Dublin Done.

[El Gordo]

Great run, Andy, and a really vivid report.

Surely you made it in under 5 hours? Did it take more than 4 minutes to cross the start? If so, you made it.

I could identify with a lot of your description. The problem you had at mile 18 certainly sounds like the notorious Wall. I've tended to err on the side of caution and force down one of those gels every five miles or so. Yes, they do taste pretty horrible (and they don't get any better), but I think they do help. When I did the Chicago marathon I couldn't stomach another after I'd had three, but instead I had half a banana that someone was handing out, at around mile 20 and it had just the right effect - sounds like your Lucozade Sport.

The celebrations sounded fantastic. I've been to Dublin only once in recent times, and that was too brief. What a superb song that is. My parents are Irish, and it always brings a lump to the throat. I'd still like to do the race one day.

What more can I say? You set out months ago with a vision of a very distant destination, and you've finally made it there. What a marvellous feeling that must be.

Brilliant achievement -- very well done from all of us, I'm sure.

So what's next...?

Andy