I finished the Virgin London Marathon 2019!

Well, I finished the Virgin London Marathon 2019 in 5 hours and 50 minutes!

It was just an incredible experience and the race started so well. I was running to a time of 4 hours 20 minute after ten miles and I felt strong all the way up to Tower Bridge which is when my legs just went leaving me to run 14 miles to run in agony. Even though my pace severely dropped for the last 14 miles, I'm still happy with my time and extraordinarily proud that I managed to finish the London Marathon; my first ever long-distance race.

I went through a huge range of emotions whilst running The London Marathon 2019 and when the pain was getting too much, the determination I had to show was only possible by imagining my children in the crowd shouting “come on daddy”. Each time I thought of them it surged me forward and I had an amazing resurgence of speed as I didn’t want to let them down.

The last 10 miles was excruciatingly painful as my legs were stiffening up, I could hardly lift my feet and I had to dig deeper than I thought was possible.

BUT I BLOODY DID IT!

The crowds were all amazing and we were continually offered all types of sweets, chocolate bars and fruit - every step of the way. When I was struggling, all I could hear was dozens of people shouting “come on Nigel you can do it”. This was quite an incredible experience in its self and I am so proud to be British as days like this just show all our good qualities as a country which are often overlooked to the negative.

The comedy on the run was always there with many signs saying quite ridiculous things. The best one though was “you're running this marathon better than the government can run our country!” That sign made me smile every time!

I’m also extremely proud to have raised nearly ￡1,000 for The Together Trust. We will be able to buy plenty of books for the NEW Library and if you want to help me push through this ￡1,000 then you can still support me through my just giving page by using the following link:https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NigelBailey4

It would be amazing to break the thousand pounds.

For those of you who have already supported me - thank you so much. Your donations will make a huge difference to the young lives of the young children at Inscape House, The Together Trust.

24 hours later I am still brimming with emotions and although I am exhausted and I can hardly walk today I am so proud to have completed this hugely challenging feat; To run The Virgin London Marathon 2019.

Would I ever do it again – a very good question...

Nigel.