Well, good news, I managed to complete the London Marathon in 4hours, 3 minutes and 34 seconds! A quick update now and the full story later in the week.

I completed the first half in 1hr 53 but slowed in the heat around 18-23 miles. Failed miserably to get on TV but I was so focused on keeping going especially in the latter stages seeing so many dropping out and being treated or carried away. I would have liked to go under 4 hrs but at Big Ben realised it was beyond my reach. However I did beat Gordon Ramsay, a rubik cube and Ronan Keating- perhaps I should start a group called ‘Oldzone! Saw Katie Price and Peter Andre although thankfully I was at 21 miles and they were at 13 miles going the other way!

The breakdown of my race is given below. I knew that quite a number of people would be tracking my progress and every 5km when I crossed the timing mats I thought ’ That’s another one clocked up for you!’ I did find it hot despite my preparations and had to drink plenty and pour water over myself to cool down.

PERSON Name BIRCH, CHRISTOPHER J (GBR) Club Trot Runner No. 33611 Age group M50

TIMES: 5 km 0:26:19, 10 km 0:53:49, 15 km 1:20:56, 20 km 1:47:49, half 1:53:48, 25 km 2:15:14, 30 km 2:44:22, 35 km 3:17:15, 40 km 3:50:40, finish 4:03:34

TOTAL Position (overall) 11313 Position(age group) 673 Position (gender) 9247 Finish time 4:03:34

Anyway, mission accomplished and well over £2,500 raised for ‘Action for Children’. Still in one piece with just tired legs to contend with. There’s still time to donate by following the link to the right. I’ll fill in the gaps around this brief résumé and thanks later in the week.