE WINNER 2.04.19.

LONDON MARATHON REPORT 2010 THE KNEE RULES O.K.!

The forecast was for blue skies and temps. around 22 c so naturally it was cool and raining heavily before the start! At 8.30 fourteen Everpresents were interviewed on BBC TV with Jonathon Edwards who asked ‘you’re not tossing that thing are you?’ referring to my pancake. ‘No’, I said ‘it’s just for the interview’. The Mayor of Greenwich set up off at 9.45 and after a leisurely start at the back I briefly chatted with Richard Branson (dressed as a butterfly) leading Princess Beatrice's 'caterpillar' going for a Guinness record for the fastest group tied together. Along with these exhibitionists was the 15’ high Angel of the North and a look-alike giraffe going for the tallest entry at about 20’. As my new bionic titanium knee was 45 weeks old and an unknown quantity for the distance I decided to race walk and set off at a 12.5 minute mile pace with my Everpresent colleague Dave Fereday, a veteran of this technique.

The starting arrangements for this marathon, for those not in the know, there are 3 starts for the 37,000 field. Red numbers go from Greenwich Park (22,000) including fun-runners; Blue from Blackheath (14,000) including Male & Female elites, and Wheelchairs and Green (2,000) Personalities/ VIP’s & Geriatrics e.g. Everpresents. The starting line-up is Wheelchairs first, Ladies then Elites and everyone else at 9.45.

After 1 mile the Greens merge with Blues Shooters Hill when chaos reigns. Route marshals man the road humps and things settle down for another 2 miles when the Reds converge just above Woolwich. Each group jeering and whistling good naturedly at the other. Shortly before this I’d ‘speeded’ up to 11.40 min. mile pace and lost Dave, never to see him again! In the event he passed me at about the 7 or 8 mile marker. I’m enjoying the atmosphere; the weather has improved and the crowds are in great voice ‘get a move on’ one shouts. At this stage the runners are about 30 abreast and most are passing me at a lick doing 9/10 miling to my 12. Oops someone has dropped their mobile I just avoided stepping on. I doubt it’ll be in good shape for long. One thing puzzles me at 2 miles. There is an enormous queue of runners at a bank of portaloos. Why didn’t they go before the start?

My training this year until 3 months before was on target until sciatica and ham strings injuries laid me up. I could hardly walk so I tried Chinese massage, sports masseurs, osteopathy and low frequency pulse treatment. All of this got me back to training only 5 weeks before the big day which gave no time for the long (20 mile) runs I needed – my max was 15 with speed infills so I knew that at 16 in the marathon I would have to wing it. With 29 Londons in the bag my experience I reasoned would pull me through. Also my team would cheer me en route (Janet, Dick, Ellen and in the later stages my daughter Kyla). Advanced technology was also on hand in the shape of my other daughter Iona who could track my progress on her i -phone through the computer mats every 5k. These mats link to the runners’ computer shoe chip and provide an exact timing for every runner. Cool n’est pas?

There are also a number of blind runners with guides every year and around the 5 mile mark I passed one. A few seconds later the same pair barged into my back and I had to resist saying ‘can’t you look where you’re going?’ Although I didn’t see them some runners were carrying fridges??? Ladders? a Tiger (stuffed replica). As if just running 26.2 miles wasn’t enough. At the 12 mile mark on Tower Bridge two runners are dragging a sledge with a wall on it with a ‘break through’ company message on it. ‘Whatever next’ I asked myself narrowly being run over! Turning into the Commercial Road at 12 miles the fast guys are running through 21 in the other lane and I thought they’ll take about 3.5 hrs. I went faster than that in the ‘80’s!

