Quite pleased to see there was 6,000 people behind me, if there had been that many behind me the first time I did the Bristol Half Marathon, I would have won it!
There was 30,000 in front of me though, but I'm still feeling quite pleased with myself.
I went running again on Monday, the second time since the marathon, just trotted around the Downs which was fine, although a little concerned about how much it took out of me. Not saying I was really knackered or anything, but could definitely feel the loss of fitness.
But the best bit was being able to run around knowing what I have achieved. Now it's a bit warmer there are lots of runners out and about, many of whom are slimmer, quicker and fitter than me, which used to really annoy me. When people skipped past with perfectly sculpted Lycra-clad thighs and buttocks I used to yearn for muscle tone like that, (not that I was looking at the buttocks of course) and feel the bitterness rising, but on Monday I just thought, 'go for your life, I've done the London Marathon, I've don't have to prove anything'.
It was the strangest feeling. It left me thinking that I really never have to run another step if I don't want to, because nothing is going to take that achievement away, and in terms of running there is no greater challenge I could have faced and conquered. I almost stopped in my tracks right there and just gave up on the whole thing. It's a bit like when you pass your A Levels, or degree, and realise you never need to read another book or take another exam in your life.
But just as my life would have been poorer for giving up on reading, so it is with running as I do feel giving up on running would lead straight back to being Lord Mayor of Fat Town with a reinforced throne to park my flabby arse on all day.
I have gone a bit mad the last few weeks it must be said, but only mad compared to the Spartan existence I led before. Fact is I have been drinking again, and very much enjoying it. Also been eating a lot more than I was before, you could call it binging if you like. Amazingly though, I went on the scales yesterday morning and I've only put four pounds on since the marathon, which I thought was pretty good, so went and ordered a pizza and drank a bottle of wine with Amy, just like the good old days.
Now, I know what you're thinking, or at least if nobody is reading this I know what I'm thinking, this is the slippery slope and I'm flying down it.
Yes, that's possible, but I really don't think it's going to happen. I can't go back to that miserable existence at 19 stone, I could barely function as a result and with the pressure to keep my freelancing lifestyle going I need to be fit and active.
Also, I still have a few stone to lose which I want to achieve over the summer, culminating in a PB at the Bristol Half Marathon. And I have decided I want to run the London Marathon again next year. I've applied to run for the British Heart Foundation and I won't know until August if I get a place, but I'm hopeful. Although God knows how I'm going to raise £3,000 again. Pretty sure I squeezed every last penny out of everybody I know, for which I am so grateful, but I don't feel I can go back to them again next year.
So, I'm going to think about some serious fundraising events and plan it properly and hassle the general public instead. We'll see.
But what I do next is really crucial. I feel like I needed to have a few weeks off to go mad and get drunk, but I am going to put a plan together for training over the summer and perhaps aim to do more different runs at 10k or other half marathons and more cycling as well. A lot of people have suggested a triathlon, but I just can't see myself being able to crack the swimming leg, I am rubbish. I am like the old women who don't get their hair wet in the slow lane. The only effective stroke I can do is breast stroke and very slowly. Although, I guess that could be my next challenge. Think I'd rather run a marathon though.
I'm just so pleased the sun has arrived and training is going to be an actual joy.
