Keep on running

What an experience running the London Marathon is. I truly wasn't prepared for all the thousands of people that lined the course and gave such amazing support!

Yes, I did make it, although I think I left a piece of my soul out on the course. 3 hours 45 mins was very commendable in temperatures of up to 27 degrees out on the course. Here's a brief overview of my race.

0-5 miles: Great atmosphere at the start of the race although was too nervous to fully appreciate it. Lots of toilet trips before finally getting to my starting pen. What a buzz when the gun started us off and down hill all the way to Woolwich. Kids lined the course giving out high fives to all those runners getting involved in the carnival atmosphere. All the way up to Cutty Sark (although it was being repaired)the crowds we really huge.

5-10 miles: Saw my family and friends at 9 miles, I've seen the pictures and still look remarkably fresh. The heat is starting to take its toll though and I'm relieved to come across the first of the on course showers to run through!

10-15 miles: Crossing Tower Bridge is one of the best moments ever, I was tingling with excitement even if most of my family missed me (must have been running too fast). Then down towards the ominous looking Isle of Dogs. I pass Gordon Ramsey who quite honestly looked knackered.

15-20 mile: Still on a really good pace but fatigue is setting in big time. See an Adidas billboard that tells me I'm smashing through the wall but haven't hit it yet. That occurs at about 19 miles. People are dropping left right and centre as temps sore and lactic acid is king. Almost in a semi hallucinogenic state as I pass a friend handing out jelly babies, there talking to me "stop Greg, you've had enough mate" but I keep going.

20-26.2 miles: I start to go through absolute agony and begin to run like an old man or perhaps more closely resembling a cheating speed walker. Me and Batman are neck and neck. Wishing I had super human powers now. See the family at the Tower of London and that really picks me up. Down onto the embankment where the crowd swells and adrenalin is now talking me along. Don't actually remember breathing just running and running. As I approach Parliament and St James' Park I pick up the pace and make the last mile dash to the line. The line doesn't seem to come quick enough and I'm desperately holding on. Finally I make the last turn into The Mall and see the finish line, as I cross over a Marshall comes to my aid, I wisely side step her and dodge a few more runners before throwing up in front of hundreds of repulsed spectators. When I finally come to my senses I realise that I am still alive and I'm overwhelmed with a great sense of achievement.

I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a good challenge and wants to be part of an amazing event. I raised £1,700 for The Connection at St Martins and if anyone else wants to sponsor me please do at www.justgiving.com/gregfuller.

Now, what's next.... New York? I'll wait until I can walk properly first.