Anyway I’m through the half in 2 hrs. 53 mins. and slowing up with my miling around 14 mins. but feeling good and still in control. My supporters give me a lift at 15 mile but have no drinks or take no photos – what am I paying them for? I give a timely Ogi; Ogi Ogi at the Commercial Road underpass and get a soto voce response. The drink stations are running low as the temperature rises. I’m starting to overtake loads of walkers which feels good. I take a handful of jelly babies from a large lady and take my second hi carb jell which provides a much needed boost through to 20. I’m jogging at 14 min. miling, feeling good with the bionic knee in good shape too. An ambulance screeches through and I see a runner vomiting curled up and in bad shape surrounded by St.Johns aides. Large queues of runners line up for the portaloos this side of Canary Wharf and I think ‘if they wait too long they’ll seize up’

So far we’ve past jazz groups; big jazz bands; steel bands; very noisy drum bands; brass bands; salsa bands; pop groups; boy cadet bands; yes they’re all out there playing to the biggest audience they will ever play to. And, new this year a gyrating / swinging scantily clad group of young ladies – head turners all.

Spectator banners vie for notice – taller, wider, more colourful, now with photos, exorting their runners ‘well done son!’ We’re now over 5 hours into the marathon around Canary Wharf and houses, streets and buildings are still crammed with spectators shouting themselves hoarse. I’m jogging along at a leisurely 14 min. miling and passing ‘00’s of runners many the worse for wear and still 6 miles to go. The clear up trucks are out; the millions of discarded bottles are being emptied by the volunteers and bagged up. Steam hosers are vainly trying to remove super-glued gel packets from the road.

Passing the Tower of London a lonely beefeater shares some sympathy with an exhausted walker. The City of London streets and along the Embankment are still packed and suddenly I hear ‘Daddy’ screamed from the pavement. It’s my daughter Kyla who finally made the route at the 25 mile mark so we exchange hugs and arrange an Admiralty Arch meeting.

Up Birdcage Walk and passed the Q.V. monument, Buckingham Palace and down the Mall. But where’s H.R.H Elizabeth 2? This is the 30th time she’s failed to give me a wave – honestly! No-one looks up from the press box as I signal 30 completed. They’re all waiting for the Gingerbread Man whom I’m well ahead of at 26.2., as well as assorted Star Wars warriors and Rhinos – and Gordon Ramsey who wimped out earlier.

I meet up with my support team and changed under the Arch then set off for St. Martin’s Lane and tapas and plenty of cold beer with Janet, Dick, Ellen, Kyla, Anna (grand-daughter), Phil and Mina (see pic.). Then back to Brum on the 19.17 – first class of course! What a day!
Finally, a great day all round with appropriate cool weather for half the course and loads of fantastic support - I lost count of the bands. The knee held up well = in fact I jogged a few miles from the 19th mile and eventually came in 34,635th with almost 2,000 behind me and 30 mins. faster than last year – without crutches!

Hey! It may not be my last marathon after all - but time will tell.

Unfortunately one of the Everpresents didn't make it so we're now down to 20!.
Dale’s time 6 hours 11 minutes 12 seconds. 34,635th
Official finishers 36,524.
Marathon # 85
Charity ‘Thanks for Life’ End Polio Now campaign. Amount raised £808.20
Thanks to all my Rotarian friends, Midlands Fretted Orchestra, Fircones French group, friends, neighbours and family.
April 2010. Dale (Galloping Gourmet) Lyons

CRUTCHES TO THE FORE FOR THE 29^TH LONDON ON FOUR LEGS  Sunday 26^th April 2009

What a glorious day it turned out after the diabolical weather predictions.  Hot air balloons on the heath and portaloos by the thousands – what more could one want?

With little training, owing to clapped out knee & underarm crutches that were abandoned at enormous expense I turned to DWR (deep water running) loadsa gym work and a modicum of crutch practice to keep my EVERPRESENT status intact with 22 remaining at kick off.

Dick dropped me off near Blackheath Village a short walk from the Heath.  But, the start area (3 start points  Red, Blue & Green) is now so restricted and convoluted I had another 15 min. crutch to my Green start area.  Ah! for the halcyon days of ’81 when you could park 30 secs., from the Greenwich Park start & only 4,999 runners (no women).    Still, that’s the price of success!

Only 12 of the Everpresents showed for a photo – all complaining of restricted training but with my crutches I had the edge.   This start is supposed to be for celebs  plus a few geriatrics & virgins (1^st timers) so it’s a comfortable 2,000 field.  

