London flop

stats of the week: run 71 km
London Marathon result: 4:17:18

The 37th London Marathon was a big success - not for me but for the organizers. The day produced a record field of more than 39,400 runners and a new women-only world record. Mary Keitany finished a truely brave race after 2:17:01. Even Paula Radcliffe was faster only once and that was with the help of male pacemakers.

Favourite Kenenisa Bekele was not able to fulfil expectations. Midrace he faced problems and fell behind. But he recovered and chased the leading Daniel Wanjiru who strongly defended 9 seconds and made it home first.

For me the story was not top but flop. I tried to be brave and kept to the schedule until 30 km. Then all my power was gone and I had to walk several stretches that made nearly half the way to the finish. I knew I couldn't make it within Boston qualification and preferred to reach the finish line in good health. 5 or 10 years ago I was able to run properly without proper training but nowadays at 64 things obviously are different. For my 50th marathon I hope to be prepared better.

(photos by Isaak Papadopolus / interair.de)