42 at 42!

I should have guessed. When something is going to start at a certain time in Nepal, it won't. It's part of the culture to be late.

So it should not have been a surprise that the marathon would start horribly late.

But with a very last minute ok from my cardiologist in France - I got it at 6PM on the eve of the "race" after the excellent heart specialist in Kathmandu asked for a second opinion on the risks of running so far – we arrived at the start as requested at 5:30 on the morning of Saturday 6th October for the course briefing.

Naturally, it was late. What should have started at 6 started at 7 and the briefing was a question "does everyone know the way?"!

And, for the first time in ages, the sun shone. And shone, and shone, and shone.

Anyway we started.

Water and sponging stations were planned for every mile starting at 3 miles.

Of course, they did not. Apparently the volunteers had run off with their t-shirts - and the water :)

Actually, I had gone somewhat prepared – at least taking money enough to buy some water in a shop after it became quite obvious very little was coming our way from the organisation.

Oh, but the sun.

Having started so late, the morning got hotter and hotter. And the lack of early water began to take a huge toll on the runners.

And then the traffic.

We had been told that traffic would be stopped for a few hours along the route. I guess the traffic volunteers went the same way as the water – home :)

Around the airport (roughly 25 – 30KM in to the course), you could only walk – the traffic was completely jammed nose to tail.

But, I finished – evidence in the photos link. Somewhat slower than the 4 hours I planned and trained for and rather badly burned. But hell, given the conditions, a success.

Now I'm already planning next year. Not least of all a water supply – one of those that you carry like a back pack with a drinking hose. And industrial strength sun cream and a cap!

Fantastically, so many VSO people waited at the end (they having run 5KM, 10KM or the half marathon). Really incredible – even cycling back up the course for more than 5KM to support me. Nice people!!

Simon.