My race went just as I had hoped and better than I expected! 19 degC, early drizzle brightened gradually to full sunshine at the end.  I was having such fun and positive reaction from the crowd that I abandoned plans to dump the pink 'fro after a couple of miles and ran with it on all the way (check the BBC2 Highlights programme at 6pm last Sunday evening on iPlayer, in which the 'fro features around 42 and 58 minutes).

I ran pretty even paced and finished in 3.32.40.  I got the crowd going and in turn their response really lifted me and the other runners around me.  Consequently, I ended up running quite a bit more than the regulation 26.2 miles!  I really enjoyed myself, cast off the ghost of my 2007 London marathon and managed to smile most of the way, the exception being the last four miles or so when I started to chase a possible sub-3.30 time.  For the techies, I burned 4000 calories, HR averaged 161 and ran each 5k in around 25 minutes (8 minute miles).

A long hot bath did wonders for the sore legs and I feel great today, even managing to walk up and down the stairs without having to hold on to the banisters.

Thanks for all the calls and messages of support before and after the race, especially the wonderful funds donated to the 100BMOL.  I hope the pink 'fro brings a smile to your face and induces you to put in a few more quid of sponsorship!

Ron