Gordon (Ramsey) gave me a dismissive look of recognition.   The other crutched athlete, an wounded officer from Afgan service said he would take 2 weeks to complete at 2 miles a day – amazing!.   A Flora Marathon rep. Ben with whom I’d been involved introduced himself.  A group of 24 linked Welsh runners said they were attempting a Guinness record – nuff said.     Blind Dave Healy walked straight past me until I cried “Blind Dave!” – then we chatted.  Finally, I allowed the Mayor of Lewisham who was starting our marathon to be photographed with me.

It was a leisurely start with me crutching at the rear but still passing someone who was walking after ½ mile!    Then chaos as the Blue start runners joined in at the 1mile mark.   Similarly, just as the pace had settled we got to Woolwich and in came the Red runners to catcalls and boos. 

 I was hopping, lopping, crutching along at a steady 4½ mph pace checking on the many pothole hazards.   My knee felt comfortable although my right hand was losing feeling. 

Janet, my partner was supposed to buzz on the hour – nothing, so at 7 miles I tried her mobile to learn they had arrived at the 6 mile! Hey ho – the best laid plans & all that.  I’m getting phenomenal support from the passing runners & spectators due to my Everpresent status & crutches – very encouraging.  Coins, missing charity buckets, discarded bum bags, wigs?, T shirts littered the route, as the heat built with no shade or breeze as I loped towards Greenwich and the moth-balled Cutty Sark at 7 miles.

I  slowed to 4 mph stopping at every other water station and got passed by 6 joined up runners in a Hearing Dog costume – God I thought, they must be baking.   Then my first (lady) Rhino past – I could tell from the hairless thin legs & running style.  

Displacement is a always a good way to minimise pain so for the next 3 miles I fantasised about the delicious meal we’ed booked in the tapas restaurant.

Just before Tower Bridge I stopped for my 2^nd round of painkillers and was then interviewed on the Bridge by a gobsmacked BBC TV personality Rob on seeing a crutched ‘runner’.   

At 12 ½  miles the route is a dual carriageway for 3 miles with the fast guys & gals fizzing past having already completed 22 miles – showoffs!  At the halfway mark I’ve been crutching for 3hrs 4mins. so my ETA should be around 6 ½ hrs. & well under the cut off time. My team are no shows again at 14 miles which is very distressing when you’re expecting some TLC.   Anyway they eventually appear at 15, West Ferry – Isle of Dogs AND with no jelly babies.   Then we’re into the  Docklands 4 mile loop which drags on interminably.   I’ve slowed to around 15 min. miling i.e. 4 mph but feeling ok.   One problem with crutches you can’t grab assorted offerings from the spectators such as jelly babies;  orange segments;   juicy fruits;  cans of lager;  ice  lollies etc.etc.. most of which are not really advisable ‘treats’ during a marathon.  

The noise around the Canary Wharf is deafening echoing off the skyscrapers with watchers screaming out Da-el;   Da-el;  Da-el;  as I limp past – I’m getting the sympathy vote for the crutches!     Slow as I am I’m now passing assorted walkers and others collapsed on the pavement, some throwing up, most exhausted others being aided by the redoubtable St. John’s – they’re a godsend!   Through Canary Wharf  I then leave Peter Andre & Jordan surrounded by media & minders, in my wake. 

Only 8 to go as  someone trips over my crutch – I stop to pick it up and a blind runners partner offers his water bottle – how nice!   My team Janet, Dick & Ellen eventually show up at 21 miles to take some photos and dole out water & TLC but again no jelly babies.  

 “You’re amazing;  incredible;  fantastic; unbelievable; well done;  good job;  runners call out as they read the T shirt ’29 Londons & ran every one  - Everpresent.org.net.’   Well, as Max Bialystock said in the Producers ‘if you’ve got it – flaunt it!’

