Marathon

As most of you would know, yesterday was my big day of attempting to run my first ever marathon! Six months ago when I was accepted to take part I have been in training mode.. probably not doing enough (enjoying the London social life too much!)The big day came and I was up at 6.30 to prepare for the biggest day of my life. Had my normal 8 Weetbix and some energy supplements and I was on my way.. I was greeted by 23C weather, a normal Autumn's day in Melbourne but today was the hottest day the marathon has ever been run!I thought I left plenty of time to get there but what I wasnt banking on was the transport system.. I was stuck with thousands of others on a train for 15 minutes before being told that this train is terminating at the next station... a good 3-4 kilometres from the start line..So, we had to walk to the finishing line with all our stuff and by the time we got there the race had started so I had to join the back of the queue and start... not the ideal start at all!! (there were some furious competitors!)Then I started the race of my life..What I did underestimate were the amount of spectators on the course.. literally thousands upon thousands cheering you on! There were live bands, DJs you name they had it on the route! What I thought was cute were the kids that were handing out oranges and lollies along the course!What I loved were the showers that were set up.. they were a definite welcome relief!With all this support I got to the halfway mark and was still feeling good, although a little peeved as I had to zig zag through the course trying to get past people! (To me they have too many competitors on the course as it becomes very tight at times) ALthough, I have great respect for the runners that were dressed up in costume from the Borats to the rhinos!
I was having my energy supplements and energy bars as I was running around.. they were a definite advantage to fight off cramp and dehydration!I was cruising along and I reached the halfway mark, I still felt really good and strong and then suddenly I hit the 19 mile mark and it started to really really hurt.. it was like my legs had decided that they couldnt go any further and every step was an effort.. This was when the voices in my head were telling me that I should stop and give up but I kept going until I had the most intense cramp in my right hamstring at the 22 mile mark!I walked it for a bit and then kept on running... The last two kilometres felt like a lifetime, the amazing atmosphere on the crowd just kept me going and going and then I turned around for the final bend to see the finishing line and this is where I got a little emotional!I got a little teary on the final stretch as Ive pictured this moment for 6 months and it was about to happen.. I made sure I was soaking in every inch of atmosphere and punched the air as I crossed the finishing line!Then I just collapsed in a heap but no-one could wipe the smile off my face as I just realised I achieved something that I thought was out of reach, a feeling that will last with me for the rest of my life!Thankfully my housemates were there to give me a hug and take me home all battered and bruised but still smiling! That hot bath I had that night was the best bath of all time!I went to sleep very relieved it was finished but extremely satisfied that I did it!
To all those that have sponsored me - thank you! and for all of you that were waiting to see if I would finish - now is your time!Compared to other charities 100% of your donation will go towards the children at St Johns Primary School in Kenya. Oasis Africa are a wonderful organisation that looked after me when I was there and I always told myself that I would repay them in some way. So dust off your wallets and help them out.
If you want to see my times then check outhttp://live.london-marathon.co.uk/2007/index.php?content=detail&id=00000307554534000006012E

Cheers

Troy