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usher life stories |
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Run James, run |
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James Clarke, Derbyshire On Sunday April 16th 2000, lucky that it was lovely - sunny all day - as it rained heavily on Friday and Saturday previously. I had been preparing for my first Marathon since February when SENSE asked me to participate in the London Marathon to raise money for them and Usher UK Youth. I had been to many sports shops and specialist running shops for the running clothes and more importantly, the right pair of running shoes, and I sought advice from many people. Preparation was the key to my hoped success as I have not done the long distance running since leaving school. London Marathon is the world’s famous race with about 32,000 runners from the start line in Greenwich to a finish line about 26 miles (40km) later in front of Buckingham Palace. The route threaded through famous London landmarks. Before the start, I was really nervous but excited to participate. One of the biggest challenges in my life. There were thousands of us. It was a beautiful atmosphere and everyone looked determined and ready. The start gun went off but I did not start until about 15 minutes because of the massive crowd of runners in front of me. It was still crowded so I walked! About a half mile later, I started to run and I felt so relaxed, fresh and I switched off my negative thoughts and I got myself mentally strong and to enjoy my run for 26 miles. Along the 15 miles, I was still running - lovely but difficult to do it smoothly as there were many slower runners blocking my way. At the Tower Bridge on the 13th mile, I felt fantastic as it was a half way point. I saw my Deaf friends cheering me. It was superb. Then at 15 miles, I stopped for a wee and the onlookers at a pub offered me lager but it was hardly a drink for a runner! At Canary Wharf, someone prodded my shoulder and got me jumping. It was my old school teacher participating in the race! What a small world! The pain of the Marathon started to hit me - on my back - at the 19 mile point. Fortunately my Deaf gay friends spotted me and waved a bright orange flag to catch my attention. It made me feel more determined to complete the run! Soon after, I went off the run for a St John Ambulance hut. Guess what? A nice first aid man massaged my back and almost stripped off my shorts showing half of my bum! I felt good and he said, “Good, come on!”. I went off. I still ran and ran for the next six miles, seeing the London Eye (Millennium Wheel) and Big Ben at the 23rd mile point set my emotions alight and my eyes in tears. I thought it would be another 20 miles to go with my legs and arms killing me. It could be much painful but I was well prepared. My advisors told me to stick plasters where there may be some rubbing by the rims of my running clothes and it was the best advice. I was fortunate to wear the right pair of shoes, having used it for two months beforehand, as I found out my Deaf colleague gave up after 8 miles because a brand new pair of shoes gave his feet great pain. At the 23rd mile point, the pain was getting to me but I knew there was three miles to go so I felt more determined to carry on. But I was getting slower and slower! So I stopped then walked and then ran a bit. It did not matter as it was important to complete the whole Marathon than to get the fastest time. Nearing the finish line at Buckingham Palace, the atmosphere was amazing and the spectators cheered us. Some kids gave me sweets! Very sweet of them! Seeing the finish line gave me a big boost and I raced towards the finish line. Wow, it was most emotional and I went over the moon being handled the Official London Marathon medal and a T-shirt. I felt so proud having done the course on my first attempt. The timing was 5 hours, 27 minutes and 45 seconds. My Marathon run raised about £800 for SENSE and Usher UK Youth (An organisation which has played a key part of my life). Now, I am looking forward to enter for other half-marathons and hopefully a New York Marathon in 2001. Many thanks to everyone who gave me encouragement and support. I won't forget this.
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