The runners have thinned significantly through the East End & along Commercial Road but the crowds  won’t leave as they cheer another Elvis ah- hu- hu ing all the way.   I get on the shoulder of Barak Obama at 23 miles but he pulls away embarrassed to be overtaken by an invalid.   On the adjacent carriageway other walkers & fun runners are still 10 miles behind the crutches – when will they finish?  At dusk probably.    

Then, just as I’m making a push for the tape – excruciating cramp in my right thigh and another in my right calf.   I stop to ease & massage the pain away, taking off the knee strapping.   I’m now hobbling at less than 3 mph.  Where’s St. John when you need him?     He/ She turns up at 23 ½ miles approaching Blackfriars so I succumb to the soothing hands of a matronly lady for 5 mins. – any longer and I might not leave.

With a last gasp through the Blackfriars underpass  I give out a cri de coeur Ogi; Ogi; Ogi;  to which a few stragglers gamely respond and into the sunshine of the embankment with 2 miles to go.  

All along and under Waterloo & Hungerford Bridges the charity groupies and a faster EP give me a fantastic lift then its past the Sri Lankan protesters in Parliament Square,up Birdcage Walk passed Buck. House (no wave from HRH); past a sign saying ONLY 385 YARDS TO GO & down the Mall to the glorious finish line with hundreds behind me.   Just before the line, I stop and give a crutch bow to the phalanx of camermen.   It doesn’t seem like 29 years since I completed the 1^st London – where did it all go?

That’s it!   Next year I’m taking it easy in a wheelchair as it’s downhill all the way!  Or am I?   Whatever - roll on 2010 – and the redoubtable 21 EVERPRESENTS.

Congrats to Pat Dobbs 1^st O/70  o/o  #94             3hrs. 31mins.03secs.              Phenomenal!

Later I learned the Everpresents have lost another so we’re now down to 21.  Check all the marathon Info. Photos, Stats, Runners on our website www.everpresent.org.uk

Dale’s stats.   Official finish time  6 hrs. 40 mins. 53 secs.

1^st Half   3.04.32  2^nd half 3.36.21

Average speed  15.30 mins. 3.92 mph.

Fastest mile. 12.42 mins. 4.70 mph

Overall position 34,546 th  Position in age group +70 cat. 84^th o/o 94.

Finishers.   Total 35,247  Men 24,230  Women 11,017

Slowest logged finisher 8 hrs.50 mins.41 secs. Dan Tarawik (GBR)

Number of unlogged finishers unknown.

Logged runners in Dale’s wake  701 Men 292 Women 409

Dale  aka Galloping Gourmet.  28/4/09

8-05-06

LONDON MARATHON 23^RD April 06  -   ‘NO WHEELS ON  MY  ZIMMER’    BUT I KEPT ROLLIN ALONG! 

My 31st London Marathon (other Everpresents #26) was completed in the relatively slow time of 4.45.04 on a rainy but mild day.   However I was carrying (yes carrying) a standard Zimmer frame as my wheeled version was judged ineligible by London Marathon Ltd.    I did attempt to get special dispensation for the Zimmer and Aged Concern but to no avail ‘ you’ll be disqualified and banned for life’ was the kindly reminder of the rules!

So it was a case of 'No wheels on my wagon' for 26.2.   As a result I rigged up a harness from found bits the night before and up kept a steady 10+ minute miling all the way - due to my rigorous training, general superb fitness and a    handy store of jelly babies!    After 20 miles they perform miracles – honest!

Before the start the Everpresent’s met at the Greenwich Park Grandstand for a group photo – but unfortunately only 10 showed.

            During the run the spectators and runners gave me fantastic support and many couldn’t believe I was carrying a zimmer.  ‘Vos ist das?’  A  German runner  asked – ‘ja woll’ I responded.   ‘Les Anglais sont fou!’  two French runners commented.   ‘Qui,  mais je n’est pas le trop fou’  I replied, thinking of St. George pulling the Dragon who is going to take a week to finish!   They’re not all locked up yet are they?   

Not having had time to practise on the wheel-less zimmer I’d little idea of the possible problems en route so kept to a relatively sedate pace early on.   The neck strap I’d attached slipped around a bit until the rain fixed it and at fourteen miles I stopped and raised the height to stop it grounding.   After that it was mind over matter.  

