I would firstly like to thank all those who made generous contributions to support my run for Fred's Team and more importantly for pediatric cancer research at MSKCC.

If I were to sum up my marathon experience in one word, that word would be 'rollercoaster' - not only for the topography of the course, but for the emotional highs and lows faced over the 26.2 miles. Most agree that the New York City Marathon is the best in the world and with good reason. Over 35,000 athletes and more than 2 million spectators lining the streets of the five borough course, it was an unbelievable event.

When the cannons sounded at 10.10am, Andrew Colosimo and I had a good position close to the start line and we were running within a few seconds. It was already bloody warm at that time, with 70 degrees the predicted top temp. Fortunately in many respects the greatest incline of the day was the first mile, being the ascent of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. I don't actually recall much of the first few miles as was focused on getting into a rhythm etc, although do recall turning onto 4th Ave in Brooklyn and seeing people lined up 4 deep screaming out words of encouragement to the athletes. There were bands and DJ's all along the street; people hanging out of their apartment windows shouting support, and some bloke called Mario who was running in our vicinity and seemed to be attracting much of the support from the crowd. The first 12 miles breezed by, and was about 3 minutes ahead of 3.30 pace and in a good rhythm. We went through 10k in 48.25. The Pulaski Bridge at around the half marathon point from Brooklyn into Queens was, while steep, relatively short. Went through the half in 1.42.09 and was cruising.

Things then started to get a little more difficult, as another climb followed before the massive 59th Street Bridge incline. I went up the bridge ok, and, taking the advice of others, kept it under control on the descent. Everyone had told me of what to expect coming off the bridge, but really, nothing I have ever done previously will compare to the stretch up 1st Avenue.

The rumbling started getting louder as the bridge decent began, and by the time I exited the off ramp the noise was simply deafening. Literally thousands and thousands of people screaming encouragement at runners (most people print their names on tops). It was really quite a humbling experience. The vision as I straightened up onto 1st Ave will stay with me forever. My ears were ringing from the noise and just could not believe the number of people in some spots it looked like they were 10 deep. Passing the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center at Mile 17 was very moving - I took the opportunity to run along the side of the course where all the staff and patients were cheering us on and gave a few Hi-5's as I passed. Over the next mile I passed Ashley and then the London gang. It was awesome to see familiar faces in the crowd. It was then that I looked up to see the long gradual incline of 1st ave, and the race really began. 95th through 125th was a long slow climb, before a further pinch up Willis Ave bridge. It was awesome to see Kate and co in the green and gold at this point as things were starting to get tough. Over Willis Ave and 20 miles down. I'd done a slow mile, lost Andrew who had powered up 1st Ave into the distance, but managed to keep things going ok as I came back from the Bronx over Madison Ave bridge and over the 21 mile mark. The crowds in Harlem were awesome with gospel singers and bands lining the street. Then came 5th Avenue.

The run to the edge of Central Park was ok, but as we ran parallel to the park along 5th Avenue, things started to get weird. The cross streets didn't flash by as quickly as they had on 1st Ave, people started passing me, and the crowd began to annoy me. The words of encouragement from the sidelines which had lifted me along 1st, were at that point pssing me off as, despite the cries to go faster and keep the pace, I just couldn't go any faster and it was becoming hard work just to keep things moving in the right direction. My ankle which had been troubling me for weeks (and had kept me from training further than 16 miles) had swollen to the size of a small football and was giving me no love, but rather a sharp pain up to my knee, which was also throbbing. However there would be no excuses today and I was convinced that sheer G&D would get me home. There were plenty of people walking and pulling out up the hill which was not good for the confidence. 2 x 10 minute miles followed, although I was determined not to walk and kept running. I was out of gels and took gatorade at the next drink stop as guts were churning a bit and probably couldn't have ingested the gel anyway.

As I entered the park at 90th Street, it was awesome to see more familiar faces in Marty and Rach. I had thought that the familiar surrounds of the park in which I have done so many miles, including the difficult conclusion of the NYC Tri earlier in the year, would be my friend, but it was also my foe as I knew each and every hill that was coming up - and let me tell you even the smallest blip becomes a nightmare after 24 miles. Another 10 minute mile followed, then the hill after 72nd transverse nearly ended me, but I was still moving. I then decided to try and lift my legs a bit higher as there was a slight decent out of the park on to Central Park South. The next mile was quicker, but Columbus Circle didn't seem to be getting any closer. Eventually I made the final turn onto West Drive. Unfortunately the masochistic organizers of NYC marathon decided that the last 0.2 miles would be up a serious hill which proved just the tonic for more bodies on the sidelines. I thought when I saw the finish line clock that adrenaline would carry me home, but instead both quads cramped - nice! I kept it going though and crossed in a 9 minute mile for a 3.38.05 and was absolutely stoked. I think the heat took its toll on the overall time, but am still thrilled with the time for my first marathon, and first run over 16 miles! What an amazing race and an amazing experience. The memories are fresh and mainly of the painful moments. I said many times last night that it was my first and last marathon and it may well be, although I've heard that both Melbourne and London are flat courses.....

To the results: Net Time 3:38:05
10K Split 48:25, Half Split 1:42:09, 30K Split 2:39:05