Dear All

Well.........I've done it , still alive and kicking!!!! I even knocked 15
minutes off my time of 10 years ago........though still rather slow!!
Even my toenails are intact...........so far!
What an incredible day..........we started the day in Greenwich Park and before
the run there was a 30second silence for the Boston victims.........even with
over 40 thousand people eager to get started there was not a murmur, extremely
moving!
I thought I was a silly old fart for taking part but at the start I met an
inspiring gentleman called Jim. He is about to be 77yrs young this week and he
was running his 6th marathon. His proud boast was, that after the age of 65, if
he ran in under 5 hours, there was an automatic entry into the next years
race.......that was his aim, his wife hoped differently!!!!!
The race, without doubt, is absolute HELL..............but what makes it all
bearable, apart from making money for a great charity, is the enthusiasm of the
Great British public!!,  And, to be fair, some foreigners!
They line the streets for the entire 26 miles and for many hours cheer and shout
encouragement to every last runner, also passing out sweets, oranges and bananas
to the desperate runners. They, along with the endless number of live bands
playing along the route, are enough to encourage everyone to continue putting
one foot past the other right to the end!
Having said that......not everyone makes it home. Medics along the way are
always on hand, massaging cramped legs, giving oxygen or scooping up the bodies
that can go no farther!
Trying to look slightly more impressive than I know I looked, or felt, I turned
in front of Buckingham Palace with only a few yards to go and quickened my
pace...........only to get cramp in my hamstring just before the line and so
what should have been a happy jubilant photograph turned out to be a shot of
pure agony............I hope that photograph is never seen again!!,
Sparks were a fantastic charity to run for and at the end had organised a
reception along with massage facilities for the runners..........I thought I was
in luck with the pretty masseuse ...........that was until she got her elbows
into my mussels........ugh!!!???
On behalf of myself and SPARKS I would like to thank  you all for your  help and
sponsorship. There are many babies, infants and mothers out there who will
benefit from your  generosity . A very heart felt thank you to you all.

Would I do it again?    Throughout the run I was preaching to myself that this
would be my last marathon, I'm and idiot for even trying it again..................now,
36 hours later, we'll, never say never............perhaps I'll wait another 10
years..........but I can't rule it out!!!
I will be in touch!!,!!

Thanks again
Ian