Started with huge anxiety that I might not finish the race because of shin splints that had persisted for two bloody months. I had not had any sessions longer than even 10k for more than a month. You would wonder how I could finish the marathon today. Began the race much better than I dared to expect. Spent 1:53 to finish the first half. Not bad for a cripple, wasn't it? Real stuff happened since 28k. I could only alternate with trot and walk as I was entirely bushed. I was galvanised into really running with this half-dead body in the final K or so by the cheering-screaming (I hoped it wasn't jeering 😅) crowd along the promenade to the Opera House and reached the finish line.

4:16:16. The worst time ever. But considering the shin splints that had plagued me the past months, perhaps I should be satisfied. The finisher's medal looks nice enough, but no certificate. What the hell?