Before I bore you with my race commentary, can I just thank everyone who responded to my last email for your brilliant support. When the going got tough, and it certainly did, your words of support kept me going. Thank you also for raising over £3,000 for Children's Hospice South West towards my target of £10,000.
After a sunny Saturday, Sunday morning was cold and wet and I applied sun block before the race, more to take my mind off what was ahead, than in any expectation of seeing the sun.
Due to a combination of age and honesty about my expected finish time, I started in Group 8 out of 9, along with the giraffe, leprechauns and pantomime horses, so I never really expected to achieve my target time of 4 hours 10 minutes.
The rain stopped just as the race started and 20 minutes after the gun I crossed the start line. Having bought a new stop watch the day before, it then took me several minutes to work out how to get it going, so I knew that any hope of accurate timing was out of the window. Those of you who know my abilitiy with technology will attest to this!
From the start, the support of the spectators was absolutely fantastic. If we had as many people in our daily lives giving us so much support I believe that we could all achieve miracles.
After what seemed only minutes, but was actually an hour, I was running past the remains of the Cutty Sark at Greenwich (Mile 6) and an hour later I ran around a corner to see Tower Bridge directly in front of me. I was almost half way and still smiling and feeling good and enjoying what was becoming one of the best days in my life.
As I crossed the bridge I stopped to hug my children who were waiting for me and wish my son, Jack, a happy birthday.
At 13 miles, the front runners were on their way back from Docklands, on the home stretch, and I realised I still had a long way to go.
As I reached Canary Wharf (Mile 19), the sun came out and with only a few miles to go, the supporters increased in number and volume. I had been told to get my name printed on my vest and it seemed as if everyone knew me personally and was encouraging me. With shouts of ''Come on Simon'' and ''You can do it Simon'' I decided to increase my pace.
As I reached Blackfriars Bridge I knew that I only had 2.2 miles to go and my watch showed 3 hours 53 minutes, even with the technical hitch at the start, I knew I was very close to achieving my target time. All I had to do was keep running.
And I did, a personal best (and only) marathon time of 4 hours, 10 minutes and 14 seconds!
Would I do it again? You bet, I would do it today if I thought my legs would carry me and I will be hoping to be one of the lucky ones to get a place next year when entries open on May 4.
So, once again, thanks for your support, I will let you see the race photos as soon as I get them, but don't expect a pretty sight and we will continue with our goal to raise £10,000 for Children's Hospice South West, so if you haven't already made a donation, please do so now!
Regards
Simon
