RunningCeleste : Done - the Short Version & the Gallery

Done.

Well I’ve done it (sort of) and here’s my PRL ‘race review’.

The short version:

I did it, I did Ride London, I may not have done the 100 but I did the 46. 6 months ago I wasn't a cyclist of any kind and yesterday I completed my first Sportive, probably the biggest one in the country. So why didn't I do the 100 (which I was signed up to)? The main reason was that I had the revelation that I would never attempt a marathon with bare minimal training so why should I attempt a cycle marathon that way.

Overall, it was an absolute dream cycling on closed roads; and everyone was right you really do go much faster. I really enjoyed zooming along routes that I knew fairly well both from everyday life and from training.

When I got to hub one I was told I literally had 5 mins to cross Hampton Court bridge if I wanted to do the 100. I ummed and ahhed, and decided I needed the rest, so I let the chance drift away. I don’t regret it, I’ve realised deep down I could have done it, and if I’d trained properly I could have done it well.

After a longish (20 minute break) I pressed on and did my best to enjoy it. The second half seemed longer than the first, and I was quite eager to get to the finish line. The Mall seemed to appear really quickly; before I knew it I was there and under the blue arch I zoomed. Although to be honest, I wasn’t 100% sure I’d finished it was all a bit confusing and there was no finish line atmosphere; had I finished? After the long walk to the medal and bag pick up, I was super happy to find my friends and head for a celebratory beer.

If I had to be completely honest I was a bit underwhelmed by the whole thing, and I found the finish to be a big anti-climax. But I would definitely do it again, the closed roads were a dream to cycle.

I’m really glad I took it on, as I’ve said time and time again, I can’t believe how far I’ve come since getting the acceptance. From someone who had no interest in bikes, disliked cyclists and thought that cycling on roads equated to an early death. Now if I’m honest I really like cycling, I love pottering out, I love long cycles at the weekend (as long as there are no hills) I looooove cycle cafes, and I own branded lycra. And I’m also planning some cycle holidays next year which I’m really excited about.

So I may not have done the mileage I was expecting yesterday but bloody hell I deserve that medal, and am very much proud of myself!!