2:55:42

Well, that was my finish time. I am happy but it could have been better - anyone heard that from me before! It was a great event and the atmosphere was fantastic. When the hooter sounded and we set off, I had that feeling that the running legs were not really there today. With 26 miles to run, I banished that thought straight away! I fell into a nice rhythm and clocked consistent 6:28 miles. Half way was 1:24, which was spot on schedule. At 19 miles, my legs began to shut down. It was a strange feeling because I wasn't even breathing hard. The last 7 miles was very painful and the verse in my previous post was going over and over in my head. With 5 miles left I caught sight of Matthew Simpkin (work colleague and fellow Christian). I had seen him at 14 miles and it was great to see a familiar face in the crowd. However, at 5 miles to go I think I looked at him with and muttered something about how bad I felt! Thanks for the support buddy! Sorry if I appeared delirious! The last 2 miles along the Embankment was the most difficult. There were so many people cheering for the Royal Air Force, and yet I felt like I was letting them down as my running had now become a feeble shuffle. As I rounded the last corner by Buckingham Palace I could see the finishing clock; I was amazed that I was going to break 2:56 as I really thought I was going to shuffle over the line in over 3 hours! As I tried to look as though I was running (rather than hobbling!) I saw Julie in the grandstand waving and cheering - it was a welcome sight! I had pushed through the last 6 miles but I knew that my legs were going to pay the price for the effort..........

..........oh how right I was! Stairs are a major obstacle today! Thanks to everyone for the support and texts. I will be back racing in.......ummm.......about 6 months!