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[El Gordo]

Just back.

Thanks for the messages and the emails. Yeah, I got round. I'm a bit puzzled by the official result, as _colin the gadget had me down as about 5 minutes faster, or rather, less slow, than that.

Another curious thing is that the official result seems to have me down as finishing 5 people from the end. But after I finished, I stood by the finish line to clap in a German guy called Willy who I'd run with and chatted to for a long time. There was about 10 minutes and at least 50 people between him and me, and as far as I can remember, they all had race numbers. So I can't explain that.

Anyway, the detail doesn't matter much. I ran a slow marathon, and a marathon that shows that I've not improved since I did Chicago 2 years ago. The times are about 5 minutes apart, so basically the same. This is OK, I knew from the half marathons a couple of months ago that I'd not got any faster, and I'm not too bothered.

Even though the time is slow, I'm actually quite pleased because before the race, I really didn't think I'd make it round at all. I just assumed that without any successful long runs (ie > 14 miles), I'd struggle even more than I did. I was also convinced that my calf would give out but, despite the temptation to use this as an excuse, I have to be honest - it never gave me any trouble at all.

There are some good things to come out of this. I don't feel that I've done myself justice with this marathon, Yes, I'm delighted that I got round but the early training went well, and I was expecting better. In the end, I let things slip too much but I'm being positive about it. I've learnt the lesson, and I'm going to get it right next time. I don't feel any of that anti-climax/don't- want-to-run-for-months feeling. I'm going to get running again within a few days, and aim to do another one in the autumn where I'll do things properly and get round in UNDER five hours. It's pathetic that I blew it at the end, but as long as I learn from it I don't mind. Let's ALL learn from the experience.

Anyway, I don't want to steal all my thunder as I have some entries to do that will explain all this in more detail.

But thanks everyone. I really appreciate the help and advice and the nagging I've had, both on here and by email. It really did make a difference. In fact, it was the difference between doing the Copenhagen marathon and not doing it. It was that important to me, and I thank you.

This one was for you guys.

Cheers

Andy

PS Copenhagen really is a wonderful city, as the blurb says. But I didn't see one internet cafe in 5 days, hence my silence.

PPS for Nigel - Well done re West Ham, just been listening to the commentary. Good luck for the play-off final, though I was looking forward to QPR v West Ham next season, and I'm a great admirer of Dowie, so I'm torn.....