Hello again

The good news is that I successfully finished the 2016 London Marathon on Sunday in a time of 03:25:49 which I am very, very pleased with!

I had an amazing day. The whole event was very well organised and executed and the support from the crowds was simply stunning! For the whole 26.2 miles they made so much noise cheering and shouting our names, I know I would have struggled so much more if it wasn't for their support.

Waiting at the start I did get cold quite quickly but once we were on the move I seemed fine and despite 30 seconds of hail and the occasional northerly wind when we turned a corner I think it was pretty much close to ideal running conditions. First few miles were busy but I soon settled in to a pace I felt comfortable with (7:45 a mile maybe quicker) which I think was due to the fact that the course has very few hills.....well only the odd incline. I kept positive just enjoying the support from the crowd and ticking the miles off as they came. It was only at around 20-21 miles that I could see my pace had slowed to well over 8 minute miles. I had no real pain other than my knees were sore and legs were getting stiff. I pushed as hard as I could and could barely manage any form of sprint finish but was so glad to cross the line. That is when it hit me, I felt so cold, so stiff and physically sick. I couldn't bend to try and doing any stretching without a muscle cramping including my stomach. Luckily Louise was soon on hand to provide support and warm clothes.
Something to eat and drink followed by a quick leg massage courtesy of the good people of the Stroke Association I soon felt well enough to head back to the hotel to a hot bath and a proper meal.

I am amazed I managed to finish the course and in such a respectable time. I feel I have achieved something great and will always treasure the memory and the medal J I also feel proud to have done this for my Dad and for the Stroke Association raising over £1000 (including gift aid) due to your very kind generosity so I really do mean thank you very much!

I also couldn't have done it without the support from Louise who has put up with all my training these last 5 months and then on the day. She battled the cold and the congested public transport system to see me off at the start; to see me pass under London Bridge and then to pick me up off the floor at the finish.

I can now start my recovery phase which may take a while as every muscle in my legs are still sore to the touch and my knees really don’t like anything that involves bending especially going down the slightest of incline let alone stairs!

Thank you again for your support, especially Dave, Tony & Nigel.

Sean

P.S. I've updated the webpage with a picture of me at the end with my medal.....and yes I am smiling....just!