Melbourne Marathon 2022

This was a very difficult decision, but I pulled out of the Melbourne Marathon 24 1/2 km. I think I've picked up a little bit of a cold from a friend, and wasn't feeling great Saturday, and my chest was a bit tight, but I thought it was just nerves., and so the adrenaline carried me from the start, and I couldn't help pulling Mike, because we opted to go out at an easy pace, and I felt comfortable, as the vibe, and everything was so awesome,  then from 18 km I started getting these mild pains through my chest, to my upper back, and I actually started feeling worse, and  got concerned, and we stopped at an ambulance tean, and the medic put all sorts of sticker pad things all over my chest, and said my heart looks okay, as that was our concern, but he said to me, he wouldn't continue the run if he were me, as it could not be good for my heart as there are chest symptoms,  or at least delay me getting better soon.  or at least make me worse. We all agreed as I am still to spend five weeks in Australia including a week in New Zealand, that I want to make sure I enjoy the rest of my trip and not risk getting sick or anything. I felt tired, and mild chest pain yesterday evening, but feel better today, still a little bit offish but my chest is not tight, and the flem is coughing/loosening up. If I had come to Australia, just for the marathon, I would've pushed through, but as I have so much planned, including my trip to New Zealand, I thought it was better to pull out. I heard afterwards, that we could have downgraded to the half marathon on the Saturday, at the MCG, but we didn't know at the time, else, I would've happily run the 21, and been able to finish at an easy pace feeling okay. these photos and videos should show you the awesome vibe there, and the awesome support I've got from Achilles Melbourne running team. Mike, who's got an Irish accent, who is really awesome as a guide, and Liora who's an x-south African who kept running ahead and shouting ' There's a blind runner coming through. There's a blind runner on your left' the whole way, was absolutely amazing, and then we were even met by Kate and Mia at the 21 km halfway mark. unfortunately, I pulled off at the ambulance medics just over 3 km later, but Kate kindly called a taxi to get us back to the MCG, as all the roads were blocked, and no public transport was running. she then took me to get my bag and make sure I was safely in the hands of my friends🙏🏼🙏🏼 I can't thank Achilles Melbourne running club  enough for the hospitality, end friendliness. They kept saying to me I'm going to be back for next years Melbourne Marathon, I will use any excuse to get back to Australia, so you guys can count on it. I should hopefully be there if everything allows.  hopefully next year. They will also be at least another blind runner or 2 to join me on the 42.2 and make a bigger Achilles family👨🏼‍🦯