It's over...

It is finally over and I feel flat, a little dissapointed in fact. I am not sure why, as I have done it, achieved my goal, finished the marathon...I guess my focus has now gone and there is an anti-climax.

It was the hardest thing I have ever done physically. I am not sure about the emotional side of things as my knees gave way after 18 miles so I was dealing with pain, but only physical pain, not emotional pain - that probably doesn't make sense but it does to me! My body didn't conk out due to lack of energy as my breathing was fine, felt great in fact, but my right knee just failed me. I knew it would be tough as my long training runs, 18 miles and 20 miles it was the same. The annoying thing is, it feels like it was going to give way...so you think walk then run when it eases off, problem is with this is that you sieze up the moment you stop.

Anyway, I checked out my speed throughout the race on the website - I was so consistant, which I am really pleased about, every 5k was bang on 30 minutes, so I was totally on track for a sub 4h30 finish. That was until I hit the 30k mark, 18 miles was my wall for sure. From there it was a walk, run effort with ipod full blast and constant Lucozade! I walked most of mile 25, but made sure I ran all of the last 1.2 miles.

It was emotional, a challenge, agony and almost cried on crossing the line - not sure why, but think the main reason was realising that I was now allowed to stop running!!! The best thing was that I had Proud - Heather Small playing when I headed up the Mall to the finishing line, which was an awesome moment.

The upsides - achievement, focus, medal, t-shirt (although miles too big!), respect, sponsorship for charity, slight face tan as it was a hot day and finisher picture :>)

The downsides - people do not smell nice during exercise, so surrounded by body and butt odour for nearly 5 hours, blisters on blisters on blisters, bruised knees, bra scars and anti-climax :>(

Overall, I would recommend it - but not sure about doing it again! I think I will focus on getting my 10k time down - a respectable distance that is not going to cripple me.