So here is the match report...

I finished the London Marathon yesterday ending up with a time of 3 hours 46 minutes. On the face of things the time is disappointing but looking at my build up in the last 6 weeks it was about right. Being able to get out and cover just 50 miles in March/April was not going to cut the mustard for a super quick time... and I was found out yesterday!

However, to dwell on the time would be a mistake. It was an awesome experience and I enjoyed every minute of it - the sunshine, the sleet (!), the agony at mile 20 and beyond, the streets of London and most importantly the fantastic support from the public and team Wells (you know who you are!). The occasion was charged with emotion for me and I often found the hairs on the back of my neck on end and tears in my eyes. It was certainly a cathartic experience. There was plenty of banter to be had with the crowd and I'm glad I stopped to hug and high five my supporters who had made the effort to come down to London. On reflection, I think I gained more from the day by the way I had to run and would certainly have missed out on some of the experience if I was able to get my head down and motor. 

Next time (yes, there will be another one at some point!) I hope the preparation will be smoother and the time will be available to train. However, I have no regrets in putting my family first during the last 4 weeks in particular and being on hand since November. I visited my father in hospital today to talk him through yesterday and show off the finisher's medal - whilst still poorly, his condition is improving slowly and hopefully we shall have him home in the next 6 weeks to help him continue his cancer battle. On that note, the staff at Macmillan wanted me to extend their thanks and best wishes to everyone that has donated. They looked after me well post race and were delighted to hear how the fundraising efforts have gone. Thank you.

So the race for me in short.... first 13miles went great and I was looking at 3 hours 15 minutes. The temperature dropped, as did my morale, with the sleet and rain on the Isle of Dogs which was miserable at miles 16 to 19. Then I blew up at mile 20 and had to take some 10 minute miles on the chin! The crowd spurred me on down the final few miles as did sime wonderfully familiar faces!

Until next time...