It's over
It's over. A year of training and the 26.2 miles are complete. Not a successful run, but plenty of pounds in the bank for Save the Children. There's still time to give some more if you are feeling generous!
Capitulation
After 14 miles I was on track (to beat 3:10), but was hit by a wave of cramps that started in my calves, and gradually took over my hamstrings and quads. An achilles injury had forced me to do a lot of my training on a bike and crosstrainer, and though my running was going well, I just wasn't ready for the long pounding of race-pace on hot tarmac. Fail.
Once the cramps passed, I built back up to a modest pace, but the cramps returned in force at 21 miles, eventually forcing me to a complete halt at 22. I felt fresh and relaxed when walking, but any kind of pace had my legs twitching and threatening to lock up completely. I joined another runner in a similar state, and we walked and jogged the final miles, jogging pathetically over the line in 3:33:15.
Inspiration
I'd like to say that the cheering crowds inspired me to finish. They didn't. The last miles were the kind of mindless drudgery that you can replicate on any long run if you're feeling masochistic. I would happily have chalked up some lessons learned and got the tube home at mile 22.
The think that kept me going was the list of sponsors on this page who have continued to show such amazing support and generosity. There was no way that I could go back on the deal!
Thanks to eveyone for keeping me honest on the day, and giving me a reason to finish the work I started one year ago.
Mark
