My Race

Well I've left a bit late (10 days) to post about it but here goes......
I actually got up in time - 05:20 drove to the station and caught all the right trains to arrive in Blackheath in plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere, use the toilets, have a cup of tea etc all before the crowds start building.
Londons a big marathon - some 35,000 runners start and the buzz all around was great.

Had a good chat with some blokes in the starting pen then started nice and slow, enjoying the carnival atmosphere for the first few miles.
The weather wasn't too hot, wasn't too cold with a nice gentle drizzle of rain - perfect for running, pretty crap for supporters though it didn't deter them, every inch of the route was lined with supporters.
My right calf was quite sore at the start but it didn't really worry me.
Settled into a 4hr 30min pace and was actually enjoying it.
At about 9 miles I could feel the burning sensation of a blister forming on my left big toe, unusual as I never get blistered and the shoes and socks were well tried and tested. Stopped at about 10 miles took of my shoe checked my sock could see the blister but couldn't find any cause - oh dear.

Enjoyed running over Tower bridge - I can't remember that bit from last year!
Crossed the half way at 2hrs 15mins - sweet.

About 15-16miles I could feel cramp starting to build up in my calves, which took the pain away from the blister at least.

It must have been around 20miles when I was exhausted, my thighs were sore, I was so hungry and I could only shuffle along. Classic symptoms of hitting the wall - so I've been told.

Several times over the last few miles I tried to regain my pace but I just couldn't.
I eventually finished in 4hrs 40mins.

The crowd noise from 19 miles onwards was deafening - no really it was quite over whelming - just a constant roar. I really can't imagine any marathon coming near to this level of support.

After crossing the line I felt fine, legs very tired but fine.
Walk to the train station and off home.
After a my tea and a soak in the bath my legs stiffened up and my hips, knees and ankle joints were sore.

Work on monday was tough and it wasn't until friday that I could walk in total comfort.

Admittedly most of my training had been geared towards my sub 2hr half marathon with the only really long training run being a solitary 18 miler and my weekly mileage rarely went over 20 miles, so to be honest my stamina was always going to be a problem.

But I've got the medal and a personnel best - so I'm well happy.

What challenge do I set myself now?