What a day!  Amazing crowds, extraordinary weather, highs and lows, pain and suffering, tears and laughter - and all before lunch.   The first 15 miles or so were great, I thought I could run all day, but after seeing my family (Mimi, Lily, Ned, my sister Claire and her husband Al, superstars) just after mile 15 I entered the dreaded London Docklands stretch, and it all went figuratively downhill (though it felt like it was all uphill).  Still, I had pegged this year as my best chance of beating 4 hours and as the miles went by - increasingly slowly - the margins got smaller and smaller as 8 minute miles turned to 9 to 10 to 11 minute miles.  Coming into the final 1 mile 385 yards (whoever added that 385 yards was a complete sadist) I had 14 minutes left to beat the 4 hours.   As I staggered down Embankment I caught sight of my family for the third time and it was just what I needed, and with the rest of the crowd cheering us on I dragged my weary bones over the longest mile I can remember - and finished under the magic 4 hours (just). 

Official time, 3 hours 57 minutes, 43 seconds, and I can vouch for every second!

Not bad for a fat old man - 10 years since I last ran the London Marathon and a good stone and half heavier, I beat my younger self by 8 minutes.  And this time I wasn't involved in a sprint finish with a man dressed as a clown (who beat me by a large red nose).  I did see the marathon Masai warriors, the basketball bouncing guy, two Banana men, a Batman, a Superwoman, sundry faeries, devils and someone dressed as a McCain Oven Chip (no-one was cheering them).  I also remembered to put my name on my shirt this time so lots of cheers for 'Paul' rather than 'Mental'.

Thanks to everyone who sponsored me and sent texts, e-mails and other messages of support.  Its not too late to sponsor me if you would like - the £5,000 mark is getting tantalising close.

The Mental Health Foundation works for some of the most vulnerable and stigmatised members of society.  But the chances are that you, or someone you know, will have experienced serious mental distress at some stage in life:

- 1 in 4 people will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year

- 10% of children will have a mental health problem at any one time

- Depression affects 20% of elderly people in the community and 40% in care homes

- 90% of prisoners suffer from at least one form of mental disorder

My own interest in this area is as much professional as personal - I've just published a book on the new Mental Health Act 2007 - but you don't have to got that far: just sponsor me!

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Mental Health Foundation will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks for your support.