Cons:

Registering at the expo which is a long way from the city centre. The expo itself was disappointing for a major.

Logistics after the race were a bit akward. It took a long time to meet my mate as I was funneled down a one-way system. He had my bag and I was starting to get really cold.

Pros:

Too many to mention. Crowds, marshalls, atmosphere, aid stations, course, bling! All the best I've ever experienced. This is a bucket list race and one everyone needs to tick off. I loved it!

I woke at 6am, had the usual porridge, banana and coffee. Strapped the knee up, kit on and then my pre-race show-stopper, a pink onesie! It was freezing in Tokyo and a warm throw-away was needed. I might have looked like a Tellytubby, but boy was I warm!
The pre-race atmosphere was incredible, like noting I've witnessed before. Organisation was slick and easy, I was in coral B, very close to the front based on my pre-injury expected finish time of 3:15:00. The start is by the government buildings in Shinjuku, close to my hotel for ease. Tall, neon clad skyscrapers dominated. Forget the knee, my main concern was would the Garmin pick up GPS with the towers! it did! Phew. At 9:10 40,000 excited runners were off! I was running in my first major and the smile was from ear-to-ear.

All along the entire route, the crowds were phenomenal, loud and encouraging. It's estimated that 1.5 million come out to cheer. Compare that to an estimated 500,000 for London. The locals made this extra special. Along with the brilliant route, yes it has some out and back turning points, but that really doesn't matter. The juxtaposition of traditional and modern buildings is brilliant. Live music and the chance to see the elite runners after turn points was special. Aid stations and toilets were plentiful, along with awesome marshalling. The level of organisation was something else to what I've seen before.   

Right from the start, I was focusing on a knee injury I was nursing and that I knew would compromise my race. Strangely, I couldn't feel anything! No pain. It must be the adrenalin I thought. Great! I soon forgot about it all together and focused on my run. I took the first mile or so steady at around 8 min miles while I dodged the crowds and listened to the knee. Then once I couldn't feel any pain I was able to get in to my rhythm and speed up a little. I had no intention of going fast, I didn't have the mileage in my legs due to the injuries and besides that, I just wanted to enjoy the experience.

That said, the race was flying by, so much to look at and listen to. It was like a carnival, celebratory atmosphere. I came up to the half way point in 1:35:00. I was surprised, all was going well and I still felt very fresh. I hadn't been expecting this and was so grateful. Then, out of nowhere I could feel the knee pain kicking in around the 14 mile mark. I took some painkillers and naproxen at one of the aid stations and continued. I knew this second half was now going to be a real slog. the pain got worse with every step and it also started to hurt down the right as I had to put more pressure on that side and adjust my gait. Despite this, I was loving it and was determined not to let anything spoil the big day. I had already adjusted my expectations pre-race and to be honest, I felt grateful that I had got half way pain-free, with a decent pace already banked. By mile 20 the only pain I had was in my knee. The rest of my body felt good and surprisingly, the lack of training in the final 6 weeks wasn't showing. Perhaps it's because I had been forced to slow right down. I was still smiling and enjoying the unique experience, there is an irony in slowing down and taking it all in that I was happy about.......I didn't want this race to end!

6 miles later, I couldn't wait for this race to end! The knee was telling me to stop and the pain was extreme. I limped over the line in 3:48:50, my slowest marathon to date. I really didn't care however. I felt so privileged to be part of this festival of running and was so glad to receive that amazing bling. Time wasn't important to me, the memories will last a lifetime. This is a bucket list race and I enjoyed every second of it. If you get the opportunity to race in Tokyo, grab it, you won't be disappointed!