Well, it sure was hard - the hottest (and hardest) run I ever did. But the crowds and the lucozade pulled me through and I managed the marathon in 4 hours and 47 minutes. It was such hot weather to run in, all my training was in 0 - 10 degrees over winter and running in 20 degrees with bright sunshine was a real grind. I worked out that I consumed around 3 litres of water and about a thousand jelly babies. It was without question the hardest thing Ive ever done; at the start I was thinking that I had done JUST enough training to complete a really good half marathon!
I ran with Pat (one of the Hampshire Air Ambulance Aircrew Paramedics) around the course for a bit, he pretty much told me to stop winging about the heat and get on with it! The mans a machine! I hit the wall from around miles 15 - 19 but then started pushing through it somehow. Nothing like any training run I have ever done and it totally took me by surprise. I think I cried about three times around the course, but like the old cliche goes, the crowds stir something within you that forces you to press on past what you think is possible.
Towards the finish my leg muscles were literally seizing up, but somehow I managed to draw on some spare energy and motivational thoughts and ran the last 200 metres through that finishing line.
My legs are really punishing me for it 3 days later and I'm hobbling around like an old man with some brilliant blisters. But, all for a good cause and that's one i can tick off the bucket list; I will never forget the experience as long as I live. I was lucky enough to get a great finishing photo, real "grrrrrrr"!
The donations are still coming in (I'm at £447 at the moment), and i hope they will continue to do so over the next few weeks - don't worry - i will keep chasing people for their pledges!
This is the best medal I ever got
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