            Again, the route had been changed again this year just to confuse the masses so at 12.5 miles the route took the right hand of Commercial Road into the East End and into the Isle of Dogs loop the opposite way, exiting past Canary Wharf which as usual was jammed to the rafters.  The noise was deafening!    

            Then under the Blackwall tunnel underpass and later the Blackfriars underpass I managed to kickstart a Ogi! Ogi! Ogi! the runners marathon chant.    In fact it’s become so popular a DJ en route near the 11 mile mark exorted passing runners to Ogi! naturally they responded.   

The London has now become as much a street party as a marathon run.   Along the route spectators had dressed up and waved flags, placards, names ‘Hello Dad’ and the burgeoning charity worker groups with masses of message balloons screaming their heads off when their runners passed.   Big bands, brass bands, steel bands, disco music, bagpiper groups, rock groups, R & B bands – you name it they were there with the spectators urging the runners to go faster than their fading legs would carry them.

Helpful runners offered and passed me drinks – taking pity on me with some  running and  chatting with me for a while.   Distractions like that helped to pass the time and displace the pain!

Surprisingly, despite my partner Janet and friends Dick and Ellen being at the Cutty Sark (7 miles), Island Gardens on the Isle of Dogs (16 miles) and near Cleopatras Needle (25 miles)  I never saw them even though they saw me.    Unless spectators have some clearly noticeable marker – big notice/ large balloons/ giant umbrella etc. runners just see a sea of faces flashing past.   Despite the rain the course seemed more crowded this year with hardly a gap on the 26 miles.   

For 1^st time runners or those whose training hasn’t been enough there’s plenty of carbo nourishment on the route – apart from the official lucozade stands – such as orange segs., bananas, chewits, lollypops, mars bars and best of all jelly babies which give you a real sugar surge – especially for those who really hit the wall!

I'm now known as the Zimmerman - what a Burden - and was very briefly   interviewed   on BBC TV.,  by Colin Jackson (ex world record holder) on Tower Bridge at the 12 mile mark.   He was rightly gobsmacked by my attire and almost lost for words.

I was still running around 10 minute miling from 20 so had the really delightful feeling of passing hundreds of static, walking, shuffling runners – not so nice when your one of them!   The miles at this ‘speed’ seem to flash by.     I stopped briefly at the Aged Concern groupies at 25 mile mark who collectively gave me a rousing cheer and thumbs up – I speeded up – briefly!

At the finish the crowds raised a cheer as the route DJ called out ‘here’s the Zimmerman’ and crossing the line Sally Gunnell shouted ‘well done Zimmerman’.    Off came the computer chip (no chip no time) which gives your personal times from the start and at 10 km, 25 km, 35km., and the finish – this removes the previous anomaly whereby delays for the back markers were added to your overall time.  

Finally the London Evening Standard met me for a follow up to their Friday article on the Everpresents.   Got the medal over the Galloping Gourmet hat and felt really good!  The Zimmer felt better!

            At the Aged Concern HQ they were over the moon with the TV publicity and provided lots of TLC with lovely cups of tea and buffet snacks and massage & photos and seats!

Anyway, most importantly I've raised around £600 so far for Aged Concern - I might need them sooner than later - so I’d like to thank all my sponsors unreservedly for their generosity, good wishes and support before, during and after the marathon.   Well done!

Many thanks and best wishes.

Dale (Galloping Gourmet)  aka Zimmerman

p.s. Overall this was my 71st marathon and it seems the Everpresents  are now down to 24 as four either didn’t start or finish.   So bring on 2007!

26/4/06

Dale’s run statistics.   10 miles 1 hr. 45 mins./  13.1 miles 2 hr. 13 mins./   20 miles 3 hr.31mins./

                        Last 6 miles. 1 hr.14 mins.   Overall mile pace  10.87 mins.

