David’s start line blog

#TeamYoungLives legend, David Yim, took on the London Marathon in 2018 for CLIC Sargent. He’s written about how it feels to be on that very famous start line.

“You look around and see thousands of runners surrounding you, and they look just like you. You realise they must be feeling exactly the same as you. The park is awash with bright colours of charity and running club vests.

“Some people look like really serious runners. You wonder what on earth you are doing here. You try not to let them faze you as the crowd stops moving, just for a few seconds while they release the next wave.

“You hear two little voices in your head, one promoting the imposter syndrome, saying ‘Really? You? Twenty six miles?’ and the other saying ‘Come on, bring it on!’

“It won’t be the last time you hear those voices today. You look behind you and see the next pen of runners being held up behind a tape like an angry mob, waiting to chase you down as soon as the marshals take the tape away. Too late to escape now, the only way is forward, towards the inevitable.

“A friendly face sees the emotion on your face and they ask if it’s your first time. You nod. They tell you “you’ll be fine”. You 100% believe them as you know, deep down inside, the work, the commitment and the sacrifice that has brought you here (and you need to believe them!)

“You see the TV camera on the crane looking down at you and you realise this is real. You’re not at home watching this now, you’re a part of this crazy journey and the world (and your family) are watching.

“The excitement surges; you get that sick feeling again. Before you know it, you turn left out of the park gates, and you see it… the red start gantry, the clock counting, and the words “You are the Spirit of London”. The hairs on your neck stand up on end. You really need the loo again.

“You see the timing strips on the floor; you step over them as you hit the start button on your watch and all the nerves fade. You smile and remember the words of those who came before you “this is my victory lap” and it’s GO! – you’re off on the best day ever.

“I can’t wait to see you there!”

David was set to run with #TeamYoungLives in 2019 but was injured. Then we all know what happened in 2020… So we cannot wait to have him – and you! –  back with us at the start line this year.