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with my
determination. March arrived, not a good month as I turned 40 and they cancelled
the Reading half marathon, which I was going to use as a part of my training. My
training eased off though I did manage to run at least twice a week.
By the beginning of April I started to be really positive about the marathon. I
decided to run for CRY. I have known Jill since my eldest son Daniel started
Plus three nursery four years ago. Both my sons will be encouraged to
participate in sports so I heartily endorse the screening of children, as my own
two will be screened at the age of 14.
The day before the marathon, my husband and children went up to London Arena in
Docklands to register my number and microchip. The microchip was attached to
your shoe and timed your progress throughout specific stages of the marathon, it
was really exciting and even my husband was excited.
I didn’t sleep to well the night before, as I was so nervous. The day the
marathon arrived, I was up at 05:OOam. By the time I had walked the dog, made
lunches for everybody and consumed so many litres of water, I was ready.
As we left for London we had
planned on driving to Richmond to catch a train. But
Jeff decided we should drive
to Waterloo station, in order to catch a train direct to
Maze Hill which was the
starting point of the race. By this time I was still drinking
lots of water.
When
we arrived at Maze Hill station there was so many people, runners of all ages
and sizes. The walk or hike from the station to the starting area meant walking
up a very steep hill which even then tired me out. I had been suffering from
blisters, so at the exhibition at London Arena the day before, I picked up some
spray. When we got to the
top of Maze Hill, I gave my feet a good spray.
 There
were thousands of runners including people who were dressed up in all sorts of
different costumes. The atmosphere then was fantastic, everybody
both was gearing themselves
up, laughing and joking. After stripping down to my running clothes, I had to
hand in my race bag to one of the many trucks that were by the starting point.
Then it was big hugs and kisses to my husband and boys before proceeding to my
start point, which was identified depending on my number.
I
started
chatting to some of the girls
around me. who were asking about my preparation and
the longest I had
run in training. I mumbled 12
miles two weeks ago, and then wondered what I had let myself in for. Suddenly we started walking
and it was over 5 minutes before we crossed the start line. It was the best
feeling ever. All along the route there were hundreds/thousands of people
encouraging us all, it was very emotional. The pubs and bars had music playing.
it was very much a party atmosphere.
By
mile 15 I knew then that I could do it. I felt good and carried on. I didn’t
know where I was heading for, so just followed the crowds. As I passed the
19-mile mark, I also passed Stephen Redgrave. He is very tall in real life. Nice
body though! By mile 23, I had teamed up with another girl and decided to run
the last few miles together.
As
the end drew near the miles seemed longer. Mile 25, we both made a dash
for it. I crossed the finish line punching the air I had done it. I received my
medal and had my photograph taken and also received numerous other things. All I
wanted to do at that stage was to see my family. I borrowed someone’s mobile
to contact Jeff, who was with me soon after. It was so emotional. Jeff and the
boys were so proud of me. They didn’t get the chance to see me running, but
still enjoyed themselves. My brother and family met up us soon after, it was
great.
The
day after the run I couldn’t walk down the stairs, but by Tuesday I was
feeling okay and Wednesday I went for a run. My running has since eased off
since the marathon, although I am doing the BUPA great south run in October. My
boys are also doing the junior run which is half a mile, so will have to get
them out training with Jeff
I
know it is easy for me to say having run the marathon, but I believe anyone has
a marathon in them. You don’t have to train everyday. It is a wonderful
feeling to achieve by yourself, for yourself and no one can take it from you. So
as you are reading this, you could be writing this next year. Go on! Go for it!
What have you got to lose? You only gain.
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