Story
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<p>What a fantastic weekend and unbelievable race. An experience I will treasure for a long time, especially the support I have had, both leading upto the event and from family and friends on the day.</p>
<p>Just to inspire you to enter for next year………or maybe not!</p>
<p>I admit I enjoyed it more than my one other marathon in 2008, although not until I reached about 20 mile and still had energy in the tank. On Saturday didn't think I would be doing it real problems with my leg and had to ice etc and only got 3 hours sleep! It was a lovely morning and blue skies at 6.30am as we had our race breakfast. Photo call for the charity before we made our way to the start. Crossed the start line after 2.5 mins although with the narrowing of the course stopped for a short period after half mile, but by mile 2 running at your own pace was no problem. I knew my legs were not good so had already set myself to run at 9 minute pace and just see how it went. Pain started in right thigh at 3 miles and at that time thought just getting to half way and then walk was the best I could hope. However kept a good pace and didn’t get carried away and just managed the pain. Cutty Sark at mile 7 was fantastic and large crowds here and great to see the ship back to its former glory - an event in itself. Unfortunately I missed both my wife and parents at the planned viewing at mile nine, which was a slight blow. Was still managing the pains in my legs and passed half way in 2.02.13. At mile 14 started to feel cramp coming on, but got to mile 17 before it hit me like a brick wall - self massage and crowd encouragement got me going again and then saw both my parents and then my wife around 18 miles so real emotional once you have got that far. Had another 3 cramp attacks, but each time eased it out and got going again - even had St Johns check I was ok. From mile 19 no more cramps and ran all the way to the finish and as I was overtaking everyone along the embankment such a lift. The crowds were just great all the way and they really do make a massive difference, but especially at Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and along last 4 miles . It was sunny all day, not too hot and perfect for running which meant the crowds were probably better than normal. Said I would never do another, but……….........Anyway respectable 4hours 7mins 19seconds and although not as quick as my 3.46.08 in 2008, with all the injuries and lost training, very very pleased.</p>
<p>Even better is the £3400 plus I have raised for the charity, so a really big thank you to you all, so will be coming to collect the money for those who used the manual sponsorship method and many thanks to those who used my just giving page. Its not too late if you would still like to sponsor me!</p>
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<a href="http://www.josephfoote.co.uk/">http://www.josephfoote.co.uk/</a></p>
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<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and the ususal JustGiving GiftAid benefits apply in making your donation this way.</p>
<p>Every little bit helps whatever your donation.</p>
<p>Many Thanks Steve</p>