And yes I do mean that literally. This week on Wednesday 29 February, I was fortunate enough to join Nike and take part in their leap year campaign #makeitcount, where about 350 women all got on the London Eye for a mass 30 minute work-out.
It was definitely a unique experience getting sweaty that high up, I’m not the greatest when it comes to heights, (and especially when it comes to bouncing about in a small glass capsule with nine others plus a cameraman!), but the electrifying atmosphere and high energy of all the women who got involved, plus the beautiful views overlooking the night sky across London definitely outweighed my fear!
I want to say a huge thank you to Nike for such a fantastic event and for inspiring so many more people out there to #makeitcount and it was definitely a great alternative to my usual Wednesday night run!
One of the athletes that is working with Nike on the campaign this year is Jo Pavey and I couldn’t resist but ask her for some much needed advice when it came to running my first marathon.
Jo has completed two marathons so far in her track and field career (she is also currently in the qualifying time to compete in the Olympic marathon) and she told me that when she did the London event last year she hit the hugely dreaded ‘wall’ at 18 miles.
Aah this scares me a little bit! How can such an elite, professional and talented athlete hit the wall at 18 miles – surely if she does, I have no chance of getting through it unscaved?! This did cause me initial concern, but she reassured me that there was one simple reason for this and that was her lack of fuel.
At the point of 18 miles, she had not taken enough gels on board and her body was suddenly hit with agonising fatigue, so for the final 45 minutes she found herself just grabbing as many drinks and gel packs that she could, from the final few station points on route.
Obviously I don’t want to find myself in this position so the trick is, she said, was to make sure I consume the gel packs long before I think I need them, because in the later part of the race, they will be sure to help and get me through to the finish line with less fatigue and pain.
Sound advice that I am 100% going to take on board, so thanks Jo!