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What a day!

Started with a 5:30 alarm to catch the Maidenhead Athletic Club(MAC) minibus at 6:30. After a really quick run up to London we were deposited on Blackheath Common 2 hours before the start- a long 2 hours enlivened by a a short burst of torrential rain about 1hr before the start.

To the start- crowds of well-wishers lining the route from the very beginning- huge cheers from everyone- which made me tingle with both excitement and appreciation.
For the first few miles I was running in the wake of a guy who I think was imitating a yellow CCTV camera- with a flexible pole about 40 foot high.
Later I saw someone running as the 'Angel of the North' with a similarly high contraption- also someone running with a fridge on their back!

The sight of Kate and Tom (my eldest children), Hannah and Kye (Judith's family) and a great throng of MAC supporters at @14 miles was great encouragement.

The first half of the race for me went according to plan but around mile 19 the wheels came off the Bennet 'minibus' in style.
I was unwell just before this point and the remainder of the race just became a matter of grim determination to put one foot in front of the other and block out everything my knackered body was complaining about!
Without being quite aware of deciding, I found myself walking for a couple of miles- I think the body must have taken over the mind.

The end of the race suddenly came and it was great to run past and wave to Judith(my sister), Mike, Jennie and Jack in the Macmillan stand at 26 miles.

Post race was a bit difficult, light headed, feint etc but we(I) staggered round to the Macmillan recovery centre for some very reviving work.
I was soon called for a massage- and on removing my shoes discovered two enormous blisters.
So I ended up with two St John's Ambulance people dressing my wounds- one on each foot- and two masseurs - one on each leg- so relaxing I fell asleep!

The pain was well worth it- with all your help we have now raised just over £2,000 for Macmillan.

Would I do a Marathon again?- no way, once is quite enough. As soon as I can run again it's back to the 10K/ 5 mile off-road races which will not seem nearly as far as they once did.

And a nearly forgot- my finishing was 4hrs 31 minutes.

Thank you all once again for your donations.

All the Best,

Neil

.**

On Sunday, April 25th, I am taking part in the Virgin London Marathon. My aim is to just complete the circuit but having done so it would be great to get a time of @ 4:15hrs. Although a runner for a number of years, I have always shied away from long-distance running, preferring distances no further than 10K. Now (in the middle of my Marathon training) 10K seems like a comparative ‘walk in the park’!  
I am running the Marathon to raise funds for MacMillan who are giving tremendous help and support to my wonderful sister Judith who has liver cancer. Judith was diagnosed in March 2009 and since that time we have all been inspired by her constantly positive and brave approach to battling with the effects of the cancer and the debilitating side effects of the treatment. With improvements in screening, diagnosis and treatment, more and more people are being diagnosed earlier and living with cancer for longer. They’re often spending less time in hospital and more time at home. Macmillan aims to be there for everyone who wants their help, from the moment of diagnosis onwards.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Macmillan gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Please do sponsor me now and leave a message of support- with your help you really can make a difference!

Many Thanks,

Neil