2016 Fight Against Cancer - Paris and London Marathons
#16
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,949
Hello all,
Running is one thing; supporting the fight against cancer is one of the reasons I do so. Pleased to share I'm almost to Ł1,100 with Ł1,092.54 raised! THANK YOU all for your support!!
So...the Paris Marathon was this past Sunday. I'd given myself a bit of a taper going into Sunday. As usual, my sister flew over to chase me around the course.
...
Then the wheels slowly fell off after the officials told us to get onto the sidewalk about mile 10 because the course was closing; I knew this might happen later in the race but I was by far on track to finish in under 6h. The constant stop/start with traffic over the next miles was tough on my back. Worse, they were taking down the aid stations completely.
I made it to my sister at the 14 mile mark or so. Given the temperature and lack of aid, as well as London looming in 19 days, I made the decision to stop. I think it is one of the more difficult decisions I've made. I'm not one to give up; it's just not in my nature. I'm still a little peeved at myself but I think hindsight (and London on the 24th) will suggest I made the right decision.
To those who follow and support me, thank you. My apologies for not delivering in Paris.
Running is one thing; supporting the fight against cancer is one of the reasons I do so. Pleased to share I'm almost to Ł1,100 with Ł1,092.54 raised! THANK YOU all for your support!!
So...the Paris Marathon was this past Sunday. I'd given myself a bit of a taper going into Sunday. As usual, my sister flew over to chase me around the course.
...
Then the wheels slowly fell off after the officials told us to get onto the sidewalk about mile 10 because the course was closing; I knew this might happen later in the race but I was by far on track to finish in under 6h. The constant stop/start with traffic over the next miles was tough on my back. Worse, they were taking down the aid stations completely.
I made it to my sister at the 14 mile mark or so. Given the temperature and lack of aid, as well as London looming in 19 days, I made the decision to stop. I think it is one of the more difficult decisions I've made. I'm not one to give up; it's just not in my nature. I'm still a little peeved at myself but I think hindsight (and London on the 24th) will suggest I made the right decision.
To those who follow and support me, thank you. My apologies for not delivering in Paris.

Nothing but kudos to you for your maturity.
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,186
No apologies needed! You completed over a half marathon, you were dealt adverse circumstances by what seems to be poor organization, it was unseasonably warm, you made an informed decision to take care of yourself and remain healthy for the big one on the 24th.
Nothing but kudos to you for your maturity.
Nothing but kudos to you for your maturity.
I may very well seek redemption next year! Even my sister, who had doubts but would've followed me on a bike had I continued, thinks I should give it a go next year.

#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,186
Hi all,
Thanks to the very generous support of two fellow FTers this week, I've exceeded my goal and now stand at Ł1,507.94.
With 16 days until London (and a bit of redemption after Paris), thank you seems insufficient.
Will continue to post regarding progress!!
Thank you again.
Thanks to the very generous support of two fellow FTers this week, I've exceeded my goal and now stand at Ł1,507.94.
With 16 days until London (and a bit of redemption after Paris), thank you seems insufficient.
Will continue to post regarding progress!!
Thank you again.

#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,186
5 Days to go!
Hi all,
Have been away for work and not had the chance to post an update.
Just want to express my sincere appreciation for my fellow FTers!!
Currently achieved Ł1,608.18 for Children with Cancer!!
And, with that, a mere FIVE days to go! How does this happennnnn????
Thank you again for your support!
Have been away for work and not had the chance to post an update.
Just want to express my sincere appreciation for my fellow FTers!!
Currently achieved Ł1,608.18 for Children with Cancer!!
And, with that, a mere FIVE days to go! How does this happennnnn????

Thank you again for your support!
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,186

What it's all about! Currently at Ł1,641.98 for Children with Cancer.

Me...goofy as usual.

Most importantly...THANK YOU!

We will see what the weather does - rumors of wet/sleet/snow to just cloudy...either way, I expect it to be cool temps compared to the past two years.

Me...goofy as usual.


Most importantly...THANK YOU!

We will see what the weather does - rumors of wet/sleet/snow to just cloudy...either way, I expect it to be cool temps compared to the past two years.
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,186
And done...
Hi all,
Amazingly, another London under my belt. Weather hit all seasons today and it was horribly slow but I did manage to finish faster than the middle km.
Definitely had to dig deep!!
I appreciate everyone's support!! Will post pics tomorrow!
And now, sleeeeep!
Amazingly, another London under my belt. Weather hit all seasons today and it was horribly slow but I did manage to finish faster than the middle km.
Definitely had to dig deep!!
I appreciate everyone's support!! Will post pics tomorrow!
And now, sleeeeep!
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,186
Thank you (AGAIN!)!!
Hi all,
Well it's post-marathon Thursday...meaning I am still a bit sore but walk pretty normally again.
It was a day of 4 season in London. This was the first time I did a full marathon in long sleeves and tights (perhaps prep for NY in November??). Early morning sleet/ice, sun, clouds, some drizzle, and a bit of wind here an there along the course. Looking at the pics, I realize it's quite the get up.
Some pics from the day:
On the way to London...and it was sleeting/snowing...

Start:

At the 9 mile mark:


Outside the Horseguards Parade:

It was a tough day despite relatively ideal temperatures. Paris really stuck with me and was in the back of my mind up until about 21.5 miles.
As I passed an older gentleman on the course, I overheard a marshall tell him, "Ian, you're fine on time." While it seems simple, it was at that point my brain finally let Paris go. And the last 6 miles was faster than the middle 10 or so. I'd seen my sister between 19 and 20, then again at 23 and 24.5...she said I was moving faster and I told her, "Yes, at some point I had to get on with it."
I just want to thank everyone again for their support. When I get a final tally in support of CwC, I'll post accordingly!
Well it's post-marathon Thursday...meaning I am still a bit sore but walk pretty normally again.

It was a day of 4 season in London. This was the first time I did a full marathon in long sleeves and tights (perhaps prep for NY in November??). Early morning sleet/ice, sun, clouds, some drizzle, and a bit of wind here an there along the course. Looking at the pics, I realize it's quite the get up.

Some pics from the day:
On the way to London...and it was sleeting/snowing...

Start:

At the 9 mile mark:


Outside the Horseguards Parade:

It was a tough day despite relatively ideal temperatures. Paris really stuck with me and was in the back of my mind up until about 21.5 miles.
As I passed an older gentleman on the course, I overheard a marshall tell him, "Ian, you're fine on time." While it seems simple, it was at that point my brain finally let Paris go. And the last 6 miles was faster than the middle 10 or so. I'd seen my sister between 19 and 20, then again at 23 and 24.5...she said I was moving faster and I told her, "Yes, at some point I had to get on with it."

I just want to thank everyone again for their support. When I get a final tally in support of CwC, I'll post accordingly!