A QUARTER CENTURY OF LONDON MARATHONS ‘ THE GREAT BUSTARD. FLIES AGAIN ‘

Fortunately the weather pundits got it wrong again. The 17th April 2005 dawned clear, sunny and windless on Blackheath – perfick for the record 42,000 entrants assembled around the Churchill hot air dog.

The previous evening 14 of the 29 Everpresents were feted by Dave Bedford the Marathon supremo for supporting all 25 Londons with a lavish East End feast – plus a ‘lecture’ on how lucky we were to get automatic entry every year – thanks Dave! This year I spurned the Galloping Gourmet chefs gear and pancake in favour of the more flamboyant Great Bustard costume – my sponsored charity. In view of my 5hr 12 min. PW (personal worst) time, was this the right decision? Eggs from Russia are being hatched into Little Bustards (extinct in the UK for 200 years) and reintroduced to Salisbury Plains. So far so good eight years on for the Bustards. Had I done the right training since my knee injections of hydroluric acid? A testing 20 mile Ashby race in 3 hours and long 17 & 22 mile cross country runs were about right. So what went wrong – I was confident of a 4 hour time + or – 10mins.? My Bustard gear weighed a mere 1.5 lbs with little wind resistance so was the problem a low carbo load?

The EP’s (Everpresents) were given a Green start so I snuck into the Celebs. Area with 10 mins. to go and chatted to Master Chef Gordon Ramsey who remembered me tossing (pancakes) in the Great North last year (after a little memory jog). The Cheeky Girls were just ahead – great motivation, and with a hard man from The Bill to one side I was obviously in select company. The marathon attracts the great & the recognised with Sue Barker interviewing Steve Redgrave and the EP’s granted an official photo-shoot under the Green startline – thanks again Dave.

The Mayor of Greenwich officiated the start in some heraldic finery which I had admired at close quarters earlier and I was off flapping. Cruising through Charlton for a 8.40 min. first mile I gradually subsided to 10 min. miles by the 6th at Greenwich and I already knew things weren’t going according to the 9 min. mile plan. As I slowed, passing runners pushed & shoved past – inconsiderate b******s. Others, plus a few EP’s gave a merry salute. Spectators pointed and laughed with ‘Go you Bustard’ – and other words! Children shouted - ‘look a duck!’ I flapped onwards, increasingly disjointed. At 10 miles I passed a fallen runner . I learned later that a doctor acquaintance who was also a ‘virgin’ marathoner had given him the kiss of life. The 59 year old was later pronounced dead.

Considering the numbers involved i.e. 572,000 finishers in 25 years, there have been few fatalities or serious injuries.

On to Tower Bridge at 12 miles and the legs feel they’ve done 26. Then, Sally (Gunnell) for BBC TV stops me and asks ‘What’s a Bustard’ I tell her, flap my wings and stumble on. This year the course has been ‘improved’ so no Tower; no cobbles; no Katherine Dock chicane; no Beefeaters PLUS the whole of the City/ Docklands loop has been reversed – very confusing. Paula didn’t like it either so take heed London!

I’d arranged to meet my Daughters Kyla & Iona & Grandchildren Joe, Marisa & Anna at Canary Wharf the 16 mile mark but as this was now the 18.5 mile mark they’ll have given up waiting I thought. Rounding the last bend before the Tower there they were shouting and screaming, waving a decorative homemade Bustard banner and grinning a welcome – more I think from relief. A cooling draught of water and a chewy fig bar later I trotted off feeling fresher and grateful for the boost! Eight miles to go seems forever especially as the miles had lengthened to 14 mins. – my legs were leaden but why I asked? I’d done the training. Answer came there none! Briefly I was tempted by a notice ‘free massage for those worn legs here’.

