On Sunday, I ran 26.2 miles at the Yorkshire Marathon, and in the process raised over £600 for Leeds Mencap, a local Leeds based charity that supports children and adults with special needs.
In the end, I ran it in 03:50:54, which I'm relatively happy with. It was my first ever marathon, and up to mile 19, I had thought I was going to finish in under 03:30, but my legs began to cramp and seize in the last 6 miles, which reduced my running to more of a pathetic jogging-walk.
Now. My advice for anyone considering doing a marathon.
Train hard. Give yourself at least a couple of months to prepare (obviously depending on how fit you already were before you started preparing).
Don't be afraid to stop for a minute to stretch your calves and hamstrings if they become tight. I had to do this, and it may take off seconds at the time, but it could save you minutes in the long run.
Don't drink too much water during the race! This was a grave mistake of mine. By mile 16 I felt like I was washing machine running with a full load inside me.
Just minutes before I started the marathon. Look how naive I look. He has no idea what's about to come...
This is the smug expression of a man who has just ran 26.2 miles. Very smug indeed!
The course. Doesn't look so bad on a map, ey?
