Well, I did it! I completed the London Marathon in what the organisers are saying was the hottest weather ever experienced for the race.
Even before the start, you could feel the sun beating down on your head and it didn't abate for most of the course. It was hard and I'm feeling it a bit in the immediate aftermath of the race but I feel better than the last time I did the race, which has to be progress of sorts.
My time wasn't the fastest I've ever done for the marathon but it wasn't the slowest either. I recorded 5hr 44m 53 secs, which is ten minutes quicker than the last time I did the race in 2005. I was hoping for a bit quicker but it was hot and hard going. The fact that I feel better than last time is a positive and I will use that going forward as I train for my next race, a local 10k (6 miles) some time in late May, early June.
Will I run the marathon again. Without doubt, yes!
On behalf of RedR-IHE thanks very much for your support; I couldn't have done it without you.
Andy
PS: For more on RedR-IHE click here.