Twenty of so male & female runners legs were being caressed & soothed by oiled hands. A marathon official raised the tape when he saw me but I stupidly resisted and stubbled on and into the last 7 miles turning towards the City. Commercial Road stretches for ever through the East End’s monotony, grime and lack lustre parade of tatty shops and housing. However, we were briefly encouraged to see ‘runners’ passing on the other carriageway 8 miles BEHIND us being chased by the marathon Clean-up trucks – how embarrassing! By now the Bustard wings are chaffing my elbows and I’m getting a sunburned neck after almost 4 hours – Jeez I should be finished and onto the beers already! Instead I work out I’ve another 60 mins. of suffering at least. I’m stopped again at 22.5 miles for another BBC interview and am glad of the brief respite. The next 2 miles are a blur enlivened by a roistorous ‘Ogi. ogi, ogi under Blackfriars tunnel. Along the Embankment the crowds are 4 deep and enjoying the shambling, walking and stumbling (few are running) at 24 miles. Then there’s my partner Janet, her sons Daniel & Pat with Susannah & Jo, my friend Dick, Ellen and assorted supporters. As I cry out ‘I’m b****cks’ camera’s flash, water is offered, well dones are shouted and I’m off for another 1.5 miles of agony. The legs have died so what’s keeping them moving. Mind over matter that’s what! As Cleopatra’s needle hoves into view I suffer the final indignity – I’m passed by a taxi cab lookalike and worst of all the Rhino – it’s a very long time since the Camel went by. The Bustard dies of shame!

At the finish the tannoy announces my arrival shortly followed by two Wombles. My time of 5 hours 12 minutes 46 secs. Is 2 hours 15 min. 31 secs slower than my fastest marathon 21 years ago and my slowest single marathon of the 69 I’ve run to date. My 70th will be a lot faster – you have my word!

I collect my bag off the last truck – of course, and am accosted by an Italian runner who wants to know how many marathons I’ve done – despite speaking virtually no English. We converse in sign language writing numbers in the dirt. He has done 65. Ha! I’ve done 69 – molto bene! Feeling better I stagger off to find my family thinking - will I be back again next year!?*?? Of course you will stupid!

SOME RACE STATS. Women’s winner Paula Radcliffe 2.17.46 World record. Men’s winner Not English. Fastest UK man John Brown 2.10. p.b. DALES SPLIT TIMES. 5 Mile 45 mins. 10 miles 1.37. Half 2.12. 15 mile 2.35 20 mile 3.41. Last 1.2 mile 17 mins.! 1st half 2.12 2nd half 3.00 hrs. Average mile speed 11 mins. 54 secs. ‘Everpresents’ remaining, 28!

Dale (Galloping Gourmet) Lyons aka Great Bustard. As a result of some inspired sponsorship the Great Bustard Group charity will be over £600 better off – well done all my sponsors!!!

For the 1st 20 miles Dale was cruising to a sub 4 hour finish with pancake flipping energetically - then a combination of mobile phone interference, the onset of drenching rain, pancake fatigue and general debilitation slowed him down through the Isle of Dogs and the City.

He was further disoriented by being passed by an assortment of 2nd rate fun runners in the shape of Wombles; Telephone Kiosks; Geriatric ladies; Calendar Girls; Superman and worst of all Batman & Robin! However he did not suffer the grosser indignity by being well ahead of IDS and Lord Archer - thank God!

Dale's time put him respectably in the 1st 50% of finishers (15,883rd) with over 15,000 behind him! This was the 24 London Marathon and Dale's 29th having run 4 doubles & 1 triple London on the same day - they're not all locked up yet! So it's now 67 marathons and counting.

At the finish Dale was met by his partner Janet (speedy) Tomlinson and his daughter Kyla, Simon and grand children Joe and Anna who were mightily impressed with the medal and soggy pancake - still edible. Afterwards he had a fabulous welcome at the UK Cancer post marathon reception and was treated to an elite massage and weak tea - fortunately just missing the torrential downpour which 'drowned' many late finishers (they should have run faster!).

The important thing is, over £420.00 has been raised for the Bobby Moore Cancer Fund so Dale thanks all his generous sponsors - family, friends, neighbours and fellow Rotarians. (cheques should be made out to the 'Bobby Moore Fund - UK Cancer ').

Dales next marathon will be in New York City in November - for the 7th time - but not tossing this time!

May 5th 2004 Dale (Galloping Gourmet) Lyons