I did it!
42,195 km in 4 hours 19 minutes and 42 seconds.
I figured 4,5 hours would be possible so I planned to run in 4:15 and I was so close - but I hadn't figured in the time for water and toilet breaks! I also got stuck behind people I wanted to overtake but there was no space. So I reckon with perfect conditions I would have been way faster than 4:15. However - I'm so proud that I made it and finished my first marathon. I trained hard and stuck to my plan and it all worked out. I didn't hit the wall - I actually posted negative splits, running the first half in 2:18:06 and the second half in 2:01:36.

It was so much fun being a part of the race: great weather, great crowds and my family there to cheer me at 9km and then again just before the end. However I must admit it was also great fun overtaking 20,000 people on the way :-)

I finished in position 19593 (from 41000) so I was in the top half and that's just an amazing result for a first timer the wrong side of 40!

Finally I was able to press the 'forward donations' button but the fundraising page is still open - plenty of friends and colleagues have promised donations so we'll see what my final result is.

And now I might have a little nap.