You Ask, We Kinda Know: The Mystery of the 2022 London Marathon Waves
Ah, the London Marathon. A glorious trek through the heart of London, pushing your limits and dodging rogue pigeons all for a personal best (or at least bragging rights at the pub). But for those planning to conquer the 2022 course (or maybe you're a time traveler, no judgement here), a question has been swirling around the internet like a misplaced energy gel: how many waves will there be at the start?
Fear not, fellow marathoners (and intrigued penguins?), we've delved into the depths of the internet (and maybe a few carrier pigeons) to bring you the truth, the whole truth, and possibly a side of mystery.
The Plot Thickens: The Official Shrug
Here's the thing: the lovely folks at the TCS London Marathon remained tight-lipped about the exact number of waves in 2022. Now, this could be because they were planning some super secret wave-based surprise (think confetti cannons and a giant inflatable Big Ben), or it could be because, well, marathons are complicated things and planning takes time!
Past Performance is No Guarantee of Future Results
In previous years, the London Marathon has boasted anywhere from three to six waves. But hey, 2022 was a different beast altogether. Remember the whole global pandemic kerfuffle? Yeah, that.
With COVID-19 still lingering, the organizers might have opted for a different wave structure to ensure social distancing at the start. Or maybe they just hired a mathematician who likes keeping everyone guessing.
The good news? They did announce multiple start times for the elite wheelchair, men's, and women's races, along with a mass start. So, there were definitely waves, just a mystery about how many bobs the head honchos decided on.
Embrace the Unknown, my Friends!
So, what does this mean for you, the intrepid marathon-curious soul? Here's the takeaway:
- We don't know the exact number of waves in 2022.
- But hey, there were definitely waves, because starting 40,000 runners at once would be, well, chaotic.
- Focus on your training instead of the wave count. Those miles won't run themselves (unless you're facing a particularly strong headwind).
Bonus Tip: Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and try to deduce the wave structure from past participant videos or race reports. Just remember, deduction is best left to fictional detectives, so don't get too hung up on it.
How To Conquer the London Marathon (Even Without Knowing the Wave Count)
How to Train Like a Champ: Hit the pavement, my friend! There are tons of training plans online and in running magazines.
How to Fuel Your Machine: Carbs are your BFF. Pasta parties are mandatory (research suggests it's in the official marathon handbook, somewhere).
How to Pace Yourself: Don't go out like a cheetah and finish like a sloth. Slow and steady wins the race (or at least gets you to the finish line).
How to Dress for Success: Ditch the cotton socks and go for moisture-wicking fabrics. Chafing is a foe, not a friend.
How to Celebrate (After You Cross the Finish Line): High fives, celebratory snacks, and bragging rights are all encouraged. Just don't forget to rehydrate!
